“I’m not your agent… yet.”
It’s a phrase whispered in conversations between agents and parents all over the world. It sounds harmless, friendly even. But behind that casual reassurance lies one of the fastest-growing trends in football: the rise of pre-representation contracts.
FIFA’s regulations are clear. Agents cannot officially represent a player until six months before the player is eligible to sign a professional contract. In England, that’s at 17 and a half. In other countries, it can be as early as 15 or 16. But in the ever-competitive world of football agency, many agents aren’t willing to wait.
Let’s Just Do a Commercial Deal
This is the new trick: instead of waiting for the appropriate age to sign a representation contract, agents approach families with what seems like a softer, safer offer — a commercial agreement. They say: “Let’s just do a commercial deal. We’ll help with your brand. We’ll talk to Nike, Adidas, maybe get you a boot deal. No pressure.”
But that commercial deal is often just the backdoor entry into a long-term relationship. From that point on, the agent begins acting as the player’s full-time representative, introducing them to clubs, managing appearances, negotiating quietly behind the scenes. To the outside world, they’re already the agent. But on paper? It’s just “marketing support.”
The Boot Deal Bait: How Agents Hook Families Early
Agents know how to build trust quickly — and often, it starts with shiny promises. They offer to arrange a boot sponsorship or get the player a photoshoot with a brand. Sometimes they even offer free kits, social media guidance, or connections to influencers.
These gestures can feel supportive — even generous — to families. But beneath the surface, they’re calculated plays to win early loyalty. In reality, many of these agents are already acting as if they own the player’s future, long before any formal agreement is allowed.
Commercial Contracts: A Loophole or a Long Game?
These pre-representation contracts give agents a powerful edge. They build influence while staying technically within the rules. Signing a 10-, 12-, or 14-year-old on a marketing contract makes it almost certain that when the legal age comes, the family won’t look elsewhere.
It’s a smart move in a cutthroat industry. But it also blurs the lines between mentorship and manipulation.
“I’m Just Your Commercial Agent”… Until I’m Not
The language is clever. Agents avoid calling themselves “representatives” but take all the actions of one. They introduce players to clubs, speak on their behalf, and negotiate future scenarios without having formal rights to do so. In effect, they’ve signed the player in spirit, even if not in law.
The Ethics of Early Engagement
This practice raises uncomfortable questions. Are agents providing a real service or using commercial deals as bait? Are families fully informed? Do they understand the long-term implications? And most importantly, are young players being protected or being pre-signed in disguise?
The current system doesn’t regulate these commercial contracts. That’s why it’s critical to focus not just on legality but on ethics. A commercial agreement should be transparent, fair, and serve the best interest of the player, not just the agent’s pipeline.
What Parents and Players Must Know
If you’re a parent of a young player, be vigilant:
- Understand what you’re signing. A commercial contract can still bind you in practice, even if not in law.
- Get independent legal advice. Don’t rely solely on the agent’s word.
- Ask the right questions. Is this truly a marketing arrangement, or is it something more?
- Be aware that the agent who gets in first often gets the long-term deal. Make sure that trust is earned, not manipulated.
- Don’t be afraid to walk away from offers that feel rushed, unclear, or overly aggressive. No opportunity is worth compromising your child’s long-term freedom.
From Commercial Promise to Career Control
This isn’t just a trend — it’s a structural issue. Some agents are effectively building pipelines of talent long before they’re legally allowed to. And the line between ethical support and strategic entrapment is thin.
Families often feel obligated or emotionally invested, especially after months or years of “help.”
But help isn’t help if it comes with invisible strings attached.
Conclusion: Time for Transparency and Reform
Football’s agent landscape is evolving fast and FIFA’s regulations are struggling to keep up. In the meantime, it’s up to families, clubs, and the footballing community to be more informed and more protective of young talent.
This new wave of pre-representation contracts disguised as commercial agreements needs closer scrutiny.
Because when someone says, “I’m not your agent… yet,” you should know exactly what that really means.