Football Manager is one of my guiltiest pleasures. From taking Luton Town and Borussia Monchengladbach to European glory to establishing Atlanta United as a behemoth in North America, I’ve amassed many achievements I’m proud of—and I’m not alone. 

For the last three decades, Football Manager has occupied a unique space in gaming and football. It’s a virtual product where players can live out their managerial fantasies, all while the franchise makes a significant impression in the sport itself. Few games are as impactful as Football Manager, which offers a blend of the real world and virtual world in a way that teaches important lessons to everyone—including delicate topics others may be afraid to touch.