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
A mix of dominant central physical monsters and tireless fullbacks is crucial to withstand the game's aggressive AI counter-tactics.
Every save of CM 01/02 begins the same way: you start at a club, you assess your squad, and you open the player search screen. In any long-term career, there are four young players who sit at a tier so far above the rest that they are considered game-breaking. They are the "must-buys," and any team that secures them is laying a foundation for a decade of dominance.
The beauty of this classic is that it is more alive than ever. Eidos Interactive released the game as freeware in 2009, meaning you can legally download and play CM 01/02 for free today. A passionate community of modders continues to release official database updates, allowing you to play with current stars like Haaland and Messi within the classic CM 01/02 engine. To get started:
Beyond the Greek leagues, the .68 patch features several "must-buy" talents that fit almost any tactical setup. Good players for Championship Manager 3.9.65? - Facebook
Championship Manager: Season 01/02 is not just a game; it is a cult classic, a simulation that defined a generation of football management games. Despite being over two decades old, the game is still actively played in 2026, largely thanks to its legendary original database, specifically the . This database is the home of the ultimate "wonderkids"—players whose in-game attributes far exceeded their real-life achievements, turning bargain buys into world-beaters.
The Definitive Guide to CM 01/02 Best Players: 3.9.68 Database Edition
Beyond the established superstars and "wonderkids" lies the heart of CM 01/02: the cult heroes. These are the players who may not become global icons but will never, ever let you down. They are the soldiers who win you the title by grinding out results when it matters most.
These are the players who will perform at a world-class level regardless of whether you are managing Real Madrid or a lower-league side fighting for promotion.
In the world of football management simulations, few titles hold the legendary status of Championship Manager 01/02. While many fans initially fell in love with the original v3.9.60 release, the final official remains the gold standard for a stable, polished experience. This specific version shifted the balance of power, introducing the "Super Greeks" and refining the attributes of future superstars like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
(AMC): A legendary Swedish playmaker with incredible long shots. Sergey Nikiforenko
(MC) : A tireless Scottish midfielder from Falkirk who dominates the center of the pitch with high work rates.
(DC/DL): The ultimate free agent; world-class stats available for £0.
The 3.9.68 database is famously generous to Swedish and Norwegian league players (Källström, Bakircioglu).
These are the players widely considered essential for any top-flight save on the 3.9.68 database:
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.
Championship Manager 01/02 Shortlist of 200 Players - Facebook