5 Steps to Take Before Becoming a Football Agent

Becoming a football agent takes more than passion for the game. You need preparation, knowledge, and skills before you even start representing players. Here are five steps to set yourself up for success.

1. Understand the Football Business

Football is a business. Agents must see beyond the pitch.

  • Learn about player contracts, image rights, sponsorships, and transfers.
  • Study financial management, negotiation, and marketing.
  • Understand the role agents play in a player’s career and in club operations.

The Sports BE Football Agent Essentials has been created for aspiring and new licensed football agents to learn the essentials of the business. It helps those sitting the exam understand why some regulations are in place, how certain regulations work in real-life and for newly licensed agents to prevent them from making some simple mistakes.

2. Understand Your Local Football Market

Know the landscape before reaching out to players or clubs. Every region has its own dynamics, opportunities, and challenges.

  • Research clubs, leagues, and player pathways.
  • Understand salary ranges, typical contracts, and common transfer practices.
  • Identify gaps where you can provide value.

This knowledge will prove to invaluable once you got your licence. It will also help you start to build your football agent network.

3. Research the Lower Leagues

Many agents overlook lower leagues, but these can be where opportunities and talent are plentiful.

  • Track players rising through the tiers.
  • Build relationships with clubs and coaches who often manage these players.
  • Understand what motivates clubs in lower leagues: development, promotion, or player sales.

The majority of new licensed football agents are unlikely to sign a Premier League superstar as their first client. Develop your skill and confidence by understanding the lower leagues, the players and the pathways. Invaluable research and preparation when you get your licence.

4. Develop Other Skills – Scouting and Data Analysis

Being an agent isn’t just about contracts. Your value comes from knowledge, insight, and connections.

  • Learn scouting techniques to spot promising talent early.
  • Attend events, trials, and matches to meet players and club staff.
  • Practice networking with honesty and professionalism.

Understanding the game, the tactics, the strategies, the levels of players required and how to use data, will be a great asset to you develop as a football agent. There are many scouting courses online that can help you build your knowledge.

5. Prepare for the FIFA Agent Exam

Passing the exam is your first formal step. It proves you understand FIFA regulations and are legally eligible to operate as an agent.

  • Study the FIFA and national association regulations thoroughly.
  • Take practice exams to familiarise yourself with the format and question style.
  • Join courses or mentorship programs that break down exam content.

Starting a career as a football agent without preparation is risky. Focus on understanding the business, learning the market, and developing your skills first. When you step into the profession with knowledge and strategy, you position yourself to succeed.

 

If you’re serious about becoming a football agent, this is your roadmap.

Want to become an agent or grow your client base?

Join our next Football Agent Exam Training or learn how to work in the business with our Football Agent Essentials course and Football Agent Business Mentorship.

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"I highly recommend the FIFA Agent Exam training course designed and taught by John Print. With over 20 years of experience as a football agent and exceptional teaching skills, John provides everything you need to pass the exam. His deep knowledge and accessibility make him the perfect guide for aspiring agents. I started with no prior experience, and in just three months, I passed the exam and earned my FIFA license—100% thanks to John's course."

 

Caroline Cuozzi – FIFA Licensed Football Agent

"The Sports Business Education FIFA Football Agent Exam Training Course was a huge help in my preparation for the exam. The course provided an unmatched level of detail, making it easier to navigate the complex FIFA Agent Regulations. John Print was an excellent tutor, breaking everything down clearly and guiding me through the entire process. Based on my experience, I highly recommend this course to any aspiring agents looking to prepare properly. A big thank you to John and Sports Business Education for their support—I passed on my first attempt!"

 

Evan Moran – FIFA Licensed Football Agent

After completing the Sports BE program, I became a key figure in African football. I have been fortunate enough to be involved in some high-profile transfers across North America and Europe, helping young African talent break into the global stage.

 

– Emmanuel, Licensed FIFA Football Agent

I was privileged to be part of the Business of a Football Agent course where John Print was our facilitator. John is so good at what he does, I learnt so much from him. I used to think I knew everything about the soccer agency business, but this course went much deeper than books and what I read online. I now feel prepared to step out there and fully get involved in the industry!

 

– Edem  Attipoe – FIFA Licensed Football Agent.

"Sports BE has really opened my eyes to the business. Their curriculum is detailed and covers aspects, I've never even thought about when it comes to football player representation. John is a knowledgable and dedicated mentor, that has helped me develop my business as a football agent."

 

– Kieran Brown, FIFA Licensed Football Agent.

"I have know John Print ever since I decided to develop a career as a football agent. He has helped me considerably. Not just to learn the business of recruiting, promoting and negotiating, but the intricacies of passing the FIFA Football Agent Exam. He's helped to turn my dreams of being a football agent into reality."

 

– Prosper Adangwa – FIFA Licensed Football Agent

Why Trust Sports BE

GET AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION

Get a step ahead of the competition as a FIFA Football Agent. Learn the skills, build your knowledge and develop your network.

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Proven Results: Over 200 students have passed the FIFA Agent Exam with our guidance.

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Practical Learning: Focus on real-world applications, contracts, networking, and client acquisition.

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Ongoing Mentorship: Access to a network of agents and ongoing support.

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Global Perspective: Courses tailored for agents working internationally.

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