Dive into Football Manager 2024 and guide clubs celebrating their 100th anniversary to unprecedented success.
Unlock Your Managerial Genius with Football Manager 2024’s Ultimate Challenge: A Guide to Triumph in the Centenary Year of Clubs Founded in 1924.
In the footballing world, the centenary mark is a significant milestone for clubs. It's a time for special celebrations, ambitious dreams, and the pursuit of remarkable achievements. In this article, we present you with seven clubs founded in 1924, each with a century of history behind and the potential just waiting for the right person to be unlocked. That’s you! As a manager in Football Manager 2024, your mission is to take charge of these historic clubs and lead them to glory in their centenary year. And that’s no easy task, since you will have to achieve this in your very first season. Get ready for the ultimate managerial challenge as we explore these four football clubs and the unique objectives that await you.
1. Club Universitario de Deportes, Peruvian First Divison
Universitario's passionate supporters make the club's matches a true spectacle, and it's widely considered one of the two most popular teams in Peru, often competing for the top spot with Alianza Lima in various popularity polls. La “U” also retains a historic rivalry with Alianza Lima, and their matches are known as the Peruvian Clásico. The club plays its home matches at the iconic Estadio Monumental, which has a capacity of 85,000 spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums in South America.
The past nine seasons have seen the club finish as low as 9th position in the Peruvian Primera (2018) and have only once finished as runner-up (2020), so winning Universitario's first Peruvian First Division title since 2013 is a formidable task. The club's rich history and fanbase are hungry for a return to the pinnacle of Peruvian football. Universitario's legacy, with 26 top-flight titles, deserves to be revived.
Your mission as the manager is not just about reclaiming past glory but also ensuring that the club remains a dominant force in Peruvian football. It's about rekindling the spirits of legends like Teófilo Cubillas, Peru's greatest-ever player according to an IFFHS poll, and delivering the championship that fans have long awaited, making the 2023 season one to remember. Your long-term goal for this save should be emulating manager Roberto Scarone, who won 3 first division titles and also led the club to its first and only Copa Libertadores final in 1972.
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AEK Athens is a distinguished Greek professional football club situated in Nea Filadelfeia, a suburban town within the Athens urban area, Greece. The club's origins date back to 1924, when it was founded by Greek refugees from Constantinople. AEK stands among the most successful teams in Greek football, sharing this distinction with Olympiacos and Panathinaikos. With a remarkable trophy cabinet, including 13 Greek Championships, 16 Greek Cups, 1 League Cup, and 3 Super Cups, AEK is the only Greek team to have reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup (1976–77). The club achieved another milestone by becoming the first Greek team to reach the quarter-finals of the European Cup (1968–69) and qualify for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League (1994–95).
AEK Athens plays their home matches at the newly-built Agia Sophia Stadium, a 32,500-capacity UEFA Category 4 arena. The stadium's modern amenities and passionate supporters, led by the dedicated Original 21 fan organization, create an electrifying atmosphere, making it a fortress for AEK. AEK Athens boasts intense rivalries, particularly with city neighbours Panathinaikos, igniting the Athens local football derby. The competition is fueled not only by titles but also by historical and social differences. Additionally, the rivalry with Olympiacos, one of Greece's most successful clubs, is a fiery contest with a storied history, further heightened by notable transfers and contested league championships. These rivalries ensure heated encounters and passionate clashes that fans eagerly anticipate.
Your task for AEK Athens’ centenary season encompasses a dual challenge that combines domestic dominance and European excellence. Following the triumphant 2022-2023 season in which AEK Athens was crowned champions of the Greek Superleague, your primary objective is to retain this coveted title. Building upon the foundation laid by Matias Almeyda, who revitalized the club and introduced a high-pressing, attacking style of football, you must ensure that AEK remains the best team in Greece. Whether it's sustaining the winning streak at the magnificent Agia Sophia Stadium, celebrating victories in local derbies, or outperforming the competition in the playoff rounds, your mission is to solidify AEK's status as the premier football club in the country.
Simultaneously, your managerial ambition extends beyond the Greek borders. You are entrusted with the responsibility of guiding AEK Athens through the labyrinth of European competitions. As AEK has a rich European history to uphold, your goal is to go even further this time. Aim for a deep run in the UEFA Champions League, exceeding the group stage, an endeavour never achieved by the club. Alternatively, if you get knocked out from the UCL, seek to make a significant impression in the Europa League, ensuring AEK Athens is recognized as a formidable contender on the international stage. Your mission is not just about winning silverware but also etching AEK's name in the annals of European football history, thereby elevating the club to new heights both domestically and abroad.
