Football has always been a sport that thrives on stories of triumph against the odds, dynasties of dominance, and incredible journeys from rags to riches. Whether you play EA FC 26, Football Manager, or still enjoy the nostalgia of FIFA 17, recreating historical feats offers a unique and engaging way to experience Career Mode. Here are 10 iconic football challenges inspired by real-world achievements—each paired with modern-day clubs to make the experience both authentic and entertaining.

1. The Invincibles – Go Unbeaten in the League

Inspired by: Arsenal (2003–04 Premier League)

Arsène Wenger's Arsenal team went an entire Premier League season unbeaten, a feat almost unheard of in modern football. Replicating this in Career Mode requires not just a strong squad but smart rotations, tactical discipline, and mental resilience.

Challenge: Go unbeaten across your domestic league season.

Suggested Club: Bayer Leverkusen (Germany) – With Xabi Alonso's tactical setup and a balanced squad, you can attempt to pull off an undefeated Bundesliga run.

2. Treble-Winners – Dominate All Fronts

Inspired by: Manchester United (1998–99), Barcelona (2008–09), Inter Milan (2009–10)

Winning the domestic league, domestic cup, and UEFA Champions League in one season defines footballing greatness.

Challenge: Win the domestic league, main domestic cup, and Champions League in a single season.

Suggested Club: Paris Saint-Germain – Despite domestic dominance, PSG have yet to conquer Europe. Deliver them the elusive treble.

3. The Leicester Miracle – Win the League as an Underdog

Inspired by: Leicester City (2015–16 Premier League)

Leicester's 5000-to-1 odds Premier League win was one of the greatest sporting upsets in history.

Challenge: Take a bottom-half team or a newly promoted side and win the top division.

Suggested Club: Luton Town (England) – A small club with limited resources, perfect for a Cinderella story.

4. The Ajax Golden Generation – Win with Youth

Inspired by: Ajax (1994–95 UEFA Champions League)

Louis van Gaal's Ajax stunned Europe by winning the Champions League with a squad dominated by academy products like Seedorf, Davids, and Kluivert.

Challenge: Win a major trophy with a team where the majority of players are under 23 and developed from your academy or scouted youth.

Suggested Club: Athletic Club (Spain) – Known for their Basque-only policy, focusing on youth and internal development.

5. The Celtic Clean Sweep – Win Every Trophy Available

Inspired by: Celtic (1966–67 season – 5 trophies including the European Cup)

The 'Lisbon Lions' won every competition they entered, becoming the first British club to win the European Cup.

Challenge: Win every competition your club is involved in during a single season.

Suggested Club: Rangers FC – The fierce rivalry with Celtic adds drama, and the Scottish league offers a manageable platform to sweep trophies.

6. The AC Milan Dynasty – Build a Long-Term Era of Dominance

Inspired by: AC Milan (1987–1996) – Dominated Serie A and Europe

Milan under Arrigo Sacchi and later Fabio Capello built one of the most tactically intelligent teams in history.

Challenge: Build a club to dominate domestically and in Europe over at least five in-game seasons.

Suggested Club: Roma – A historic club with untapped potential and solid finances.

7. The Nottingham Forest Rise – From Promotion to Champions of Europe

Inspired by: Nottingham Forest (1978–80)

In a whirlwind few years, Forest were promoted to the top tier and then won back-to-back European Cups under Brian Clough.

Challenge: Take a second-tier side to top-flight glory, then win back-to-back Champions League titles.

Suggested Club: Palermo (Italy) – A sleeping giant recently revived, perfect for a fairytale arc.

8. The Galácticos – Assemble the World's Best Players

Inspired by: Real Madrid (Early 2000s)

Florentino Pérez's Real Madrid era saw global stars like Zidane, Ronaldo, and Beckham play together.

Challenge: Assemble a squad of world superstars with high market value and win the Champions League within two seasons.

Suggested Club: Chelsea FC – With deep pockets and a reputation for big spending, Chelsea is the perfect sandbox for your Galáctico dreams.

9. The Shakhtar Model – Success with South American Imports

Inspired by: Shakhtar Donetsk (2000s–2010s)

Shakhtar built success by scouting and developing young Brazilian talent.

Challenge: Build a Champions League-level squad composed largely of under-23 South American players.

Suggested Club: Red Bull Bragantino (Brazil) – Already focused on youth, giving you a head start.

10. The Moneyball Method – Win with Stats and Smart Transfers

Inspired by: Brentford and Midtjylland

Using data-driven scouting, these clubs outperformed their financial limitations.

Challenge: With a restricted budget, sign undervalued players based on in-game stats (e.g., stamina, positioning, passing accuracy) rather than overall rating, and achieve promotion or a European qualification spot.

Suggested Club: Toulouse FC (France) – With a Moneyball-friendly ownership model and solid infrastructure.

Final Tips:

Whether you're using EA Sports FC 26, Football Manager, or older versions of FIFA, these historical football challenges can transform your Career Mode into an engaging and rewarding experience. Push your squad-building skills, tactical planning, and strategic vision to their limits by matching—or surpassing—some of football's most iconic accomplishments. You should also buy FC 26 Coins to speed up your team building, which will help you progress more smoothly in the game.