Eric Friedlander

How to Become a Professional Footballer

Sports EN ↓ 149 episodes

How to Become a Professional Footballer with Eric Friedlander; FIFA Licensed Agent, former pro, and ex-GM of a European First Division club; reveals the truth about making it in the game. Hear raw stories from pros, agents, and underdogs chasing contracts. Learn the habits, routines, and mindset you need to break through. Discipline, strategy, and persistence turn overlooked players into professionals. If you want to work with Ric directly, apply here:https://ricfit.typeform.com/apply

Author

Eric Friedlander

Category

Sports

Podcast website

ricfit.typeform.com

Latest episode

Oct 30, 2025

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

The Step by Step Process to Sign a Pro Contract without an EU Passport 30.10.2025

For non-European players, breaking into the professional game overseas can feel impossible without an EU passport. But there’s a proven path. In this episode, we walk through the exact step-by-step process that helps players overcome visa barriers, land trials, and secure contracts abroad. From choosing the right countries to building a standout profile, you’ll learn how to navigate the system and...

Why You’ll Never Go Pro If You Stay in the U.S (The TRUTH) 24.10.2025

The U.S. system is stacked against late bloomers and overlooked players chasing a professional career. In this episode, we break down why staying in the States makes it almost impossible to go pro; and what you need to do instead. From the flaws in college soccer to the realities of the American pathway, we expose the hard truths most players don’t want to hear. If you’re serious about signing a c...

How 7MLC Signed His First Pro Deal at 30 Years Old 22.10.2025

Most players are told their dream is over by their mid-20s; but 7MLC proved otherwise. At 30 years old, he signed his first professional contract, defying every expectation. In this episode, we unpack his late-bloomer journey, the relentless work behind it, and the lessons any player chasing the pro dream can apply. If you’ve ever felt like time is running out, this story shows it’s never too late...

D3 to Bundesliga (An American to Bundesliga) 19.10.2025

Going from U.S. Division 3 college soccer to the Bundesliga sounds impossible; but it’s been done. In this episode, we dive into the journey of an American player who climbed from the overlooked D3 level all the way to Germany’s top flight. You’ll hear the mindset shifts, sacrifices, and strategic moves that made the leap possible. If you’ve ever been told your level or background isn’t enough, th...

How to Sign as a Pro Without Connections 15.10.2025

Most players believe you need an agent, a big academy background, or powerful connections to sign your first pro deal. The truth? You don’t. In this episode, we reveal how overlooked footballers break through without a network of contacts. From building your own opportunities, to crafting a standout profile, to landing trials the smart way; you’ll learn the exact steps that turn underdogs into pro...

Playing for Lyon How to Turn PRO No Matter Where You're From! 15.10.2025

Playing for Lyon How to Turn PRO No Matter Where You're From! In this episode you will hear the story of what it was like to play for Lyon and the lessons learned on the journey to becoming a professional. We break down the mindset, training habits, and career moves that prove it does not matter where you come from or what path you take, there is always a way to reach the pro level. If you are...

From Being Told He'd Never Make It, To Playing In Bundesliga... 12.10.2025

From Being Told He'd Never Make It, To Playing In Bundesliga... This is the story of a player who was counted out early in his career and told he would never make it. Instead of giving up he used that doubt as fuel and went on to play in one of the best leagues in the world, the Bundesliga. In this episode we dive into his journey, the setbacks he had to overcome, and the mindset that carried...

Stop Asking for Trials, Do THIS to Get Signed Instead! 08.10.2025

Stop Asking for Trials, Do THIS to Get Signed Instead! Most players waste years begging for trials and never get the chance they are chasing. In this episode I break down the smarter approach that actually gets you noticed and signed. You will learn how to build leverage as a player, the strategies scouts and agents really respect, and the steps you can take today to stand out without sending thou...

How to Defend Against Messi [Jay DeMerit Story] 05.10.2025

How to Defend Against Messi [Jay DeMerit Story] Former USMNT captain Jay DeMerit shares his story of what it was really like to go up against Lionel Messi on the pitch. From the preparation to the mindset to the reality of trying to stop the best player in the world this is an inside look at a once in a lifetime challenge. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to face greatness head on this story...

What it Actually Takes to Sign at FC Barcelona 01.10.2025

What it Actually Takes to Sign at FC Barcelona Everyone dreams of playing for a club like FC Barcelona but few truly understand the level it takes to get there. In this clip we break down what it really means to sign at one of the biggest clubs in the world. From the insane technical standards to the discipline and sacrifice off the pitch to the mindset that separates the world class from the almo...

24 Tips to Succeed at a Pro Trial (GUARANTEED!) 28.09.2025

24 Tips to Succeed at a Pro Trial: Every footballer dreams of getting their shot at a professional trial; but the truth is, most players blow their opportunity before it even really begins. In this episode, I break down 24 of the most important tips I’ve learned from my own career as a player, GM, and agent. From the small details that scouts are secretly watching, to the mindset and habits that s...

