Africa is not just a continent where football is a game; it plays a central role in social mobility, identity formation, and future planning. For many young people, football represents the most visible pathway out of economic hardship and a means to support their families. However, this path does not always lead to success; high hopes often end in disappointment. As a professional management company, we closely observe this reality and evaluate the young talents who reach out to us daily from across Africa.
The socioeconomic role of football
Access to economic resources in Africa is limited, educational opportunities are often insufficient, and alternative career paths are scarce. Therefore, football is not only a sporting goal for young people but also a vehicle for social recognition and economic improvement. A successful player can transform not only their own life but also the lives of their family and community.
In this sense, football is more than an individual career goal; it represents a collective social hope.
“In this sense, football is more than an individual career goal; it represents a collective social hope.”
African-origin football stars and realistic expectations
Stories of African footballers achieving global success are often framed as journeys “from hope to the top.” Players like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Didier Drogba set examples not only through their performance on the field but also through their social investments in their communities.
However, these success stories can create unrealistic expectations among young aspirants. Thousands of young players begin the journey, but only a few reach a professional level. At this point, proper guidance becomes critical.
Management perspective: Reality and empathy
Every day, we receive CVs from two, three, or even more young footballers from different countries across Africa. Most are between 16 and 20 years old, full of dreams, and eager to change the future for their families. We carefully evaluate their potential. However, the professional football world demands extremely high physical, mental, and disciplinary standards.
Unfortunately, there are many cases where we cannot provide assistance. At this juncture, empathy is not only an ethical responsibility but also a professional necessity. One must not play with the hopes and futures of young players.
Conveying the realities honestly and kindly is essential for both their well-being and our own ethical accountability.
“One must not play with the hopes and futures of young players.”
Guiding the future without losing hope
Football in Africa will continue to drive social dynamism. For this dynamism to develop healthily, two fundamental approaches are required:
- Realistic career planning: Football is not the only path; alternative development opportunities, both within and outside the sport, should be made visible to young people.
- Fair and transparent talent identification: Young talents must have access to institutions capable of genuine guidance, rather than intermediaries who exploit their hopes.
Empathy is the cornerstone of this process. Guiding young players with integrity, rather than exploiting their dreams, is the most ethical way to invest in the future.
Football in Africa begins as a dream, but turning that dream into a real future depends on talent, proper guidance, and empathy.