Are you working hard to go pro, but are these Football Career Mistakes holding you back?
In this blog, I'll reveal 7 common mistakes that might prevent you from achieving your football career goals.
These errors affect players at every level, and understanding how to avoid them can transform your game.
My name is Alan Deriard, and I'm a full-time football agent and co-founder of Elite Football, Australia’s largest football agency. We represent players across 25 professional clubs in Europe, South America, and the UAE, helping hundreds of footballers advance their careers.
1. Lack of Discipline
Define it as failing to maintain a consistent training routine or neglecting your physical fitness.
To succeed as a professional footballer, discipline is essential.
Are you training every day?
Are you in peak physical condition to play a full 90 minutes?
Many amateur footballers underestimate the basics, but discipline is the foundation for any successful football career.
You must dedicate consistent time to training and improvement to see real results.
2. Poor Attitude
Refusing to accept constructive criticism or having a negative mindset on and off the pitch.
Nobody wants to be around negativity, and football is no different.
Players with poor attitudes—those who criticise teammates, complain, or bring a bad vibe—can be a drag on any team.
Coaches and clubs don't want to promote or support a footballer with a poor attitude, no matter how talented they are.
3. Ignoring Nutrition and Recovery
Overlooking proper diet, sleep,
and recovery—critical factors for peak performance.
Many younger players ignore how vital nutrition and recovery are, but these factors become crucial as you age.
Proper sleep and recovery can make a massive difference in performance.
For instance, professional footballers overseas focus heavily on recovery routines, ensuring they get enough rest, often between 10-12 hours of sleep daily.
4. Inadequate Networking
Failing to build connections with coaches, scouts, agents, or anyone who can help you advance.
Football is not just about talent—it’s about building relationships.
If no one knows you, you won’t get opportunities.
Many footballers neglect the importance of networking, which limits their exposure to new prospects.
It's critical to play well, but it’s just as essential to connect with the right people who can open doors.
5. Failure to Adapt
Are you struggling to adjust to different playing styles, coaches, environments, or positions on the pitch?
Many players complain when they aren’t placed in their preferred position, especially during trials.
However, adaptability is crucial.
A talented footballer should perform well, regardless of where they play.
Embracing different roles, tactics, and environments is key to long-term success.
6. Overestimating Talent
Are you relying solely on talent without putting in the required hard work?
Talent alone won’t take you pro.
A successful football career is built on dedication, countless hours of training, and constant effort.
Even the most talented footballers put in work to refine their skills. While talent is important, consistent hard work separates the good from the great.
7. Inconsistent Performances
Are you failing to perform well in matches or trials consistently?
Inconsistency is a career killer.
You might score a great goal one week, only to go unnoticed for the next few games.
The best footballers maintain a high level of performance game after game.
Those who stand out are the ones who push themselves to improve constantly, striving for excellence at every opportunity.
If you found this blog helpful, feel free to share it with a friend or check out the consultation link below to get in touch with Elite Football.
We’re here to help you avoid these mistakes and guide you on your journey to a professional career.
Book your FREE consultation here 👉: https://www.elitefootball.com.au/booking-calendar/free-consultation?referral=service_list_widget
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