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How to Become a Soccer Agent

SoccerNews in Soccer Specials 4 Jun 2010

9,692 Views
Soccer Agent

Without a real passion and knowledge of the game, you will most likely fail as an agent.

(*Editor’s Note. This article was completely rewritten and updated February 20, 2016.)

Being a soccer agent is perhaps one of the most desired professions in contemporary soccer.

Glamour, wealth, travels and parties are first things that meet the eye, but behind the stylish facade there is hard work, dedication, commitment, perseverance, stress and more hard work.

Roughly explained and defined, a player’s agent is a ‘natural person who, for a fee, introduces players to clubs with a view to negotiating or renegotiating an employment contract or introduces two clubs to another with a view to concluding a transfer agreement, in compliance with the provisions set forth in there regulations’.

That is how the football’s governing body FIFA defines a soccer agent.

In reality, a soccer agent, or football as is it commonly called in Europe, is much more than a suit and a tie, much more than a person which introduces players to clubs trying to arrange a deal and negotiate a transfer.

Modern soccer/football agent has become a confidant, a liaison, an associate and more often a family member.

An agent takes care of a player’s well-being, sorts out various aspects of a player’s daily matters and all of that so the player can focus and concentrate on his game and on-pitch performance.

Registration

If you are considering an option to become a soccer agent, registration will probably be the first thing that will pop up to your mind.

FIFA Congress decided in 2009 to perform an in-depth reform of the existing players’ agents system in order to address several shortfalls identified within the system, most of all the inefficient licencing resulting from many international transfer being carried out without the use of a licenced agent.

Also, FIFA recognised that even those transfers that were concluded with the use of a licenced agent were not often transparent and verifiable, so they decided to redefine the system.

Players’ agent may only be allowed to carry out his or hers activities if they are licenced by the relevant associations.

Up until 2001, agents were required to register with FIFA, but since then licencing and registration are being issued by the applicant’s respective National Football Association (FA). In case of applicants with dual or multiple nationality, the most recently acquired nationality comes into play when it comes to issuing the agent’s licence.

The applicant is required to submit a written application for a players’ agent licence to the relevant association and the applicant must be a person of an impeccable reputation.

FIFA Regulations Players’ Agents stipulates that an applicant may not, under any circumstances, hold a position as an official, employee etc. at FIFA and other official football organisations and entities.

Examination

If an applicant satisfies the required criteria for becoming a soccer agent, the national association shall invite the candidate to take a written examination.

Exams are held twice a year in March and September, while the exact dates are determined by FIFA in January and June.

Examination process is organised by the association and is held under the general supervision of FIFA. Exams are set as a multiple-choice test consisting of twenty questions and all applicants are tested on different regulatory and law subjects.

Soccer agent candidate will need to demonstrate the knowledge of the current football regulation, particularly those in relation to football transfers. Also, the knowledge of civil law and the law of obligations is required.

Insurance

When a soccer agent candidate passes the examination, the last step away from obtaining a licence is acquiring the professional liability insurance made out in his or hers own name with a reputable insurance company.

The insurance is meant to adequately cover and compensate any risks that may occur from the players’ agent’s activity and it also covers any damage that may incur with the termination of the agents’ activity.

Each national association issuing the agent’s licence is required to check the compliance of the professional liability insurance with the regulations.

There is a way to obtain the insurance in a different manner.

Instead of the professional liability insurance, an applicant may also provide a bank guarantee from a Swiss bank for a minimum amount of CHF 100,000 which will be issued and accompanied by an irrevocable statement that the guaranteed amount shall be paid out unconditionally if a player, a club or another agent has suffered damages as a result from the players’ agent’s activity.

Once all requirements have been met, you are free to embark on your soccer agent’s journey.

Representation and Contracts

Looking for players to represent is another step you will need to take. If you do not have a good reputation associated with your name already then you will most likely be watching a lot of minor league teams searching for the next big thing before you discover a proper gem.

Young stars are discovered all the time, many clubs and football leagues even survive through a year mainly by selling young and promising talents.

Tapping into the lucrative business requires time and, once again, hard work.

Having found the players you will be representing and before engaging in any official intermediary activity on behalf of your player or a club, both parties will be required to agree on a Representation contract.

Such a contract must contain the names of the parties involved, nature of legal relationship, scope of services, the duration of agreement, date of completion, termination provisions and signatures.

If the player is a minor then the player’s legal guardian will also sign the representation contract in compliance with the national law of the country in which the player is domicile.

