2026-08-20, 03:26 PM - Word count:
(This post was last modified: 2026-08-20, 06:09 PM by Butters. Edited 1 time in total.)
A brief look at the 1st round players and some hidden gems of the S27 draft class and their academy accomplishments.
Round 1
Pick 1. ASC Yumboes de Dakar - Max Velox
With the 1st overall pick Yumboes de Dakar select Max Velox from the Port Royal FC academy club. Max is currently playing as a RWB and this new expansion team is likely feeling that he can help out the club on both offense and defense. Looking at his academy season stats his player is certainly suited to cover a lot of the pitch and be a difficult competitor for is opponents. Congrats to Max and the team for a great 1st overall selection.
Player Stats - Max Velox
Academy club: Port Royal FC
Positions: RWB, RM, RD
Appearances: 14
Goals: 2
Assists: 5
Average rating: 7.56
Player of the match: 1
2nd - Xelajú Cósmico FC - Captain MetalBeard
The second overall pick was a player also high on the radar for many clubs. Captain Metalbeard is another player that will look to dominate any side of the pitch they are placed on. Currently Metalbeard is a LD with a lot of height advantage that wants to run with the ball often and force his opponents to mark him closely. Having spent my academy season with Metalbeard I can say that he is not someone I look forward to competing against. He seems to win almost every aerial battle and covers more distance than anybody else on the team. A great choice at #2 for the new club and I wish both the team and player a lot of success.
Player Stats - Captain Metalbeard
Academy club: Stockholm IK
Positions: LD, LWB, CD
Appearances: 14
Goals: 1
Assists: 4
Average rating: 7.55
Player of the match: 2
3rd - Reykjavik United - Paulie Wag
Reykjavik United has been looking forward to this draft maybe more than any other club. With some creative moves they managed both the 3rd and 4th overall picks as well as more to come for the opening round. With their 1st pick and at 3rd overall Paulie Wag was an excellent choice to building a really strong back line for the team. Paulie Wag is a CD with emphasis on bravery, marking and tackling. This is a player that will make it really challenging to get around for his opponents. I'm sure the team will be excited to build around a player like this.
Player Stats - Paulie Wag
Academy club: PS Jakarta
Positions: CD, LWB, CDM
Appearances: 14
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Average rating: 6.8
Player of the match: 0
4th - Reykjavik United - Thomas Thunder
With their 2nd pick of the 1st round and the 4th overall the Reykjavik United selected Thomas Thunder. This will be the 1st player of the draft selected that is not a primary defenseman. Thunder is a player that plays LAM and likes to cut inside from the wings to frustrate his opponents with his quality dribbling. Having both strong finishing and passing this player provides options for his team and tough decisions for his opponents whenever he has the ball at his feet. Looking briefly at his current attributes I believe Thunder is likely to become a key contributor for both goals and assists for his new club.
Player Stats - Thomas Thunder
Academy club: Port Royal FC
Positions: LAM, LM, CM
Appearances: 14
Goals: 5
Assists: 6
Average rating: 7.47
Player of the match: 1
5th - I.R. Casablanca - Slim Towered
At the 5th overall pick we have the 1st goalie taken off the board. Many teams have been eyeing a couple strong keepers that are in this draft and Casablanca was likely very excited to get Slim at 5th. Slim is a goalies that uses a mix of anticipation, concentration and reach to command his area around the net. With goalies always being a key player on any team I'm sure Slim will quickly become a favorite for his new teammates.
Player Stats - Slim Towered
Academy club: PS Jakarta
Positions: GK
Appearances: 14
Wins: 12
Clean Sheets: 6
Save % - 72.73
Average rating: 6.97
Player of the match: 0
6th - CA Buenos Aires - Sirxo Masters
Once again teams look to start with strengthening their back lines and at 6th overall Buenos Aires selected Sirxo Masters. This player is a LWB but also has some attacking secondary positions. With that he has a player that can play strong defensively as well as provide some offensive playmaking up the left side of the pitch. He does like to run with the ball and play one-twos so I expect he will be covering a lot of distance with those traits. I think Sirxo will be a well balanced playmaker for his new club.
