Plan c
Pro soccer player
What they do- Professional soccer players are high-performance athletes who spend their days training, playing, and recovering to compete at the highest level.
Work environment- Professional soccer players work in a high-pressure, physically demanding environment characterized by intense training, frequent travel, and irregular schedules.
How to become one- Becoming a professional soccer player requires elite technical skill, intense physical conditioning, immense mental fortitude, and proactive networking to get scouted. The path involves joining high-level academies (like MLS Next), competing in top travel leagues (ECNL), playing college soccer, or attending open tryouts. Success demands daily training, a strict diet, and creating highlight videos to showcase talent.
pay- Pro soccer player pay varies dramatically by league and skill, with elite global players earning over $60 million annually, while many US-based players in lower leagues make between $30,000–$50,000. Top-tier MLS players can earn $2M+ in base salary, and Premier League stars often earn over $5 million per year.
Job outlook- The job outlook for professional soccer players is positive, with 5% growth projected from 2024–2034, but competition is extremely intense. While soccer popularity rises in the U.S., only roughly 2% of college players turn professional, and professional careers are typically short-term, marked by 1–2 year contracts.
similar occupations- Occupations similar to a professional soccer player involve elite athletic performance, sports science, or direct technical involvement with the game. Key roles include professional athletes in other sports, specialized fitness trainers, coaches, technical analysts, and athletic therapists. These roles focus on high-level movement, competition, or preparing athletes for peak performance.