2. AEK Athens, Greek Superleague
AEK Athens plays their home matches at the newly-built Agia Sophia Stadium, a 32,500-capacity UEFA Category 4 arena. The stadium's modern amenities and passionate supporters, led by the dedicated Original 21 fan organization, create an electrifying atmosphere, making it a fortress for AEK. AEK Athens boasts intense rivalries, particularly with city neighbours Panathinaikos, igniting the Athens local football derby. The competition is fueled not only by titles but also by historical and social differences. Additionally, the rivalry with Olympiacos, one of Greece's most successful clubs, is a fiery contest with a storied history, further heightened by notable transfers and contested league championships. These rivalries ensure heated encounters and passionate clashes that fans eagerly anticipate.
Your task for AEK Athens’ centenary season encompasses a dual challenge that combines domestic dominance and European excellence. Following the triumphant 2022-2023 season in which AEK Athens was crowned champions of the Greek Superleague, your primary objective is to retain this coveted title. Building upon the foundation laid by Matias Almeyda, who revitalized the club and introduced a high-pressing, attacking style of football, you must ensure that AEK remains the best team in Greece. Whether it's sustaining the winning streak at the magnificent Agia Sophia Stadium, celebrating victories in local derbies, or outperforming the competition in the playoff rounds, your mission is to solidify AEK's status as the premier football club in the country.
Simultaneously, your managerial ambition extends beyond the Greek borders. You are entrusted with the responsibility of guiding AEK Athens through the labyrinth of European competitions. As AEK has a rich European history to uphold, your goal is to go even further this time. Aim for a deep run in the UEFA Champions League, exceeding the group stage, an endeavour never achieved by the club. Alternatively, if you get knocked out from the UCL, seek to make a significant impression in the Europa League, ensuring AEK Athens is recognized as a formidable contender on the international stage. Your mission is not just about winning silverware but also etching AEK's name in the annals of European football history, thereby elevating the club to new heights both domestically and abroad.
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Club Athletico Paranaense, often referred to as Athletico Paranaense, is a prestigious Brazilian football club hailing from Curitiba, the capital city of Paraná. Established on March 26, 1924, this illustrious club has etched its name in the annals of Brazilian football history with a remarkable list of accomplishments. Their achievements include clinching the coveted Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, the top-tier football division in Brazil, in 2001, as well as securing victory in the Copa Sudamericana in 2018 and 2021, and the Copa do Brasil in 2019.
The passionate supporters of Athletico Paranaense, as evidenced by a 2005 survey conducted by the Paraná Pesquisas Institute, demonstrate unwavering devotion, making the club the envy of Curitiba with the largest fan base in the city. Their vibrant and loyal fan base converges at the iconic Arena da Baixada, a stadium nestled in the heart of Curitiba, the capital of Paraná, Brazil. This legendary venue, with a seating capacity of 42,372, serves as the fortress of Club Athletico Paranaense, where the team's fervent supporters create an electric atmosphere, transforming each match into an unforgettable spectacle.
As you embark on this thrilling managerial journey with Club Athletico Paranaense, there's an undeniable sense of history and destiny intertwining. The club's rich legacy, including their Campeonato Brasileiro Série A triumph in 2001, has illuminated the city of Curitiba and left an indelible mark in the hearts of the passionate supporters, who have been the bedrock of this institution, as they eagerly await the dawn of a new era. Your mission is clear: to guide Athletico Paranaense to their second Serie A title, rekindling the glory of 2001 and etching your name into the club's storied history once more.
Furthermore, the 2024 season holds a special significance, as it marks the centenary celebration of Club Athletico Paranaense. With the weight of history on your shoulders, you will aim to offer the best possible tribute to this remarkable club by embarking on a memorable journey in the Copa Libertadores. It's an opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with South America's football elite, write new chapters in the club's story, and create unforgettable moments for the passionate fans who have stood by Athletico Paranaense through thick and thin. Success in the Copa Libertadores isn't just a dream; it's a goal that can define this historic season, creating a lasting legacy that future generations of supporters will cherish and celebrate. Your journey is filled with challenges and opportunities, but with determination, strategy, and the support of the loyal fans, you're ready to rise to the occasion.
