r/TheSoccerNetwork

This is a question I've been thinking about honestly over the last few years, and I still don't really have a definitive answer. I always think it's so important to go after a dream for as long as you can, but there is a time where you do just have to stop and carry your life forward in a different direction.

I understand every single footballer is going to be different for this. I understand there isn't a definitive age where everyone should just stop, but I do believe there's a general range where most aspiring professional footballers do tend to drop off in large numbers (20-23 from what I've seen).

What do you think ? What age or what age range would you say is where it's time to let the dream go ? What was it like in your own experience ?

I do want to reiterate that I will always support anyone going after their dreams, but as someone who used to be in the mix themselves, I do think there's a time for everyone when it just isn't clicking anymore. I'm curious what others think.

Any tips for restarting football now at 22 and what to look out for?
When I was a kid I housed to play football ⚽️ tons. I always loved it and kept fit playing as any kid would. I never really joined a team until I was around 12 and was best played down the sides being the wing or full back positions, but I could play decent anywhere. I played consistently for years until around late 14-15 when i quit completely and chose the stupid decision that going out and getting on the session was better with my friends. Since then I have never really played football the same or barely even kicked a ball. I have smoked and vaped since I stopped and got really unfit cardio wise. I am still quite healthy as I go tot the gym and keep fit but I want to know if it’s too late to get back in and maybe bring my potential back into what it was if not better. I am more mature now and once I stick to something it’s all or nothing. Any advice would be appreciated.

🤔💭

Most of Culers players in Spanish National Team and it included Lamine Yamal in the squad! Can they have potential chance go far through the finals?

I (22F) (mentioning this because this will help get a good idea of my nutritional needs) used to play football as a 15-16 year old and after 5 years of dealing injury, I want to get back to it.

I am confused because my muscles hurt a lot even from running. I want to start rewatching the matches too.

What are some things I can incorporate in my life to make myself strong again? And how do I makeup not watching football for so long?

Thank you.

Am 19 year old without any academic background because my parents are really not that supportive and academy was not cheap too but am playing football since 10 yrs old. I play really good and have quite good skills .. and I just need professional structured training so I can be the best version of what I am currently. So ? Is it too late to make it or should I just quit ? Most people said to me that try hard it will happen because if you look for reasons you will find them .at the end if you play real good that’s what matters . The coach and managers just want their team to win so most probably they won’t mind it if you’re worthy . Also the academy players are pampered since young and they are plug in and play . So u have to be close to their level to make it go pro . This is what most people tells me when I ask them . Pls share all of your thoughts about this I really want to know honestly✌️

Hey guys, I'm an Arab kid living in Egypt right now, I'm 15 years old and talented in soccer. My main qualities on the field are creating chances and goals, first touch, dribbling, and shooting, and I play with my right foot. I was looking for an academy or something that could help me develop my talent, so I hope someone can advise me because the most important thing I'm looking for is advice, and I'd be really grateful to anyone who can help. Peace be upon you.

Sender: Abdullah Abdulrahman Mohamed

No, not goat of the sport, just exclusively the world cup. Burst onto the scene in his first one winning it. (That run vs Argentina is everything I love about football), to carrying France with a hattrick in the final (the di maria pen dive lives in my head rent free, VAR is shite) and now he’s on course to beating the record for goalscoring provided he progresses further than Argentina.

He always shows up in the World Cup so what does he have to do to be the GOAT of the tournament? I unironically think he’s not far off however I obviously am not old enough to have seen Pele etc.

I’m genuinely curious which one is the preferred or “better” one or if both of them matter equally. I can imagine that it depends on your position as well as how long you are being put on for and how many people are on the team/waiting on the bench to be put on.

Last school year/soccer season(my 11th grade year) I I didn’t get played much at all and I knew I was only gonna be played for 5-10 minutes every few games so I guess I became more speed oriented and practiced and trained for speed rather than endurance, because I really didn’t need endurance if I was going to get subbed off in a few minutes.

The thing is this upcoming school year/soccer season (my 12th grade year) we had a coach change and the 13 seniors who were always getting played last year instead of the underclassmen on last years team graduated. I’m one of two seniors trying out and no one seems to be all that interested in playing/trying out. So theoretically with less players I would have the chance to play longer/the full game time.

So finally getting to the point, to prepare for the upcoming high school soccer season which officially starts in November is it better to train for speed or endurance? Or should I focus on both? Or does training for one naturally work on and improve the other even a little bit?

Hey guys, I'm an Arab kid living in Egypt right now, I'm 15 years old and talented in soccer. My main qualities on the field are creating chances and goals, first touch, dribbling, and shooting, and I play with my right foot. I was looking for an academy or something that could help me develop my talent, so I hope someone can advise me because the most important thing I'm looking for is advice, and I'd be really grateful to anyone who can help. Peace be upon you.

Sender: Abdullah Abdulrahman Mohamed

My son plays grassroots football and it's something I've been thinking about recently.

We can practise passing, shooting and dribbling outside of training, but a lot of football seems to come down to making the right decision at the right time.

When to pass.
When to drive forward.
When to move into space.
When to switch play.

Do coaches actively teach this, or is it something players mostly develop through training and matches?

Interested to hear different opinions.

When group stage matches lingered at 0-0 way too long, I did some serious research. I watched the press conferences. I read the Wikipedia pages. And I believe that while everyone is looking at the players, the real story is on the sideline.

A few things you might not know about the coaches that I’m dying to share:

Mauricio Pochettino owns a vineyard in Argentina and chose to sign with Bordeaux as a player specifically because it is, in his words, "the best wine region in the world." He smells Argentine red wine when he is sad. The US Soccer federation brought a bottle to their first meeting with him. He was farming at age 12. I am not okay.

Carlo Ancelotti grew up milking cows on a farm in northern Italy and every Christmas he personally cooks tortellini in homemade broth for his entire family because, and I quote, "I am a good chef. I can cook wherever I go." He is 66 years old. He is coaching Brazil. I would like him to cook for me.

Julian Nagelsmann is 38 years old, wears fashion, and once blasted a German children's cartoon theme song outside training to prevent opposing spies from overhearing his tactics. He is baby. He is also a genius. These things are not mutually exclusive.

I'm making a bracket called El Capo Guapo de la Copa for my friend group. Anyone else looking for a more fun way to watch the World Cup? 💋⚽️✌🏼