How I Failed to Build a Pro Club Pt. 3 (The Final Episode) 25.09.2025

In the final part of this series, I close out the story of my failed attempt to build a professional football club in Latvia. This is where everything came to a head; the breaking point, the fallout, and the moment I had to walk away. I share the hardest lessons I took from the experience, how I processed the failure, and why it ultimately became one of the most important turning points in my care...

How I Failed to Build a Pro Club Pt. 2 22.09.2025

In Part 2, I continue the story of my attempt to build a professional football club in Latvia, picking up where things started to spiral. I dive into the politics, the broken promises, and the behind-the-scenes chaos that made progress almost impossible. I talk about the mistakes I made as a young GM, the battles I didn’t see coming, and the moments where I realized the dream was slipping away. Th...

How I Failed to Build a Pro Club in Latvia Part 1 19.09.2025

In this episode, I open up about one of the toughest chapters of my football journey; my attempt to build a professional club from the ground up in Latvia. I share the vision I had, the steps I took, and the early momentum that made me believe it could actually happen. But I also reveal the hidden challenges; financial struggles, cultural barriers, and the realities of running a club in a foreign...

Charlie Kelman: Lessons Every Underdog Footballer Needs to Hear (Ep. 116) 16.09.2025

In this episode of How to Become a Professional Footballer , we sit down with Charlie Kelman; a player who’s lived the journey every underdog dreams of. From his rise at Southend United to making the leap into the professional game, Charlie shares the raw truth about what it actually takes to break through. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, doubted, or like time is running out on your career, this c...

How to Sign Your First Pro Deal- 3 Hour Masterclass with RicFit 14.09.2025

Every footballer dreams of signing their first professional contract. But very few actually make it, not because they are not talented enough, but because they do not understand the process. In this special 3 hour masterclass of How to Become a Professional Footballer , we break down everything you need to know to go from overlooked to signed. This is the complete blueprint for players who feel li...

How to Maximize Performance as a Female Footballer- Ep. 115 with Hayley Nolan 10.09.2025

What does it really take for female footballers to reach their peak performance and stand out in the modern game? In this episode of How to Become a Professional Footballer , Ireland international Hayley Nolan shares her journey and the lessons she has learned about maximizing performance as a female player. With the growth of women’s football worldwide, the competition is tougher than ever — whic...

Inside the Mind of a First-Division Club Owner (FK Metta Latvia) 05.09.2025

What does it take to run a first division football club and make the tough decisions that shape players’ careers? In this episode of How to Become a Professional Footballer , we go inside the mind of the owner of FK Metta in Latvia. FK Metta is one of the most respected development clubs in Europe, known for giving opportunities to young and overlooked players to break into the professional game....

The Pre-Game Routine of a Premier League Player [Jack Harrison] 04.09.2025

In this episode Jack Harrison shares the exact pre game routine that prepares him to perform at the highest level in the Premier League. From nutrition and recovery to mindset and focus you’ll hear what goes into his preparation before stepping onto the pitch. This is a rare behind the scenes look at how a top professional gets ready for match day and what you can learn to apply to your own game.

What It’s Like to Defend Messi & Ronaldo and Play Pro for 18 Years | Adrian Mariappa Ep. 114 03.09.2025

What is it like to defend Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo; two of the greatest players of all time; and sustain an 18 year professional career at the top level? In Episode 114 of How to Become a Professional Footballer , Adrian Mariappa pulls back the curtain on life as a true veteran of the game. From the Premier League to international football, Mapps shares the secrets behind his longevity a...

How to Eat Like a Pro Footballer to Fuel Performance 01.09.2025

Eating like a pro footballer isn’t just about calories; it’s about fueling your body for peak performance, faster recovery, and long-term health. In this episode, we break down exactly how professional players approach nutrition so you can apply the same principles to your own game. You’ll learn what to eat before training, how to recover after matches, and the daily habits that separate amateurs...

From Manchester United Reject to Manchester City Star: Jack Harrison’s Journey 30.08.2025

From being released by Manchester United’s academy to signing for Manchester City and carving out a Premier League career; Jack Harrison’s story is the definition of resilience. In this episode of How to Become a Professional Footballer , Jack opens up about the journey most players never hear about: the rejection, the doubts, and the hard choices that ultimately led him to the top. We dive into:...

The Secret That Turned Me Pro As A Teen | Richard Chin Ep. 112 18.03.2024

Richard Chin is an English-born Malaysian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder or full-back for Bath City on loan from Charlton Athletic. You can find Richard on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/richardchin... We thank him for his time! :)

How to Stay Motivated in Football Through Tough Times | Dennis Salanović Ep. 111 26.11.2023

Dennis Salanović is a Liechtensteiner professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for the Liechtenstein national team. You can find Dennis on Instagram here: https://instagram.com/dsalanovic?igsh...

How to Become a Pro Ep. 110- Manny Achol 29.10.2023

Manyumow Achol is a South Sudanese professional footballer who plays as a winger or a midfielder for Vīrsliga club Auda and the South Sudan national team. You can find Manny on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/manyumow.achol/ We thank him for his time! :)

Listen to the How to Become a Professional Footballer podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.