Updated October 4, 2026
Top Master League Teams to Manage
Looking for a new challenge? Here are the most exciting teams to rebuild in PES 2021's Master League.
Master League is the crown jewel of PES 2021's offline experience. Once you have applied the latest squad updates, choosing the right team is crucial for a fun campaign. Here are three distinct challenges to consider.
The Fallen Giants: AC Milan
Return one of Europe's most storied clubs to its former glory. With a mix of aging veterans and promising youngsters, your goal is to conquer Serie A and lift the Champions League trophy once more.
The Rebuild: Schalke 04
Facing massive financial difficulties and a thin squad, taking over Schalke 04 is a true test of your managerial skills. You will need to rely on the youth academy, make smart loan signings, and slowly build a squad capable of surviving in the top flight.
The Road to Glory: Custom Team
The ultimate challenge. Use PES 2021's edit mode to create your own local club, insert them into a lower division, and fight your way to the top of the football pyramid using a squad of generated default players.
What Makes a Great Master League Team?
The best Master League experiences come from teams with a story: a fallen giant to rebuild, a mid-table side with a gem of a youth academy, or a club whose real-world rise you want to mirror. Avoid starting with an already-stacked superteam — the fun is in the climb, not the coronation.
Setting Up for a Long Career
Before starting, make sure your squads are current (how to update) and your kits look right with option files — staring at fake team names for 10 seasons kills immersion. If the game struggles, check system requirements. And if you are torn between eras, our PES 2021 vs eFootball comparison explains why this older game still wins hearts.