With the possible exception of Kylian Mbappé, most top players use an agent or agency to manage their careers. It is sometimes a very close member of the family, a father or a brother for example, but the sportsmen most often take advice from a real professional whose job it is. However, are there real recognized training courses to become a football agent ?
What does a football agent do?
Before embarking on a career as a football agent, it is essential to fully understand the many facets of this profession, which is not all about glitter and TV interviews. A football agent is 100% at the service of his client and he must take care of many subjects, from the most essential to the most anecdotal. Of course, the agent manages his client’s sports and advertising contracts, but he may also be called upon to intervene in his personal life, a bit like a friend.
- Look for talent
A key part of the job is attending football matches and sporting events to find the players you will work with . You must know the world of professional football perfectly in order to be able to unearth future “nuggets”.
- Find the opportunities
After making a contract that binds you to a player, you need to find the best club for him, taking into account several elements. Thus, the highest ranked club willing to pay the most will not necessarily be the best for your player. Because a player put in strong competition can be brought to play a role of substitute: your foal must on the contrary prove himself on the ground to demonstrate all his talents. It is therefore above all not a question of making a “coup” but of thinking in terms of a long-term career.
- Manage communications
A player’s agent must promote his clients in the media , respond to press requests, organize interviews and set up promotional and event appearances. Some agents even manage their clients’ social media accounts.
- Sign collaborations
The agent supports the personal marketing of his client (outside the club) by signing exclusive agreements with brands within the framework of branding, sponsorship or advertising operations.
- Negotiate contracts
One of the essential functions of the football agent is to negotiate contracts with the club, with the legal assistance of a lawyer, to ensure that they respect the wishes of the player. The agent is also likely to intervene at any time in the event of a dispute.
- Take care of the well-being of the player
The agent is also the confidant to whom the player can speak and ask for advice if he experiences personal problems ( divorce, lack of motivation, etc.) or if he feels under pressure.
Become a football agent
There are many steps you need to follow to become a football agent. Start by taking an interest in the football market: the transfer costs, average salaries and bonuses received by the various players in the professional divisions in France but also internationally should no longer hold any secrets for you!
You must also understand how to position a player in the market, that is to say, be able to estimate the salary he could receive. Finally, it is strongly recommended to learn to anticipate the needs of the clubs , and to establish permanent contact with them. You will be able to intervene quickly to propose one of your players in order to solve a strategic problem of workforce.
One of the main tasks of a football agent is to examine and verify contracts, so it is essential to have a fairly advanced notion of law. You don’t need to be a lawyer (even if that can help) but you must master the essential points and know what to look for: fixed and variable compensation, bonuses, termination clauses…
It is generally advisable to learn the trade by first joining an agency specializing in career management for professional footballers. You will be better supervised and you will be able to progress more quickly.
It is generally said that the job of football agent is learned on the pitch. This is partly true, insofar as there is not really a specific diploma. However, it is necessary to obtain a license of aptitude to practice, issued after passing an examination which includes two tests and relates in particular to questions of law (sports law, social law, tax law, contract law, etc.) . Be careful though: the exam is quite complex and 80% of candidates fail!
Obtaining a management degree is strongly recommended because a recognized certification will allow you to immediately establish your credibility and gain authority. It goes without saying that a solid knowledge of sports marketing, finance, sponsorship and project management will be a serious added value when you decide to take the plunge.
Finally, never forget to develop your personal qualities in addition to your technical skills. A successful career as a footballer’s agent requires knowing how to negotiate, listening well, being ambitious, enthusiastic, confident and passionate… It’s basically much more than just a job!
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