Player Stats - Sirxo Masters
Academy club: Adowa Accra FC
Positions: LWB, LAM, LM
Appearances: 7
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Average rating: 6.83
Player of the match: 0
7th - CF Catalunya - Tyson Blaze
Staying with defensive positions still the CF Catalunya were eyeing a strong CD that was still on the board in Tyson Blaze. Tyson is a player with a lot of pace and acceleration and traits like "marks opponent tightly". This is someone who is likely trying to build around a defense first type player and will not be letting his opponents have much room to play. Already Tyson is looking like he will be a tough competitor in his position and is a great selection for the club.
Player Stats - Tyson Blaze (Not available)
Positions: CD, CDM, LD
8th - A.C. Romana - Meisho Doto
Another defender would be selected at 8th overall in Meisho Doto. AC Romana would make sure to get a quality top defender to bolster their back line. Playing RD currently this player is built to be a well balanced defender that can also play a bit more up the pitch when required. With the 'runs the ball down the right' trait I expect this player to cover a lot of ground during matches and try to provide a bit of extra offense for the club. They also have a really good jumping reach and header ability that will help them stand out amongst this class.
Player Stats - Meisho Doto
Academy club: Atletico
Positions: RWB, RM, RD
Appearances: 11
Goals: 1
Assists: 0
Average rating: 6.86
Player of the match: 0
9th - Reykjavik United - Butters Stotch
With some more creative moves the Reykjavik management was going to continue making a big mark in this years draft. With the team originally holding the 13th overall they used an additional 2nd round pick to move up to 9th place and have both the 9 and 10 selections. Very impressive to see a team get 4 players in the top 10 so when I heard my name called at this position I was certainly excited. Currently positioned as a CM, I believe the Stotch will be in an excellent position amongst some great players on the club.
Player Stats - Butters Stotch
Academy club: Stockholm IK
Positions: CM, CAM, RAM
Appearances: 13
Goals: 3
Assists: 3
Average rating: 7.44
Player of the match: 2
10th - Reykjavik United - Swiss Cheese
At #10 and with their 4th selection the Reykjavic United were very quick to choose the 2nd goalie selected in the draft with Swiss Cheese. Both goalies Towered and Slim looked to be equally impressive goalie prospects so it made perfect sense for the club to select him at this position. Cheese is a player with a high concentration and excellent positioning. He also has some great kicking and throwing ability to help provide a quick counterattack when its required. I'm sure the team is going to be excited to have a top goalie prospect to add to their team.
Player Stats - Swiss Cheese
Academy club: Stockholm IK
Positions: GK
Appearances: 14
Wins: 7
Clean Sheets: 3
Save % - 72.28
Average rating: 6.82
Player of the match: 1
11th - Liffeyside Celtic FC - Scott Newman
With teams finally looking forward again the Liffeyside Celtic would select Scott Newman who is currently a CAM position player. He has fast pace with good dribbling and finishing abilities. He likes to 'dictate tempo' and 'shoot with power' with his player who has some well balanced attributes and can also shoot from a distance. The picks certainly get harder as the draft moves on but this is a great looking attack player amongst his draft class.
Player Stats - Scott Newman
Academy club: Port Royal FC
Positions: CAM, ST, RAM
Appearances: 13
Goals: 7
Assists: 2
Average rating: 7.5
Player of the match: 2
12. ASC Yumboes de Dakar - Wolf Hawkins
Yumboes de Dakar look towards the back end with Wolf Hawkins positioned at the 12th pick in the draft. Hawkins is a RD position player with a good mix of dribbling, passing and crossing to his abilities. With the traits of "brings ball out of defense" and "looks for pass rather than attempting to score" this player will likely cover a lot of ground and be looking to contribute offensively. With many defenders already selected Hawkins is one of the stronger looking prospects still available.