3. Club Athletico Paranaense, Brazilian Serie A
The passionate supporters of Athletico Paranaense, as evidenced by a 2005 survey conducted by the Paraná Pesquisas Institute, demonstrate unwavering devotion, making the club the envy of Curitiba with the largest fan base in the city. Their vibrant and loyal fan base converges at the iconic Arena da Baixada, a stadium nestled in the heart of Curitiba, the capital of Paraná, Brazil. This legendary venue, with a seating capacity of 42,372, serves as the fortress of Club Athletico Paranaense, where the team's fervent supporters create an electric atmosphere, transforming each match into an unforgettable spectacle.
As you embark on this thrilling managerial journey with Club Athletico Paranaense, there's an undeniable sense of history and destiny intertwining. The club's rich legacy, including their Campeonato Brasileiro Série A triumph in 2001, has illuminated the city of Curitiba and left an indelible mark in the hearts of the passionate supporters, who have been the bedrock of this institution, as they eagerly await the dawn of a new era. Your mission is clear: to guide Athletico Paranaense to their second Serie A title, rekindling the glory of 2001 and etching your name into the club's storied history once more.
Furthermore, the 2024 season holds a special significance, as it marks the centenary celebration of Club Athletico Paranaense. With the weight of history on your shoulders, you will aim to offer the best possible tribute to this remarkable club by embarking on a memorable journey in the Copa Libertadores. It's an opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with South America's football elite, write new chapters in the club's story, and create unforgettable moments for the passionate fans who have stood by Athletico Paranaense through thick and thin. Success in the Copa Libertadores isn't just a dream; it's a goal that can define this historic season, creating a lasting legacy that future generations of supporters will cherish and celebrate. Your journey is filled with challenges and opportunities, but with determination, strategy, and the support of the loyal fans, you're ready to rise to the occasion.
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Petrolul Ploiești, originally known as Juventus and later renamed Petrolul, has a storied history in Romanian football. Established in 1924 in Bucharest, the club made a name for itself, winning its first league championship in 1929–30. In 1952, the team relocated to Ploiești and was reborn as Petrolul. The club went on to secure three more national titles in quick succession, establishing its dominance. Petrolul also made its mark on the European stage, debuting in the 1958–59 season. Despite facing challenges, the club's tenacity in continental competitions added to its legendary status. The club encountered financial troubles in recent years, leading to its dissolution in 2016. However, the spirit of Petrolul lived on, with club legends and devoted supporters reestablishing it as ACS Petrolul 52 Ploiești and guiding it back to Liga I. Now under new ownership, the club aims to continue its pursuit of greatness in Romanian football.
The heart of Petrolul Ploiești's fervent support resides in the Ilie Oană Stadium, a UEFA Category 4 venue that stands as a symbol of the club's heritage and dedication to football excellence. With a current capacity of 15,073, this modern stadium, inaugurated in September 2011, is not only a testament to the club's resurgence but also holds the potential to host UEFA Europa League semi-finals and UEFA Champions League group stage matches. It's a remarkable structure that stands on the hallowed ground of the former Ilie Oană Stadium, dating back to 1937. The stadium pays homage to Ilie Oană, one of Petrolul's most influential coaches, and serves as the backdrop for the team's passionate supporters. The Yellow Wolves, known as Lupii Galbeni since 1996, lead the chants and enthusiasm in the stands, showcasing the universal language of football camaraderie. Petrolul Ploiești's most notable rivalry burns fiercely with Rapid București, a long-standing feud that's etched into the collective consciousness as the Primvs derby, embodying the spirit of Romanian football competition.
The challenge that awaits as manager of Petrolul Ploiești is nothing short of monumental. Taking the helm of a team often viewed as underdogs and relegation candidates in the fiercely competitive Liga 1, the task at hand is to engineer a swift transformation. Winning the league in the debut season would be nothing short of a footballing fairytale, requiring tactical brilliance, motivation, and a remarkable team effort to defy the odds. It's about taking a squad often perceived as outsiders and turning them into title contenders, instilling belief and a winning mentality to topple established giants. This journey promises to be a rollercoaster ride filled with challenges, but the ultimate goal is to script a triumph against all expectations, making Petrolul's name synonymous with an extraordinary footballing achievement in the world of Romanian football.
