The Best Players in CM 01/02: Unlocking the Secrets of Football's Golden Era
The turn of the millennium was an exciting time for football, with the world witnessing the rise of new talents, teams, and tactics. One game that perfectly encapsulated this era was Championship Manager 01/02 (CM 01/02), a legendary football management simulation game that allowed players to take control of their favorite teams and guide them to glory.
For those who may not be familiar, CM 01/02 was a game developed by Sports Interactive and published by Eidos Interactive, released in 2001. It was the second installment in the Championship Manager series and is still widely regarded as one of the best football management games of all time.
The game featured an impressive array of teams, players, and leagues, allowing users to manage their favorite clubs and compete against the best in the world. One of the key aspects of CM 01/02 was its extensive player database, which included many of the top talents from around the globe.
In this article, we will focus on the best players in CM 01/02, specifically those with an ability rating between 39 and 68. While some players may argue that the lower-rated players are not as exciting as the top stars, we will demonstrate that there are many hidden gems in this range that can make a significant impact on your team.
The Mid-Range Maestros: Players with a Rating between 50-59
When searching for players in CM 01/02, you often find yourself spoiled for choice. With thousands of players to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide who to sign for your team. However, within the 50-59 ability rating range, there are several standout players who can greatly enhance your squad.
The Lower-Rated Gems: Players with a Rating between 39-49
While it may be tempting to focus on the top-rated players, CM 01/02 also featured several lower-rated gems that could be developed into world-class talents with the right guidance.
The Unsung Heroes: Players with a Rating between 60-68
The top-rated players in CM 01/02 were undoubtedly elite talents, capable of dominating matches and winning games single-handedly.
In conclusion, CM 01/02 featured an incredible array of players, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses. Whether you were searching for a top-rated star or a lower-rated gem, the game provided countless hours of entertainment and excitement.
By understanding the different player ratings and identifying the best players within each range, you could build a well-rounded team capable of competing with the best in the world. So, if you're a fan of CM 01/02 or just interested in exploring the world of football management games, we hope this article has provided valuable insights into the best players in the game.
The game continues to hold up well even today and still has a strong following within the gaming community, if you're interested in giving it a try then get in touch with some old pro's and start a new game.
Using the "Best Players 39-68" changes the game from a simulation into a power fantasy. It removes the challenge of scouting. In the modern Football Manager series, you have 30 attributes, complex role suitability, and complex personality models. In CM 01/02, you have the "39-68" cheat code.
You start a game with any team—say, Hull City in the Third Division. You apply the search. You sign three obscure Scandinavian teenagers and a defender from the French lower leagues. Within two years, you are in the Premier League. Within five, you have won the Champions League.
Is it cheating? Yes. Is it satisfying? Absolutely. It validates your tactical genius (even if your tactics are just "4-1-3-2" with the wingers pushed up). It makes you feel like the smartest manager in the world.
“I once had a 68-year-old Sherman Cardenas with 20 passing, 1 acceleration, and 1 pace. He completed 2 passes all season – both assists in the Champions League final.”
— FMSite user, 2008
Joe Cole (West Ham)
Kasper Schmeichel (Manchester City Reserves)
Alternative (CA 56): Shay Given (Newcastle) – unbelievable consistency for his CA, but harder to afford wages.
“In CM 01/02 (Championship Manager 01/02), who are the best players with CA (current ability) 39 and 68?”
But in CM 01/02, CA 39 is terrible; CA 68 is low Championship level. This would be asking for wonderkids with low initial CA but high PA.
Famous examples (CA ~60-70, PA high):
Final clear answer:
If you mean Championship Manager 01/02 — the best players with current ability around 68 are young stars like Kim Källström, Mark Kerr, Andriy Voronin, Julius Aghahowa (CA ~70, but high potential).
If you mean FIFA 2002 Career Mode — players rated 68 include Mido, Petr Čech (young GK ~68), John O’Shea.
39 might be a typo or part of a player ID / database index.
Championship Manager 01/02 , the numbers refer to the game's two most famous data versions. Version
was the final official patch, known for introducing legendary "super" players—often referred to as the "Greek Freaks"—who could dominate world football for minimal transfer fees. The Story of the 3.9.68 Legends cm 01 02 best players 39 68
For veterans of the game, a 3.9.68 save often follows a predictable yet legendary path:
You're referring to the classic football management game, Championship Manager 01/02!
In this game, some of the best players with an ability rating of 39-68 are:
Top picks:
Other notable players:
Hidden gems:
Keep in mind that player abilities can vary depending on your game's data and updates. These players are generally considered top-notch in the game, but there might be other great players with similar ability ratings.
Do you have a favorite team or player in CM 01/02, or would you like some advice on team management or tactics?