Player Stats - Wolf Hawkins
Academy club: Victoria Falls
Positions: RWB, RM, RD
Appearances: 14
Goals: 1
Assists: 4
Average rating: 7.2
Player of the match: 1
13th - CF Catalunya - Kazeno Kagenori
With 2 goalies already selected the CF Catalunya looked to select the 3rd with the 13th overall pick. Kazeno Kagenori is a goalie with a good reach and reflexes. His combination of concentration, positioning and communication will likely have him already a strongly suited to be the starting goalie to help out his club.
Player Stats - Kazeno Kagenori
Academy club: Adowa Accra FC
Positions: GK
Appearances: 7
Wins: 2
Clean Sheets: 2
Save % - 72.41
Average rating: 7.04
Player of the match: 0
14th - ASC Yumboes de Dakar - Daan Wouters
At the 14th overall pick the ASC Ymboes de Dakar would select Daan Wouters from the Stockholm academy club. Wouters is a RAM who uses a very high pace and acceleration to pressure the opposition. With a high emphasis on dribbling, work rate and finishing this player is going to become very dangerous when he gets the ball. Great to see such quality players still available for teams late in the 1st round.
Player Stats - Daan Wouters
Academy club: Stockholm IK
Positions: RAM, LAM, RD
Appearances: 14
Goals: 4
Assists: 3
Average rating: 6.86
Player of the match: 1
Butters "Hidden Gems" of the S27 Draft
17th - Hollywood FC - Tex Star
I certainly knew that many teams would prioritise defenders but I never expected Tex Star to go this far down the draft. Hollywood FC would only make 1 pick this draft and I'm sure they knew it had to be a good one. With Tex still available at 17th I don't expect it took much time to decide since this player may have gone top 5 or 10 on many projected lists. Tex Star is CAM that 'gets forward whenever possible' and 'places shots'. He certainly proved how much he likes to shoot in the academy season by leading the league with 14 goals in 14 appearances.
Player Stats - Tex Star
Academy club: Victoria Falls
Positions: CAM, ST, RAM
Appearances: 14
Goals: 14
Assists: 0
Average rating: 7.39
Player of the match: 3
18th - ASC Yumboes de Dakar - Bonnibel Bubblegum
After spending my academy season in Stockholm with Bonnibel Bubblegum I was certainly surprised to see her not get selected in the 1st round. Many teams were focusing on defenders it seemed so Yumbeos de Dakar must have been really excited to see Bubblegum still available early in round 2. I think this was a bit of a steal at 18th and I'm happy to see Wouters and Bubblegum will be playing together once again. Bubblegum was a dominant force of the S27 academy class and took over the all star game getting player of the match. Bubblegum is a ST that 'runs with the ball rarely' and 'gets into the opposition area'. Look out for this player to become like Messi but 2 feet taller.
Player Stats - Bonnibel Bubblegum
Academy club: Stockholm IK
Positions: ST, LAM, CAM
Appearances: 14
Goals: 13
Assists: 2
Average rating: 7.76
Player of the match: 2
30th - Reykjavik United - Karry Hane
I'm willing be a bit bias here when Reykjavik United selected my new teammate Karry Hane with the 30th overall pick but I was really quite shocked to see him go this late in the draft. With many teams emphasising positions sometimes players like this will fall into the right spot and it looked to be that way for Reykjavik United at this pick position. With a strong selection of players early in the draft this team hit another home run with taking Karry Hane to help strengthen the offense of their team. Karry Hane is a ST that likes to 'get forward whenever possible' and 'places shots' and many would speculate he will be a top striker for the S27 class.
Player Stats - Karry Hane
Academy club: Victoria Falls
Positions: ST, CAM, RM
Appearances: 14
Goals: 4
Assists: 7
Average rating: 7.24
Player of the match: 1
I'm sure there was more hidden gems but only time will tell. It was an exciting draft with a lot of great looking prospects. Good luck to all the clubs on your new S27 teammates.