Income and Revenue

Once you have started your career as a soccer agent, incomes are the next issue you will be concerned about.

Your general incomes and revenue will depend upon whether you operate within an agency or as an independent contractor.

First option will most likely provide you a fixed salary, but if you work on your own then your income will be based upon the income of your player and the contract you sign with them. As an agent, the more money you bring to your player, the bigger cut you will be able to take.

The best way to move up the ladder is to fight for your promising players to make it into a league.

Each move forward you make is a good one, each new promising young star you get signed on to any league is just more credibility for you. Earning that credibility will not only have leagues and teams trusting your word, but new recruits will hear of your success and gladly sign up with you and, ultimately, your income will rise.

You may start out signing a few players on a couple of lower leagues for a small amount of money per game or per week. This is going to make your income small as well, but it’s a step in the right direction.

If you’ve ever heard of a “finder’s fee” or “handling fee” that’s exactly what an agent will be getting for their player.

Each time your rising star is paid you get a pre-determined cut of the earnings, a percentage of what they make, usually around 10%, which gets prearranged in the representation contract you sign with your player.

However, the new rules recommend a payment of 3% of the player’s basic gross income or 3% of the transfer fee involved in a deal when your player change clubs.

Jorge Mendes is also the agent of the "Special One", Jose Mourinho. (Image: IrishMirror.ie)

Jorge Mendes is also the agent of the “Special One”, Jose Mourinho. (Image: IrishMirror.ie)

Passion Needed

Money and glory come hand in hand in modern football times.

Driven by fame and not by passion not a few agents are destined to fail at the very starts of their careers. Being a man of sport and a true football lover is the main prerequisite you will need to possess if you want to make it in the flashy world of successful soccer/football agents.

One such agent, and the second most powerful sports agent according to Forbes is Jorge Mendes.

Triple winner of the FIFA’s Agent of the year award given by his peers, Jorge Mendes is most recognizable of them all. With the total of 80 football players under the wing of his Gestifute International agency, Jorge Mendes is dealing with contracts worth nearly a billion dollars – $956.4 million, to be precise.

Once a DJ when his soccer career ended prematurely, Mendes focuses primarily on Portuguese players and is headlined by Real Madrid star player Cristiano Ronaldo, among many others.

The Future

A look in the future of a soccer agents’ business offers a blurry skyline.

With football becoming a more profitable industry as days go by, it is hard to predict what the future holds for the soccer agents, especially for the young talents waiting to dive in the murky waters of football dealings.

With the emergence of online platforms such as Fieldoo, which are revolutionizing the scouting process offering the combination of social media and traditional scouting practices to the players from both amateur and professional football market with the aim of kick-starting their careers, the role of a soccer agent as an individual remains under the spotlight.

FIFA themselves took steps to bring innovation to the world of players’ representation and the introduction of a ban for the third-party ownership has already sent the shockwaves within the football community.

Third-party ownership of players’ economic rights (TPO) refers to third-party investments in the economic rights of professional football players, potentially in order to receive a share of the value of any future transfer of those players.

It has been debated at various levels and the ban will without a doubt redefine the representation process as we have known it so far.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SoccerNews

Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.

You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.

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  • NDIAGA NDOYE

    0 0

    hello I would like to be come a soccer agent I live in columbus ohio in the US ! what is the first step???

  • sefiu aliu

    0 0

    i need a help i am a striker 9 in number i a real footballer i want to play outside the country

  • joachim

    0 0

    I am Joachim from Burundi I have soccer team,i need sponsor may you please help me.

  • jojo

    0 0

    A bunch of beggars and helpless losers on these comments.

  • nonso

    0 0

    I’m a young and promising young man from west african (lagos nigeria). looking for a practicing fifa agent that will be my mentor. i really want to know everything about being a fifa soccer agent.

  • eben

    0 0

    agents ,terms are needed for my players

  • Khanya

    0 0

    I’m in south africa and I would like to become a player’s agent

  • Am Akachukwu Eze

    0 0

    I long to be football agent in nigeria.I have seen many talented young nigerians footballers like me, looking for who to peck them up, i love also to be an agent while practising my football profession.

  • Edward

    0 0

    I would like to become a football player agent. I live in South Africa. Please help me with the correct process to follow.

    thanks

    Edward

  • Iranaeus Daniel

    0 0

    I’m by name Iranaeus Daniel, a well talented player am a left footer i am a striker i play no 9 and 10 i live in nigeria am 17years old. I am an agent and please i need a someone to sponsor me.here z my contact 08109855415 please i need ur help

  • Mr Obi

    0 0

    Im currently leaving in Australia but i do run NGO in Cambodia i use to be a soccer professional player but im not playing anymore waiting to get licence but i can give you a team as long as you play good soccer ,so if you google soccerskills & fitness centre Cambodia you will also get me.

