Sega just dropped a game-changer for football fans! The iconic football management series, SakaTsuku, is making its way to the West for just the second time with Sega Football Club Champions 2025.
This free-to-play title is set to hit PS5, PS4, Steam, iOS, and Android, bringing a fresh wave of excitement to management game lovers. What’s more? The game is said to be “powered by Football Manager,†leaving many curious about just how deep that connection runs.
The latest entry is more than just a name; it’s defined as a multiplatform football management simulator by Sega. Players will start from humble beginnings, guiding a small club through local competitions with dreams of global domination.
Interestingly, while the English version leans heavily on its association with Football Manager, the Japanese title, Pro Soccer Club o Tsukurou! 2025, emphasizes its lineage. This series has roots dating back to 1996, mostly focusing on Japanese teams and the quest for J-League glory.
With around 25 SakaTsuku titles released over the years, only one has previously made it to the West: the Pro Soccer Club o Tsukurou! Europe Championship, which was launched on PS2 as Let’s Make a Soccer Team in Europe and Australia. So, this global rollout feels pretty special.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. Sega Football Club Champions will include a dynamic Career Mode, giving players the keys to manage their teams, make decisions on the pitch, and ultimately chase the title of the greatest club. Plus, there’s a Dream Team Mode for those craving PvP matches with competitors worldwide.
In terms of authenticity, the game is packing an official FIFPro license, guaranteeing 10,000 real footballers, including 1,500 from Japan’s J1-J3 leagues. Additionally, players will see logos and teams from the South Korean K League and Manchester City, providing a taste of the real football world.
Excited yet? Mark your calendars for June 19-30, as Sega will hold a Closed Beta Test. Interested players need to apply by June 13, with only 15,000 spots available for this exclusive sneak peek.
Meanwhile, the future of Football Manager remains uncertain. The franchise faced a setback when Football Manager 25 was officially canceled in February, prompting Sega and developer Sports Interactive to pivot their focus to the next big title.
Fans were looking forward to groundbreaking updates, especially the addition of women’s football and a completely new graphics engine using Unity. That said, the anticipation remains high as Sega Football Club Champions prepares to shake up the football management landscape.