Round 1
Pick 1. ASC Yumboes de Dakar - Max Velox
With the 1st overall pick Yumboes de Dakar select Max Velox from the Port Royal FC academy club. Max is currently playing as a RWB and this new expansion team is likely feeling that he can help out the club on both offense and defense. Looking at his academy season stats his player is certainly suited to cover a lot of the pitch and be a difficult competitor for is opponents. Congrats to Max and the team for a great 1st overall selection.
Player Stats - Max Velox
Academy club: Port Royal FC
Positions: RWB, RM, RD
Appearances: 14
Goals: 2
Assists: 5
Average rating: 7.56
Player of the match: 1
2nd - Xelajú Cósmico FC - Captain MetalBeard
The second overall pick was a player also high on the radar for many clubs. Captain Metalbeard is another player that will look to dominate any side of the pitch they are placed on. Currently Metalbeard is a LD with a lot of height advantage that wants to run with the ball often and force his opponents to mark him closely. Having spent my academy season with Metalbeard I can say that he is not someone I look forward to competing against. He seems to win almost every aerial battle and covers more distance than anybody else on the team. A great choice at #2 for the new club and I wish both the team and player a lot of success.
Player Stats - Captain Metalbeard
Academy club: Stockholm IK
Positions: LD, LWB, CD
Appearances: 14
Goals: 1
Assists: 4
Average rating: 7.55
Player of the match: 2
3rd - Reykjavik United - Paulie Wag
Reykjavik United has been looking forward to this draft maybe more than any other club. With some creative moves they managed both the 3rd and 4th overall picks as well as more to come for the opening round. With their 1st pick and at 3rd overall Paulie Wag was an excellent choice to building a really strong back line for the team. Paulie Wag is a CD with emphasis on bravery, marking and tackling. This is a player that will make it really challenging to get around for his opponents. I'm sure the team will be excited to build around a player like this.
Player Stats - Paulie Wag
Academy club: PS Jakarta
Positions: CD, LWB, CDM
Appearances: 14
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Average rating: 6.8
Player of the match: 0
4th - Reykjavik United - Thomas Thunder
With their 2nd pick of the 1st round and the 4th overall the Reykjavik United selected Thomas Thunder. This will be the 1st player of the draft selected that is not a primary defenseman. Thunder is a player that plays LAM and likes to cut inside from the wings to frustrate his opponents with his quality dribbling. Having both strong finishing and passing this player provides options for his team and tough decisions for his opponents whenever he has the ball at his feet. Looking briefly at his current attributes I believe Thunder is likely to become a key contributor for both goals and assists for his new club.
Player Stats - Thomas Thunder
Academy club: Port Royal FC
Positions: LAM, LM, CM
Appearances: 14
Goals: 5
Assists: 6
Average rating: 7.47
Player of the match: 1
5th - I.R. Casablanca - Slim Towered
At the 5th overall pick we have the 1st goalie taken off the board. Many teams have been eyeing a couple strong keepers that are in this draft and Casablanca was likely very excited to get Slim at 5th. Slim is a goalies that uses a mix of anticipation, concentration and reach to command his area around the net. With goalies always being a key player on any team I'm sure Slim will quickly become a favorite for his new teammates.
Player Stats - Slim Towered
Academy club: PS Jakarta
Positions: GK
Appearances: 14
Wins: 12
Clean Sheets: 6
Save % - 72.73
Average rating: 6.97
Player of the match: 0
6th - CA Buenos Aires - Sirxo Masters
Once again teams look to start with strengthening their back lines and at 6th overall Buenos Aires selected Sirxo Masters. This player is a LWB but also has some attacking secondary positions. With that he has a player that can play strong defensively as well as provide some offensive playmaking up the left side of the pitch. He does like to run with the ball and play one-twos so I expect he will be covering a lot of distance with those traits. I think Sirxo will be a well balanced playmaker for his new club.