  • Beckley Sona

    0 0

    Hello,
    I am a Cameroonian,I lost my soccer track,driven by this urge,i want to help young promising super talented soccer players showcase their talents while making my cut. There are many super talented players who will sign to play anywhere just for the love and passion for the game. Any football agents out there,make your boom with real and rare talents. I hope to being your next partner agent Good luck

  • james

    0 0

    I have a son age 7 who has a big future to be a great soccer player who can use 2 feet with great ball control and dribbling skills.i would like agent to get him a pro club so he can go to the next level thks james

  • nnanna goodnews

    0 0

    Am a professional play maker in football i need a sponsor ,so we can make things happen

  • patience uyi Benjamin

    0 0

    Please I want be come a football agent can somebody tell me how to get the license am from Nigeria

  • zwelihle masuku

    0 0

    i am soccer fanatic and played soccer @ lower divisions in Zimbabwe, now need to be soccer agent.Please help me with details on how i can acquire Fifa licence

  • Lucas Santana

    0 0

    I am a Professional football player. I am 20 years old from Brazil. I need a sponsor who can take me to USA .

  • emeka.c. thompson

    0 0

    I am a talented footballer I played 11 and 7 , please i need a sponsor who can carry me along in football academy, this is my number: 2347039213182

  • emeka.c. thompson

    0 0

    Am talented footballer I played 11and 7 please I need a sponsor

  • Lepulane

    0 0

    South African-have few talented soccer boys who needs to be scouted to the elite leagues preferably ZA second option Europe…

  • johnson philip

    0 0

    my name is johnson i’m a soccer player i play football very well my country is nigeria i need an agent to help my football career

  • Tlotlego

    0 0

    Ey… I’m a soccer player but I’m working… so I’ll like to be an agent… I stay in Pretoria, South Africa… I’m from I was born in a rural area so I’ll like to help the young people at home… so how to become an agent

  • Ndumiso

    0 0

    I wanna become an agent because 1st of all I played soccer bt I’ve seen at soccer industry if there’s any trials anywere the choosers always choose their families even thou they don’t deserve . That’s why our football is dead nw a days

  • Paul

    0 0

    what is requirement for the registration if you want to be soccer agent please

  • tom

    0 0

    I m soccer player but I want to study coaching online please help where should I get

  • malaak

    0 0

    28 years old experience more than ten years but as amature not pro still play  egyptian

  • Mr, Bubacar Sano

    0 0

    I am in England Leeds, I want be football agent what I have to do,can you please help me with some information

  • Rahan

    0 0

    i want to become an agent

  • aggrey

    0 0

    i own a football team with well talented players, looking for management firm to support them.

  • MOUNIR

    0 0

    HI I AM A FOOTBALL PLAYER 18 YEARS OLD AND I AM VERY TALENTED PLAYER AND I need an agent to sponsor me! !

  • mustapha sonko

    0 0

    I live in sweden,n i wan’t to be a football agent. Can please help me with some information.

  • Alfie

    0 0

    I am currently in transition of getting my football agency licence if anyone knows any process that would help speed the process up would be great fully appreciated and any of you players if u could send a link over of you playing I’d be willing to see what you have

  • ridwan

    0 0

    I am a talented footballer and I need an agent to sponsor me

  • tendai rodney magondo

    0 0

    oh iam in the u.s.a in indianapolis so you have to dial u.s.a area code

  • tendai rodney magondo

    0 0

    attention dennis borsuk i can be ur agent can take you to spain england or other country can u call me at 1574 202 6768

    • Percy

      0 0

      Hi Tendai. my name is Percy I live in New York. but run a soccer players organization in Liberia west Africa . We recruit the top young talents in the Liberian top division and the national team. We set up a training camp for them where they go through different kinds of training and ball drills and we invite scouts and coaches to see them… I’m trying to expand and create more opportunities for these.i can sent u some of the players videos.. i need some help

    • Miniato

      0 0

      Hello, I am a player agent, I am here for vs bring a plus, so I need your CV, on email
      Miniato111sali@outlook.com

  • MAJOR N ZAMMIE

    0 0

    DEAR SIR/MADAM
    AM AGENT MAJOR N ZAMMIE FROM LIBERIA WEST AFRICA, AM A AGENT INTERESTED IN SENDING 4FIRST DIVISION PLAYERS IN TO THE in LEAGUE THE ARE BRILLIANT YOUTH THAT WON LOTS OF AWARD IN OUR LIBERIAN LEAGUE.