Championship Manager: Season 01/02 (v3.9.68) is renowned for iconic, high-performing players such as Maxim Tsigalko, Tó Madeira, and Anastasios Skalidis, who are often available cheaply. The 3.9.68 patch, considered the definitive version by many, also features legendary free agents and hidden gems like Mark Kerr and Taribo West. Detailed lists of these players are available on Champman0102.net. Cm 01 02 Patch 39 68 Best Players Verified Full
Championship Manager 01/02 , the version number 3.9.68 refers to the final official data update released by Sports Interactive. While many "Original Database" (3.9.60) legends remain powerful, this specific patch is famous for introducing a new wave of high-performing players, particularly from the Greek leagues. Top 11 "Must-Buy" Legends (3.9.68 Database)
These players are renowned for world-class performance, often outperforming their hidden numerical ratings (CA/PA).
This is a guide to the best players in Championship Manager 01/02 (CM 01/02), specifically focusing on the 39-68 range of the database.
In CM 01/02, player ability is rated 1–200, but the “39–68” range typically refers to low Current Ability (CA) players who have very high Potential Ability (PA) – meaning they become world-class if developed properly. These are hidden gems, cheap youngsters, and free transfers.
The "CM 01 02 Best Players 39 68" guide is a five-star essential tool for anyone revisiting this classic. It serves as a map to the game's most joyous exploits. It doesn't just list players; it lists memories. It represents the unbridled, chaotic fun of a game that was more concerned with making you feel like a god than accurately simulating the offside rule.
If you fire up CM 01/02 today, play it blind for the authentic struggle. But if you want to experience the true, broken, glorious power trip that defined the early 2000s, look up the list. Sign To Madeira. Sign Mark Kerr. And watch the goals fly in.
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom Line: It’s not just a review; it’s a manual for domination. The "39-68" is the magic number that unlocks the heart of Championship Manager.
Championship Manager 01/02 remains the gold standard of football management simulators. Decades after its release, gamers are still loading up the database to experience its lightning-fast processing speeds and legendary rosters.
While the original database (v3.9.60) holds the crown for pure nostalgia, the 3.9.68 database—the final official data update released by Sports Interactive—is widely considered the most balanced and polished version to play.
If you are looking to conquer the football world with bargain wonderkids and undisputed titans in the .68 patch, here is your definitive scouting report. 🛡️ The Defensive Stalwarts Hugo Pinheiro
(GK): A legendary young Portuguese goalkeeper. You can acquire him for a minuscule fee, and he will quickly develop into one of the most reliable shot-stoppers in the world. Taribo West
(D L/C): The ultimate cheat code. He begins the game as a free agent. Despite his colorful hairstyles and real-life eccentricities, his in-game attributes are world-class. He will walk into almost any starting eleven for free. Fredrik Risp
(DC): Part of the famous "Super Swede" contingent in the game.
is incredibly cheap, highly consistent, and anchor-strong in the heart of defense.
(D/AM R): Hailing from Cheltenham, Duff is a cult icon. He can be purchased for next to nothing and averages incredibly high match ratings on the right flank. 🧠 The Midfield Geniuses The Best Players in CM 01/02: Unlocking the
(MC): The Scottish sensation playing for Falkirk. Kerr is arguably the most consistent midfielder in the game. He will control the tempo of your matches for over a decade. Kennedy Bakircioglu
(AM/F R/C): Another brilliant Scandinavian talent. He possesses immense flair and creativity, making him the perfect playmaker to sit behind your strikers. Kim Nam-Il
(DMC): This South Korean defensive midfielder is an absolute rock in front of the backline in the .68 database. He breaks up plays flawlessly and costs very little. Julio Arca
(D/AM L): Playing for Sunderland, Arca costs a bit more but is worth every penny. His crossing ability and explosive runs down the left wing are unmatched. ⚽ The Lethal Goalscorers Maxim Tsigalko
(SC): No CM 01/02 list is complete without him. He remains the most legendary fictional/underrated powerhouse in sports gaming history. He is cheap to buy from Minsk and will reliably score 50 to 60 goals a season. Pawel Brozek
(SC): An elite young Polish striker who becomes an absolute goal machine with just a tiny bit of development. Josh Blake
(SC): A true lower-league gem. You can regularly sign him for around £1k, and he will score dozens of goals to drag your team up from the lower divisions. Andri Sigporsson
(SC): Hailing from Iceland, Sigporsson is a massive physical presence. He wins everything in the air and offers fantastic hold-up play for a bargain price. 💡 Pro-Scouting Tips for the .68 Database
Beware the "Greek Gods": The .68 update is famous for making several young Greek league players vastly overpowered. Keep your eyes locked on names like Nikos Tobros and Anestis Anastasiadis .
Utilize Free Agents Early: On day one, filter your search for players without clubs. Elite veterans and highly-rated youngsters will accept contracts even at smaller clubs. Ignore Low CA/PA : Some players like
have low Current/Potential Ability numbers but perfect "intrinsic" stats for their positions. Trust the on-field match ratings over the hidden scouting numbers!
Who was your go-to must-sign player in the 3.9.68 database? Let us know in the comments below!