Player Stats - Sirxo Masters
Academy club: Adowa Accra FC
Positions: LWB, LAM, LM
Appearances: 7
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Average rating: 6.83
Player of the match: 0
7th - CF Catalunya - Tyson Blaze
Staying with defensive positions still the CF Catalunya were eyeing a strong CD that was still on the board in Tyson Blaze. Tyson is a player with a lot of pace and acceleration and traits like "marks opponent tightly". This is someone who is likely trying to build around a defense first type player and will not be letting his opponents have much room to play. Already Tyson is looking like he will be a tough competitor in his position and is a great selection for the club.
Player Stats - Tyson Blaze (Not available)
Positions: CD, CDM, LD
8th - A.C. Romana - Meisho Doto
Another defender would be selected at 8th overall in Meisho Doto. AC Romana would make sure to get a quality top defender to bolster their back line. Playing RD currently this player is built to be a well balanced defender that can also play a bit more up the pitch when required. With the 'runs the ball down the right' trait I expect this player to cover a lot of ground during matches and try to provide a bit of extra offense for the club. They also have a really good jumping reach and header ability that will help them stand out amongst this class.
Player Stats - Meisho Doto
Academy club: Atletico
Positions: RWB, RM, RD
Appearances: 11
Goals: 1
Assists: 0
Average rating: 6.86
Player of the match: 0
9th - Reykjavik United - Butters Stotch
With some more creative moves the Reykjavik management was going to continue making a big mark in this years draft. With the team originally holding the 13th overall they used an additional 2nd round pick to move up to 9th place and have both the 9 and 10 selections. Very impressive to see a team get 4 players in the top 10 so when I heard my name called at this position I was certainly excited. Currently positioned as a CM, I believe the Stotch will be in an excellent position amongst some great players on the club.
Player Stats - Butters Stotch
Academy club: Stockholm IK
Positions: CM, CAM, RAM
Appearances: 13
Goals: 3
Assists: 3
Average rating: 7.44
Player of the match: 2
10th - Reykjavik United - Swiss Cheese
At #10 and with their 4th selection the Reykjavic United were very quick to choose the 2nd goalie selected in the draft with Swiss Cheese. Both goalies Towered and Slim looked to be equally impressive goalie prospects so it made perfect sense for the club to select him at this position. Cheese is a player with a high concentration and excellent positioning. He also has some great kicking and throwing ability to help provide a quick counterattack when its required. I'm sure the team is going to be excited to have a top goalie prospect to add to their team.
Player Stats - Swiss Cheese
Academy club: Stockholm IK
Positions: GK
Appearances: 14
Wins: 7
Clean Sheets: 3
Save % - 72.28
Average rating: 6.82
Player of the match: 1
11th - Liffeyside Celtic FC - Scott Newman
With teams finally looking forward again the Liffeyside Celtic would select Scott Newman who is currently a CAM position player. He has fast pace with good dribbling and finishing abilities. He likes to 'dictate tempo' and 'shoot with power' with his player who has some well balanced attributes and can also shoot from a distance. The picks certainly get harder as the draft moves on but this is a great looking attack player amongst his draft class.
Player Stats - Scott Newman
Academy club: Port Royal FC
Positions: CAM, ST, RAM
Appearances: 13
Goals: 7
Assists: 2
Average rating: 7.5
Player of the match: 2
12. ASC Yumboes de Dakar - Wolf Hawkins
Yumboes de Dakar look towards the back end with Wolf Hawkins positioned at the 12th pick in the draft. Hawkins is a RD position player with a good mix of dribbling, passing and crossing to his abilities. With the traits of "brings ball out of defense" and "looks for pass rather than attempting to score" this player will likely cover a lot of ground and be looking to contribute offensively. With many defenders already selected Hawkins is one of the stronger looking prospects still available.