    I HOPE YOU BE FAMILIAR WITH THE NAME OF THIS COUNTRY BECAUSE OUR COUNTRY HAS PUT OUT ONE OF THE WORLD BEST SOCCER LEGEND GEORGE WEAH AND MORE SOCCER STAR IN LIBERIA I WILLING TO TAKE THEIR SOCCER CAREER TO ANOTHER LEVEL.
    WE ARE THERE FORE ASKING IF ANY TEAMS INTERESTED I WILL SCAN THEIR PASSPORT AND EACH PLAYERS C.V TO THE TEAM .
    WE WILL HIGHLY APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE IN FINDING FIRST, SECOND DIVISION CLUB THAT IS INTERESTED IN SENDING OUR PLAYERS INVITATION TO COME OVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

    WITH REGARD
    AGENT MAJOR ZAMMIE
    +2316729585

  • denis

    0 0

    Hi I’m Denise Borsuk, 21.11.1988 Ukraine. Speed 30 m / sec 3.8 Height 1.75 m Weight 68 kg I am currently playing in Poland, but I do not like this level. I want to try out the other team. If you have any suggestions, waiting for an answer

  • donaldson

    0 0

    am soccer agent that use to help so many player from any country all over the world

  • donaldson

    0 0

    am soccer agent that use to help so many player from any country all over the world

  • denis

    0 0

    Hi I’m Denise Borsuk, 21.11.1988 Ukraine. Speed 30 m / sec 3.8 Height 1.75 m Weight 68 kg I am currently playing in Poland, but I do not like this level. I want to try out the other team. If you have any suggestions, waiting for an answer

  • MAJOR N ZAMMIE

    0 0

    DEAR SIR/MADAM
    AM AGENT MAJOR N ZAMMIE FROM LIBERIA WEST AFRICA, AM A AGENT INTERESTED IN SENDING 4FIRST DIVISION PLAYERS IN TO THE in LEAGUE THE ARE BRILLIANT YOUTH THAT WON LOTS OF AWARD IN OUR LIBERIAN LEAGUE.

    I HOPE YOU BE FAMILIAR WITH THE NAME OF THIS COUNTRY BECAUSE OUR COUNTRY HAS PUT OUT ONE OF THE WORLD BEST SOCCER LEGEND GEORGE WEAH AND MORE SOCCER STAR IN LIBERIA I WILLING TO TAKE THEIR SOCCER CAREER TO ANOTHER LEVEL.
    WE ARE THERE FORE ASKING IF ANY TEAMS INTERESTED I WILL SCAN THEIR PASSPORT AND EACH PLAYERS C.V TO THE TEAM .
    WE WILL HIGHLY APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE IN FINDING FIRST, SECOND DIVISION CLUB THAT IS INTERESTED IN SENDING OUR PLAYERS INVITATION TO COME OVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

    WITH REGARD
    AGENT MAJOR ZAMMIE
    +2316729585

  • tendai rodney magondo

    0 0

    attention dennis borsuk i can be ur agent can take you to spain england or other country can u call me at 1574 202 6768

    • Percy

      0 0

      Hi Tendai. my name is Percy I live in New York. but run a soccer players organization in Liberia west Africa . We recruit the top young talents in the Liberian top division and the national team. We set up a training camp for them where they go through different kinds of training and ball drills and we invite scouts and coaches to see them… I’m trying to expand and create more opportunities for these.i can sent u some of the players videos.. i need some help

    • Miniato

      0 0

      Hello, I am a player agent, I am here for vs bring a plus, so I need your CV, on email
      Miniato111sali@outlook.com

  • tendai rodney magondo

    0 0

    oh iam in the u.s.a in indianapolis so you have to dial u.s.a area code

  • ridwan

    0 0

    I am a talented footballer and I need an agent to sponsor me

  • Alfie

    0 0

    I am currently in transition of getting my football agency licence if anyone knows any process that would help speed the process up would be great fully appreciated and any of you players if u could send a link over of you playing I’d be willing to see what you have

  • mustapha sonko

    0 0

    I live in sweden,n i wan’t to be a football agent. Can please help me with some information.