Which specific tactical formation are you planning to build around these players for your next save? 3.9.68] - Championship Manager 2001/2002 Forums
Championship Manager 01/02 , "3.9.68" refers to the final official data update released for the game. This version is widely known among fans for its significantly more difficult match engine and the introduction of the "Super Greeks"—a group of overpowered Greek players added in this specific database. The "Super Greeks" of 3.9.68
In the .68 database, certain Greek players were given attributes that made them "cheat" players, often outperforming world-class stars despite being cheap or unknown. Anastasios Skalidis
(SC): Widely considered the best striker in the .68 patch. He consistently scores 40+ goals a season and is available for a relatively low fee from Panelefsiniakos. Stilianos Doukas
(SC): A prolific young forward who often becomes a world-beater. Nikolaos Tobros
(DC): A legendary central defender available for a bargain price, often forming an impenetrable wall. Dionisis Chiotis
(GK): One of the most reliable goalkeepers in the game, capable of reaching high average ratings. Giannis Kalogeras
(D/ML): A versatile left-sided player who excels in both defense and attack. Essential Signings for any .68 Save
Beyond the Greeks, several "hidden gems" and established stars remain essential for building a winning squad: Team / Status Key Highlight GK Hugo Pinheiro Marinhense Cheap, reliable, and develops into a world-class keeper. DC Cheltenham
The ultimate bargain right-back/center-back; a "must-buy" in every save. DC Taribo West Free Agent
High-reputation defender available for free at the start of the game. DMC
A tireless midfielder with incredible stamina and work rate. AMC Kim Källström BK Häcken
Part of the "Super Swedes" group; an creative force with high potential. SC Maxim Tsigalko Dinamo Minsk
The most famous player in CM history. Even in .68, he remains a goal-scoring machine. SC Tó Madeira Peter Crouch (49) : A towering English striker
A legendary fictional player (scouter easter egg) who is a prolific finisher. Scouting for Gems
To find your own top players in the .68 database, experts at the Championship Manager 01/02 Forums suggest looking for players with high values in these four specific attributes, regardless of their position: Determination: Helps players perform under pressure. Flair: Allows players to perform the unexpected.
Technique: Essential for ball control and consistent performance. Off the Ball: Critical for movement and finding space. 3.9.68] - Page 2 - Championship Manager 2001/2002 Forums
The 3.9.68 patch is the final official update for Championship Manager 01/02, serving as the gold standard for players seeking the most stable and balanced version of the game. While legendary "cheat" players like To Madeira and Maxim Tsigalko remain iconic, this specific database update introduces significant changes, including higher potential for future superstars like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Whether you are managing a giant or a lower-league underdog, 9.68 database. The "Must-Buy" Superstars
These are the players who can walk into almost any team in the world and immediately improve the starting XI.
Anastasios Skalidis (ST): Often cited as the best striker in this database, he can be signed cheaply from Chania and consistently averages over 1.25 goals per match.
Mark Kerr (MC): A creative engine available for a nominal fee from Falkirk, Kerr is widely considered the best value-for-money midfielder in the game.
Kim Källström (AMC/MC): A Swedish powerhouse with incredible long-range shooting and passing. He is a cornerstone for any championship-winning side.
Isaac Okoronkwo (D LC): A versatile defender who can play across the entire backline. He is remarkably consistent and usually affordable early in the game.
Dionisis Chiotis (GK): A legendary "gem" between the sticks, Chiotis is often the first signing for players needing a world-class goalkeeper at a bargain price. The 3.9.68 Wonderkids
The .68 patch is unique because it captures the very early potential of several real-world legends.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Found at Sporting CP, his potential is significantly boosted in this patch compared to the original 3.9.60 version.
Wayne Rooney: A teenager at Everton with world-class potential; signing him early is a masterstroke for long-term saves.
Andrés D'Alessandro: A creative wizard who can dominate the attacking midfield role for over a decade.
Arjen Robben: Available as a young prospect at PSV (or Groningen depending on the exact data start), he becomes one of the best wingers in the game. Hidden Gems & Bargains (Under £500k)
If you are managing in the lower leagues or have a tight budget, these players provide elite performance for a fraction of the cost.
Building a squad in Championship Manager 01/02 using the final official 3.9.68 patch requires a mix of legendary free agents and cheap wonderkids. This version is widely considered the most stable and balanced way to play the vanilla game. 🛡️ The Defensive Bedrock Taribo West
(DC/DL): The ultimate free agent; world-class stats available for £0.
(D/MR): A cheap powerhouse from Cheltenham who dominates the right flank. Isaac Okoronkwo
(DC): Strong, fast, and available for a bargain price from Shakhtar. Dionysis Chiotis (GK): Often cited as the best value goalkeeper in the game. ⚙️ The Engine Room
(MC): The "Scottish Zidane"; high work rate and technical ability for a low fee. Kim Källström
(AMC): A legendary Swedish playmaker with incredible long shots. Sergey Nikiforenko
(AMC/FC): A Belarusian gem with high flair and goal-scoring instincts. Kennedy Bakircioglu
(AM/F RC): A versatile creative force from the Swedish leagues. ⚽ The Goal Machines Taribo West