The Reality of Going Pro in Football
In this blog, I’ll dive into a hard truth many players overlook: talent isn't enough in football to make you a professional.
We’ve all seen or known exceptional players in our leagues who seem destined to go pro. Yet, no matter how skilled, many of these players never make it.
This blog isn’t just another “hard work beats talent” talk—there are deeper reasons why talent often isn’t enough to succeed.
So Why You Should Listen to Me?
For those new here, I’m Alan Deriard, a full-time football agent and co-founder of Australia’s top agency, Elite Football. Our agency works with over 25 professional clubs across Europe, South America, and the UAE, helping hundreds of players find their path to the pro leagues.
The Reality: Talent isn't enough in football
It’s a sentiment I often see, especially here in Australia and other countries like the USA and Canada: “If you’re good enough, you’ll be seen.”
Unfortunately, the football industry is anything but straightforward. Talent is essential, but without visibility and support, it often goes unnoticed.
I’ve trained with top-division players, some earning six figures, and I know firsthand that the skill gap between top amateur players and lower-division professionals isn’t as vast as you might think.
Yet, many of those pros are there because of who they know, not solely because of their talent. Football, like any industry, is driven by connections, politics, and opportunities.
Politics in Youth Development
In countries like Australia, players as young as 14 or 15 often start getting scouted and selected. You're more likely to stay in that circuit once you’re in the system—say, with an NPL club.
Meanwhile, equally talented players in the State League, who haven’t had the same exposure, are left behind. It’s not always about who’s the best; it’s often about who gets seen and invested in.
My Personal Experience with Football Politics
I’ve been on both sides of this. There was a time when my dad was my coach.
I had my best season, scoring the most goals in the team, partly because I was given the chance to shine in the right role.
In contrast, I’ve had other seasons with coaches who didn’t value me as highly, where my performance suffered. This experience showed me how essential the right opportunities are beyond just raw talent.
Why Exposure Matters
I’ve seen countless talented players who should be going pro but aren’t, simply because they’re not getting the right exposure. Some think if they’re not making it in Australia, they won’t succeed in Europe.
But that’s not always true—moving clubs, getting trials overseas, and networking can change everything.
Take it from the players I’ve sent from Australia to Spain; they often get more attention there simply for being new talent. Clubs view them with fresh eyes. Talent only takes you so far—without connections, it’s nearly impossible to advance.
Why Networking and Connections Are Key
The reality is that football is a business. I know of cases where both a coach and player share the same agent, and unsurprisingly, the player ends up signing with that coach’s team.
It’s not coincidence or luck; it’s connections. For amateur players, this world can seem unfair, but it’s the way the industry operates.
Don’t Rely on Talent Alone
Connections, exposure, and the right support systems are what separate many pros from equally skilled amateurs. This isn’t to say talent isn’t crucial—it is—but without exposure, talent can remain hidden.
So, if you’re serious about going pro, build your network, look for opportunities, and understand that football is just as much about who sees you as it is about how well you play.
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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