  • MOUNIR

    0 0

    HI I AM A FOOTBALL PLAYER 18 YEARS OLD AND I AM VERY TALENTED PLAYER AND I need an agent to sponsor me! !

  • aggrey

    0 0

    i own a football team with well talented players, looking for management firm to support them.

  • Rahan

    0 0

    i want to become an agent

  • Mr, Bubacar Sano

    0 0

    I am in England Leeds, I want be football agent what I have to do,can you please help me with some information

  • malaak

    0 0

    28 years old experience more than ten years but as amature not pro still play  egyptian

  • tom

    0 0

    I m soccer player but I want to study coaching online please help where should I get

  • Paul

    0 0

    what is requirement for the registration if you want to be soccer agent please

  • Ndumiso

    0 0

    I wanna become an agent because 1st of all I played soccer bt I’ve seen at soccer industry if there’s any trials anywere the choosers always choose their families even thou they don’t deserve . That’s why our football is dead nw a days

  • Tlotlego

    0 0

    Ey… I’m a soccer player but I’m working… so I’ll like to be an agent… I stay in Pretoria, South Africa… I’m from I was born in a rural area so I’ll like to help the young people at home… so how to become an agent

  • johnson philip

    0 0

    my name is johnson i’m a soccer player i play football very well my country is nigeria i need an agent to help my football career

  • Lepulane

    0 0

    South African-have few talented soccer boys who needs to be scouted to the elite leagues preferably ZA second option Europe…

  • emeka.c. thompson

    0 0

    Am talented footballer I played 11and 7 please I need a sponsor

  • emeka.c. thompson

    0 0

    I am a talented footballer I played 11 and 7 , please i need a sponsor who can carry me along in football academy, this is my number: 2347039213182

  • Lucas Santana

    0 0

    I am a Professional football player. I am 20 years old from Brazil. I need a sponsor who can take me to USA .

  • zwelihle masuku

    0 0

    i am soccer fanatic and played soccer @ lower divisions in Zimbabwe, now need to be soccer agent.Please help me with details on how i can acquire Fifa licence

  • patience uyi Benjamin

    0 0

    Please I want be come a football agent can somebody tell me how to get the license am from Nigeria

  • nnanna goodnews

    0 0

    Am a professional play maker in football i need a sponsor ,so we can make things happen

  • james

    0 0

    I have a son age 7 who has a big future to be a great soccer player who can use 2 feet with great ball control and dribbling skills.i would like agent to get him a pro club so he can go to the next level thks james

  • Beckley Sona

    0 0

    Hello,
    I am a Cameroonian,I lost my soccer track,driven by this urge,i want to help young promising super talented soccer players showcase their talents while making my cut. There are many super talented players who will sign to play anywhere just for the love and passion for the game. Any football agents out there,make your boom with real and rare talents. I hope to being your next partner agent Good luck

  • Mr Obi

    0 0

    Im currently leaving in Australia but i do run NGO in Cambodia i use to be a soccer professional player but im not playing anymore waiting to get licence but i can give you a team as long as you play good soccer ,so if you google soccerskills & fitness centre Cambodia you will also get me.

  • Iranaeus Daniel

    0 0

    I’m by name Iranaeus Daniel, a well talented player am a left footer i am a striker i play no 9 and 10 i live in nigeria am 17years old. I am an agent and please i need a someone to sponsor me.here z my contact 08109855415 please i need ur help

  • Edward

    0 0

    I would like to become a football player agent. I live in South Africa. Please help me with the correct process to follow.

    thanks

    Edward

  • Am Akachukwu Eze

    0 0

    I long to be football agent in nigeria.I have seen many talented young nigerians footballers like me, looking for who to peck them up, i love also to be an agent while practising my football profession.

  • Khanya

    0 0

    I’m in south africa and I would like to become a player’s agent

  • eben

    0 0

    agents ,terms are needed for my players

  • nonso

    0 0

    I’m a young and promising young man from west african (lagos nigeria). looking for a practicing fifa agent that will be my mentor. i really want to know everything about being a fifa soccer agent.

  • jojo

    0 0

    A bunch of beggars and helpless losers on these comments.

  • joachim

    0 0

    I am Joachim from Burundi I have soccer team,i need sponsor may you please help me.

  • sefiu aliu

    0 0

    i need a help i am a striker 9 in number i a real footballer i want to play outside the country

  • NDIAGA NDOYE

    0 0

    hello I would like to be come a soccer agent I live in columbus ohio in the US ! what is the first step???

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