4. Petrolul Ploiesti, Romanian Liga 1
The heart of Petrolul Ploiești's fervent support resides in the Ilie Oană Stadium, a UEFA Category 4 venue that stands as a symbol of the club's heritage and dedication to football excellence. With a current capacity of 15,073, this modern stadium, inaugurated in September 2011, is not only a testament to the club's resurgence but also holds the potential to host UEFA Europa League semi-finals and UEFA Champions League group stage matches. It's a remarkable structure that stands on the hallowed ground of the former Ilie Oană Stadium, dating back to 1937. The stadium pays homage to Ilie Oană, one of Petrolul's most influential coaches, and serves as the backdrop for the team's passionate supporters. The Yellow Wolves, known as Lupii Galbeni since 1996, lead the chants and enthusiasm in the stands, showcasing the universal language of football camaraderie. Petrolul Ploiești's most notable rivalry burns fiercely with Rapid București, a long-standing feud that's etched into the collective consciousness as the Primvs derby, embodying the spirit of Romanian football competition.
The challenge that awaits as manager of Petrolul Ploiești is nothing short of monumental. Taking the helm of a team often viewed as underdogs and relegation candidates in the fiercely competitive Liga 1, the task at hand is to engineer a swift transformation. Winning the league in the debut season would be nothing short of a footballing fairytale, requiring tactical brilliance, motivation, and a remarkable team effort to defy the odds. It's about taking a squad often perceived as outsiders and turning them into title contenders, instilling belief and a winning mentality to topple established giants. This journey promises to be a rollercoaster ride filled with challenges, but the ultimate goal is to script a triumph against all expectations, making Petrolul's name synonymous with an extraordinary footballing achievement in the world of Romanian football.
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Gil Vicente: Founded in 1924, this Portuguese club based in Barcelos has had notable seasons in the Primeira Liga, including finishing fifth in 1999-2000 and 2021-22. Winning the Primeira Liga in your first season is a very challenging task.
Hapoel Haifa: Located in Haifa, Israel, Hapoel Haifa boasts one championship and four Israeli cups. The club is known as "The Sharks" and plays home games at the Sammy Ofer Stadium. With mediocre finishes in the past 14 years, challenging for the Israeli Premier League title against the more reputable Hapoel Tel Aviv or Maccabi Haifa will be a daunting task.
Rayo Vallecano: Based in the Vallecas neighbourhood of Madrid, Spain, Rayo Vallecano was founded in 1924 and competes in La Liga. As Madrid's third club, challenging your rich neighbours Atletico and Real or the other Spanish giant FC Barcelona for the La Liga title is nearly impossible. Your mission for the centenary season should be a respectable run in La Liga and the Copa del Rey, achieving continental qualification through either of them.
In taking the helm of these storied clubs during their centenary celebrations, you're not merely a manager; you become a custodian of history, tasked with igniting the flame of glory for another hundred years. Whether it's reviving the fortunes of Club Athletico Paranaense or leading Petrolul Ploiești to an unlikely triumph, the journey in Football Manager 2024 promises a blend of strategy, passion, and a deep connection to the footballing world. As you set out on this unique managerial challenge, remember that it's not just about the silverware; it's about writing a new chapter in the annals of these historic clubs, ensuring their legacy continues to flourish. Embrace this opportunity to etch your name alongside the legends and become a part of football history.
Notable mentions
Gil Vicente: Founded in 1924, this Portuguese club based in Barcelos has had notable seasons in the Primeira Liga, including finishing fifth in 1999-2000 and 2021-22. Winning the Primeira Liga in your first season is a very challenging task.
Hapoel Haifa: Located in Haifa, Israel, Hapoel Haifa boasts one championship and four Israeli cups. The club is known as "The Sharks" and plays home games at the Sammy Ofer Stadium. With mediocre finishes in the past 14 years, challenging for the Israeli Premier League title against the more reputable Hapoel Tel Aviv or Maccabi Haifa will be a daunting task.
Rayo Vallecano: Based in the Vallecas neighbourhood of Madrid, Spain, Rayo Vallecano was founded in 1924 and competes in La Liga. As Madrid's third club, challenging your rich neighbours Atletico and Real or the other Spanish giant FC Barcelona for the La Liga title is nearly impossible. Your mission for the centenary season should be a respectable run in La Liga and the Copa del Rey, achieving continental qualification through either of them.
