For the longest time, the aptly-titled Football Manager franchise was the go-to game series for those looking to manage their favorite teams to glory. Though some will no doubt suggest that it still is, it would be hard to argue that EA's FIFA franchise hasn't made up a lot of ground over the past few years, and the career mode in the series' most recent installment, FIFA 23, raises the bar to all-new heights.
FIFA 23's career mode gives players control over even the smallest of details, allowing them to really make their mark on the club that they decide to manage. Whether they're looking to spend their way to success or build a team of young players with potential, figuring out which is the best team to choose in FIFA 23's career mode can be very important. With that in mind, players should think long and hard before making a decision.
For those who'd prefer a larger transfer budget, FIFA 23's financial takeover option allows players to add anywhere from £10m to £1b into their club's coffers when they first pick a team.
Manchester City
- Starting Transfer Budget: £233,750,920
- Club Worth: £3,486,394,000
- Best Players: Kevin De Bruyne (91), Ederson (89) & Erling Haaland (88)
When Sheikh Mansour bought Manchester City back in 2008, few could have predicted just how successful the club would go on to be. Granted, buying titles definitely seemed to be the strategy during the early stages of the Sheikh's tenure, but most of the team's success on the pitch since then can be attributed to the careful planning of those off it as opposed to the club's heavy spending.
Of course, that's not to say that the club doesn't still spend big, as evidenced by their massive transfer budget at the start of FIFA 23, which is once again the largest in the Premier League. However, unlike many of their rivals, the club generally spends pretty wisely these days and boasts what is arguably the best squad in world football as a result. This does mean that expectations are sky high at the Etihad though, so players who choose City will need to deliver results.
PSG
- Starting Transfer Budget: £192,178,456
- Club Worth: £2,580,000,000
- Best Players: Kylian Mbappé (91), Lionel Messi (91) & Neymar Jr. (89)
Those looking for some respite from the pressure aren't going to find it at PSG. What they will find, however, is one of the most star-studded squads in world football and a front three that includes three of the four highest-paid football players in the world. Mbappé, Messi, and Neymar are arguably worth every penny too, with the trio capable of tearing even the very best defenses apart when they're all on form.
Given how much stronger PSG are than the rest of the teams in Ligue 1, players shouldn't have to worry too much about securing domestic success, allowing them to instead focus on Europe. The club's owners are desperate to secure their first ever Champions League trophy, and, after managing to hold onto Mbappe during pre-season, they've arguably never had a better chance of doing so. Players may need to improve the club's midfield a little, but they'll be given plenty of money with which to do so.
Barcelona
- Starting Transfer Budget: £139,657,264
- Club Worth: £3,655,000,000
- Best Players: Robert Lewandowski (91), Marc-André ter Stegen (88) & Frenkie de Jong (87)
After more than a decade of dominance, things haven't been going particularly well for Barcelona as of late, both on and off the pitch. They finished last season's La Liga campaign in third place just two points clear of Sevilla and are in the midst of what can only be described as a major financial crisis. Of course, one might not realize it based on the way that the club has been spending lately, with Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, and Raphina all coming in at a cost of around €150m.
This mini-spending spree has completely rejuvenated Barcelona's squad, making them one of the best teams to choose in FIFA 23's career mode. In Fati, Pedri, and Gavi, the club also boasts three of the brightest youth prospects in world football, so they're also a great choice for those planning to build a team of young players with a lot of potential. Despite their real-world financial troubles, they have a fairly high transfer budget available right from the get-go too. Granted, those who choose Real Madrid will have about £50m more at their disposal, but will also inherit a squad that's fast approaching a potentially turbulent transition phase.
Juventus
- Starting Transfer Budget: £148,867,944
- Club Worth: £1,978,000,000
- Best Players: Wojciech Szczesny (86), Paul Pogba (85) & Ángel Di Maria (84)
Those seeking more of a challenge may want to consider a job in Italy, as it's been quite some time since Serie A has been as competitive as it is now. After matchday seven, Milan, Roma, Inter, and Juventus all find themselves sitting outside the top four, with the latter languishing down in eighth place. Atalanta offers a great option for those looking for a pre-made squad with decent potential, but those looking to build their own should probably opt for Juventus instead.
Despite their poor form over the past few seasons, Juventus is still one of the biggest teams in the world and has one of the best squads in Serie A. Vlahović and Chiesa have the potential to be world beaters real soon, while new recruits like Angel Di Maria and Paul Pogba offer ready-made quality in the here and now. There are plenty of fringe players who can be sold to add a bit more money to the club's coffers, though players may not end up needing it as Juventus start the game with a higher transfer budget than any of the other teams in the league.
FIFA 23 is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, and PC.