France has gradually become the powerhouse of European football in recent times. They rank only behind Germany in the number of World Cup titles won by any European country.
Their success has been driven by immigrants whose parents took a bet to relocate to France to give their kids a better opportunity in the world of football.
This bet has not only paid off for their kids but has changed the financial and influential stories of so many families, in most recent years, that of Kylian Mbappe and Paul Pogba.
These youngsters have changed the lives of their families from obscurity to opulence by their dedication and because their parents believed in them.
In return for a nation, they are ranked the second best in the world, just behind Argentina, the winner of the 2022 World Cup, where they played against incredible France and only won by a whisker and the individual brilliance of their star player and captain (Lionel Messi).
Why don’t you bet on yourself and become the next star?
What is there to lose?
If it works, you not only change your life but that of your family and communities and also contribute to the rich French football heritage and diversity.
Here is a guide on how to relocate to France for a football career.
French National Team Players that are not from France
If you are ready to take the chance on yourself and relocate to France for a football career, here is a list of superstars whose parents/descendants took this route and are living the dream today.
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- Paul Pogba: Guinean parents
- Kylian Mbappe: Cameroonian
- Ngolo Kante: Originally Malian
- Ousmane Dembele: Originally Malian & Senegalese
- Aurelien Tchouameni: Originally Cameroonian
- Steven Ngozi: Originally Congolese
- Blaise Matuidi: Originally Angolan
- Djibril Sidibe: Originally Malian
- Dayot Upamecano: Originally Guinean
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Others with African decents are
- Karim Benzema: Algerian
- Samir Nasri: Algerian
- Patrice Evra: Senegalese
- Abou Diaby: Cote d’Ivoire and Senegalese
- Adii Rami: Moroccan
- Moussa Sissoko: Malian and Senegalese
- Coretin Tolisso: Togolese
- Kingsley Coman: Guinean
Moving to France for a Football Career
As a foreigner and a young adult trying to find a greener pasture to prove yourself in the footballing world, playing in France is what you need to prove yourself on the world stage.
Here is a pre-relocation guide to France and a guide to kickstarting your career as a young talent in French football.
Before Relocation to France for a Football Career
1. Research France Football Clubs
One of the recipes for success is knowledge and being prepared for an opportunity.
In France, there are 4 major tiers, namely
- Ligue 1, comprising of 20 teams
- Ligue 2, comprising of 20 teams
- Championnat National comprising 18 teams
- Championnat National 2, comprising 64 teams
As a young professional who has not been proven on the global stage, you should research more into Ligue 2 and Championnat National for a trial.
2. Improve your French Skills
While this might not be as important as your football skills and abilities, you also need to communicate effectively with your teammates, coach, club staff, and management.
3. Check for Visa Eligibility or Work Permit
As a non-France citizen or permanent resident and also non-European, you need a visa to be able to access France to play football.
You should apply for a special talent visa for highly talented individuals similar to the UK Tier 1 visa.
This visa type is also available to sportsmen, which is a category you fall under.
After getting a visa, you will need a work permit to be able to play professional football in France.
How to Become a Professional Footballer in France
Welcome to France. The next step was the previous step: chase your dreams.
Now you are in France, you are a step closer to your dreams, and it’s not yet the time to pop a champagne or relent.
You have to prove to the world why and how you can become the next global superstar.
Here is a guide on how to become a professional footballer in France.
1. Register with the French Football Federation
To be licensed to play professional football in France, you have to register with the authorised body.
The authorised body in France is the French Football Federation (FFF); they will have to grant you a player’s license before you can play professional football.
2. Reach out to Local French Clubs for a Trial
Remember you searched French football clubs with more emphasis on Ligue 2 and Championnat National? Now is the time to reach out to as many as possible that fit in your footballing philosophy.
Send these clubs highlight videos of you when scoring a spectacular goal, a decisive tackle or interception, a powerful crossing, etc.
Show them enough reasons why they should call you up for a trial or for you to train in their facility.
3. Reach out to Football Agents
Leveraging football agents, most especially local agents is one of the easiest and fastest ways to secure trial and training in football clubs in France or elsewhere in the footballing world.
They have built a great network with clubs, academies, and top players, and they can easily secure a contract with the right pay and terms because their networks trust their recommendations.
Top Football Agents in the World
Football agents, especially the top ones, have a great connection, influence, and experience to help you navigate the murky waters of a professional footballer.
They can help you get the right contract, which includes pay, bonuses, contract duration, promotions, image rights, and other benefits.
Here is a list of the top, reliable, and experienced football agents and companies in the world
- Jorge Mendes/Gestifute Agency: Clients such as Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva
- Raiola Group: Clients such as Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic
- Wilfred Mbappe/KMJ Consulting: Clients such as Mbappe
- Jean-Pierre Bernes/Sogecom: Clients such as Morgan Schneiderlin, Andre-Perre Gignac
- Olivier Vez/Ovation Sports Management: Focused on players in Ligue 1
- Pascal Lenoir/Lenoir Management: Focused on players in Ligue 1
- CAA Sports: Clients such as Mbappe, Neymar Junior
- Louis Dreyfus/LDA Sport Management: Focused on players in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2
- Gregory Carcillo/The Soccer Office: Focused on players in Ligue 1
- David Manasseh/Sports Entertainment Management: Focused on players in Ligue 1