How to Become a Professional Soccer Player in the U.S: 5 Ways
Becoming a professional soccer player is one of the most common dreams that many players around the world share, but it is also one of the hardest to accomplish. The reality of professional soccer is that only about 0.1% of all players make it pro, and even a smaller percentage play at the highest level that we see on TV, such as the UEFA Champions League and the World Cup.
In the United States, it is even harder to become a professional soccer player because the first division league in the cBecoming a professional soccer player is one of the most common dreams that many players around the world share, but it is also one of the hardest to accomplish. In reality, only about 0.1% of all players make it pro, and even fewer play at the highest level we see on TV, such as the UEFA Champions League and the World Cup.
In the United States, it is even harder to become a professional soccer player because the top division operates under a closed system, meaning there is no promotion or relegation between professional and semi-professional leagues. This eliminates lower-league teams because they have no pathway to move up to Major League Soccer, or even the USL Championship, the second tier of professional U.S. soccer, based on performance.
While becoming a professional soccer player is one of the hardest jobs in the world to get, it is entirely possible if you’re willing to train with purpose consistently over a long period of time to improve the key pillars of player development: talent, game IQ, mindset, athleticism, fitness, recovery, and discipline. If you want to watch the best video on how to actually go pro in soccer, this is by far the best one by Joe Funicello, an ex-professional soccer player and founder of SoccerViza.
As a player from the United States, I’ve played at various levels of the U.S. soccer pyramid, from college to UPSL and SWPL, but I haven’t played professional soccer. I am still an amateur player, which is why, on this topic, it is best to learn from someone who’s actually done it; but I am also a coach, trainer, and sports coordinator, and I’ve been involved with the beautiful game basically my entire life.
In the next section, I’ll break down the different pathways available to become a professional soccer player from the United States.
How do you become a Pro Soccer Player if You’re from the United States?
To summarize the video above, Joe Funicello breaks down the real journey behind becoming a professional soccer player, not the version shown on social media or by influencers, but the one that most starting professional players actually experience. He explains that going pro isn’t only about talent and training hard because these are things all serious players should already be doing, no questions asked, such as:
- Developing a real passion and love for the game
- Training with the highest level team possible consistently (2-4 times a week)
- Playing a lot of small-sided games, pickup games, futsal, and other variations of the game (2-4 times a week)
- Developing the unique talent that helps you stand out
- Understanding the game
- Developing an elite Mindset
- Developing elite athleticism and fitness
- Optimizing your overall recovery (sleep, nutrition, hydration, supplementation, EMF exposure)
However, even if you do all of these things and more, that still doesn’t guarantee you’ll make it as a professional soccer player, especially if you’re from the United States. Joe Funicello emphasizes that the process requires much more than training hard and performing well locally.
You need to understand how the global soccer industry works, where opportunities actually exist, what countries you can play in, what leagues you can play in, what your current level is, and what sacrifices you’ll have to make along the way. Most players from the U.S., except the top 1% who get signed through the different ways II’llexplain next, will have to move abroad, start at the bottom in smaller leagues, often earn little to no money, and live in unfamiliar environments to kickstart their dreams.
While the journey to becoming a professional player is different for everyone, several legitimate pathways still exist to go pro in the United States, though they make up an even smaller percentage of players.
Be Talented Enough to Get Signed by a Professional Team
The simplest way to become a professional soccer player, but also the hardest, is to be talented enough to get signed directly by a professional team through your skills, consistency, and standout performances in competitive matches. Players develop their talent at different rates, which is why doing the right things from a young age and over a long period of time, such as improving your talent, game IQ, mindset, athleticism, fitness, and recovery habits, can increase your chances of being noticed by scouts and professional clubs.
Join a Professional Youth Academy
If you’re a talented youth player, joining a professional youth academy can help you get into the professional game, especially if you’re one of the best and most consistent players there. These academies provide access to top-tier coaching, competitive matches, and consistent physical and mental training designed to prepare young athletes for the demands of professional soccer, but just because you’re in an academy doesn’t guarantee success; you still need to stand out every day through effort, attitude, and continuous improvement.
Play College Soccer
College soccer offers one of the most direct pathways for American players to gain exposure while continuing their education and athletic development, but only for the small percentage of elite college players who get drafted in the MLS SuperDraft. College soccer lets student-athletes get an education while playing the sport they love, but it’s not really a path into the professional game unless you’re in that top 1% at that time.
Attend Lower- League Club Tryouts, Combines, and Showcases
Joining a lower-league club, becoming the best player on that team and in the league, or attending combines and showcases can open the door to becoming a professional soccer player because it gives you exposure and allows you to build a name for yourself. Although this is rare in the United States because of the closed system, the best players who perform well, show professionalism, and stay consistent in lower leagues occasionally get the chance to compete at a higher level, like Yan Diomande.
Move Abroad
If you’re in the large percentage of players who do not fall into any of the categories above, or you already missed your chance because of age or limited opportunities in the U.S., moving abroad can be the best decision you’ll ever make for your soccer career. Many American players have gone overseas to start in lower divisions, gain valuable experience, and work their way up, proving that dedication, adaptability, and risk-taking can open doors that don’t exist in the closed U.S. soccer system.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a professional soccer player from the United States is an incredibly challenging journey, but not an impossible one for those who commit 100%. The truth is, talent alone isn’t enough; you need discipline, perseverance, and a deep love for the game to push through the setbacks that every aspiring player experiences.
Whether you’re training with a local club, playing college soccer, or chasing your dream abroad, focus on continuous growth both on and off the field. The players who make it are not always the most talented but the most consistent, humble, and hungry to learn every single day; they have a plan and do not quit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hard to become a professional soccer player?
Yes, becoming a professional soccer player is extremely difficult because the competition is global and the margins for success are incredibly small. Only a tiny fraction of players ever reach the professional level, which requires not just talent but years of disciplined training, mental resilience, and the ability to perform consistently under pressure in highly competitive environments.
How much do pro soccer players get paid?
Professional soccer player salaries vary widely by country, league, and level of play. Top players in professional leagues like the Premier League or MLS can earn millions per year, while players in lower divisions often earn decent wages, receive housing or other benefits, or may even have to work a second job depending on the contract.
What gear and equipment are needed to improve my soccer skills?
The best thing about soccer is that you don’t need much equipment or accessories to start playing and improving. All you really need is a soccer ball, but the more seriously you want to play, the more gear you will need, such as soccer cleats, shin guards, socks, shorts, and equipment such as cones, rebounders, ball pumps, soccer bags, etc.as cones, rebounders, ball pumps, soccer bags, etc.
