In initial conversations with parents, I often hear the same phrases:
“We’re going to try it on our own for now.”
“We’ll reach out at the end of the season.”
“We don’t need an agent at the moment – maybe next May.”
“I’m taking care of everything myself – we don’t need anyone.”
This mindset is understandable. Parents want to protect their children, stay in control, and avoid early commitments. But what many don’t realize is that waiting too long to bring in professional support can lead to missed opportunities, poor decisions, and long-term setbacks for the child’s development, both in football and in life.
Players Agents Are Not Just for Transfers
One of the most common misconceptions is that a players agent is only relevant during transfer windows. In reality, good advisory work starts well before a contract offer arrives and accompanies a player step-by-step through all phases of development.
A professional agent supports young players and their families with:
- Strategic career planning
- Support in athletic development and evaluation of training environments
- Assessment of club options and sporting opportunities
- Academic decisions and mental well-being
- Preparation for conversations with clubs
- Contract review and negotiation
- Guidance on media presence, sponsorship, social media and branding
Professionally run clubs think long-term. They scout, plan, and initiate contact with players throughout the year, not just in July or January. Those who wait until the season ends to “see where things stand” are often reacting too late.
Experience Shows: Many Parents Misjudge the Market and Their Child Pays the Price
Over the years, one pattern is clear: Many parents are poorly advised or not advised at all. Not because they mean harm, but because they lack real insight into how football decisions are made at the professional level.
They underestimate how clubs operate, misread signals, overestimate verbal promises, or play the wrong hand at the wrong time. Often, they wait too long or gamble without understanding the risks.
The one who ends up paying the price is not the parent – it’s the player.
Don’t Be Impressed by Flashy Promises – They Rarely Lead to Real Value
Another thing I often hear:
“Another agent promised us a deal with a sportswear brand.”
“He knows someone at Nike or Adidas.”
“They offered us sponsorships right away.”
It sounds exciting – but in most cases, it’s just a sales pitch.
A sponsorship deal at age 14 or 15 rarely brings real benefits. More often, it ties a player to long-term commitments they don’t fully understand, in exchange for minimal rewards and maximum distraction.
The real danger? It pulls attention away from what really matters: training, performance, everyday structure, and school.
A good agent doesn’t make loud promises, they guide with clarity, experience, and perspective.
A Lesson from the Startup World: Would You Let a Teen Run a Business Alone?
Let’s take a look at a different industry: startups and entrepreneurship.
Imagine your 17-year-old is building a tech startup – highly talented, innovative, getting attention from investors. Would you, as a parent, negotiate investment terms alone, structure growth strategy, and navigate legal and financial frameworks?
Probably not.
You’d bring in someone experienced – a coach, a lawyer, a business mentor. Someone who understands the landscape and helps avoid costly mistakes. The same logic applies to football.
Anyone who understands the system can act early, protect development, and make sound decisions. Anyone who doesn’t is flying blind and risks the long-term path for short-term illusion.
Early Support Beats Last-Minute Crisis Management
Too many families only reach out when things aren’t going well – lack of game time, no offers, or loss of confidence. But by then, critical time and positioning may already be lost.
Good advisory work begins early. When there’s time to explore, build trust, and make calm, strategic decisions. Not under pressure – but with foresight.
A players agent is not a dealmaker. They are a long-term partner who understands both the business and the human side of the game.
A Message to Parents: Get Informed
Not every agent works professionally. Not every promise is sincere. So please:
- Ask whether they are FIFA licensed.
- Get a clear breakdown of what services are offered.
- Question anything that sounds too good to be true.
- Choose based on values, not marketing.
A FIFA license isn’t just a piece of paper – it’s a standard of accountability, quality, and ethical conduct. It means the agent is bound to rules, transparency, and oversight.
Final Thought: Trust Isn’t Claimed – It’s Earned
As a parent, you want the best for your child. But the best doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. It means knowing when expert support adds real value and choosing that support wisely.
A professional players agent doesn’t replace your role, they complement it, with structure, insight, experience, and the ability to challenge decisions when necessary. Because a successful career isn’t built on logos or luck. It’s built on planning, integrity, and the right team behind the scenes.