Player Stats - Wolf Hawkins
Academy club: Victoria Falls
Positions: RWB, RM, RD
Appearances: 14
Goals: 1
Assists: 4
Average rating: 7.2
Player of the match: 1
13th - CF Catalunya - Kazeno Kagenori
With 2 goalies already selected the CF Catalunya looked to select the 3rd with the 13th overall pick. Kazeno Kagenori is a goalie with a good reach and reflexes. His combination of concentration, positioning and communication will likely have him already a strongly suited to be the starting goalie to help out his club.
Player Stats - Kazeno Kagenori
Academy club: Adowa Accra FC
Positions: GK
Appearances: 7
Wins: 2
Clean Sheets: 2
Save % - 72.41
Average rating: 7.04
Player of the match: 0
14th - ASC Yumboes de Dakar - Daan Wouters
At the 14th overall pick the ASC Ymboes de Dakar would select Daan Wouters from the Stockholm academy club. Wouters is a RAM who uses a very high pace and acceleration to pressure the opposition. With a high emphasis on dribbling, work rate and finishing this player is going to become very dangerous when he gets the ball. Great to see such quality players still available for teams late in the 1st round.
Player Stats - Daan Wouters
Academy club: Stockholm IK
Positions: RAM, LAM, RD
Appearances: 14
Goals: 4
Assists: 3
Average rating: 6.86
Player of the match: 1
Butters "Hidden Gems" of the S27 Draft
17th - Hollywood FC - Tex Star
I certainly knew that many teams would prioritise defenders but I never expected Tex Star to go this far down the draft. Hollywood FC would only make 1 pick this draft and I'm sure they knew it had to be a good one. With Tex still available at 17th I don't expect it took much time to decide since this player may have gone top 5 or 10 on many projected lists. Tex Star is CAM that 'gets forward whenever possible' and 'places shots'. He certainly proved how much he likes to shoot in the academy season by leading the league with 14 goals in 14 appearances.
Player Stats - Tex Star
Academy club: Victoria Falls
Positions: CAM, ST, RAM
Appearances: 14
Goals: 14
Assists: 0
Average rating: 7.39
Player of the match: 3
18th - ASC Yumboes de Dakar - Bonnibel Bubblegum
After spending my academy season in Stockholm with Bonnibel Bubblegum I was certainly surprised to see her not get selected in the 1st round. Many teams were focusing on defenders it seemed so Yumbeos de Dakar must have been really excited to see Bubblegum still available early in round 2. I think this was a bit of a steal at 18th and I'm happy to see Wouters and Bubblegum will be playing together once again. Bubblegum was a dominant force of the S27 academy class and took over the all star game getting player of the match. Bubblegum is a ST that 'runs with the ball rarely' and 'gets into the opposition area'. Look out for this player to become like Messi but 2 feet taller.
Player Stats - Bonnibel Bubblegum
Academy club: Stockholm IK
Positions: ST, LAM, CAM
Appearances: 14
Goals: 13
Assists: 2
Average rating: 7.76
Player of the match: 2
30th - Reykjavik United - Karry Hane
I'm willing be a bit bias here when Reykjavik United selected my new teammate Karry Hane with the 30th overall pick but I was really quite shocked to see him go this late in the draft. With many teams emphasising positions sometimes players like this will fall into the right spot and it looked to be that way for Reykjavik United at this pick position. With a strong selection of players early in the draft this team hit another home run with taking Karry Hane to help strengthen the offense of their team. Karry Hane is a ST that likes to 'get forward whenever possible' and 'places shots' and many would speculate he will be a top striker for the S27 class.
Player Stats - Karry Hane
Academy club: Victoria Falls
Positions: ST, CAM, RM
Appearances: 14
Goals: 4
Assists: 7
Average rating: 7.24
Player of the match: 1
I'm sure there was more hidden gems but only time will tell. It was an exciting draft with a lot of great looking prospects. Good luck to all the clubs on your new S27 teammates.
