In the world of football, whether you’re a player, coach, or part of a club’s management, success demands a balance of various qualities.
It’s not just about technical knowledge or experience on the field—it’s about harnessing a combination of key attributes that push individuals and clubs toward their goals.
These qualities range from having the right football background to becoming an excellent team player. Let’s take a closer look at what it takes to succeed in football today.
1. Build a Strong Football Background
You don’t need to have been a professional footballer to succeed in football management or scouting. In fact, having a solid football background can come from various experiences.
Working in your local club or creating your own database of player stats are excellent ways to immerse yourself in the sport. As Victor Orta, sports Director at Sevilla FC, puts it, “You can create your own football ground.”
Building your expertise takes dedication. Start by analyzing matches, researching player performance, or volunteering at grassroots clubs.
In football, experience comes from actively engaging with the game, whether you’re on the field or behind the scenes.
2. A Well-Rounded Education
The days when football management only required tactical knowledge are gone. To succeed in the modern game, you need a well-rounded academic background.
From understanding psychological principles and human resource management to interpreting Big Data and working with contracts, the role of football professionals has expanded far beyond the pitch.
Today, professionals must navigate complex legislation, manage budgets, and even negotiate in multiple languages.
Whether you’re running a team or scouting the next star, having a wide-ranging education ensures you’re prepared for the challenges ahead. As Victor Orta emphasizes, “You need to really have a good range of knowledge.”
3. Passion
Football isn’t just a job—it’s a passion. This isn’t just about loving the game; it’s about being able to maintain that passion through the highs and lows.
Orta shares a personal story: “I still feel the game is the most important thing in my life.” He explains that even after more than three decades in the sport, his love for football hasn’t faded.
Why is passion so important? Because football is unpredictable. One day you might be celebrating a win, and the next, you’re grappling with losses and criticism from social media or fans.
Passion is what keeps you coming back, even when the going gets tough.
4. Team Player: Success Takes a Team
In football, teamwork doesn’t stop at the final whistle. It’s just as important behind the scenes, where being a team player can make or break a club’s success.
In management, you must work closely with others—scouts, analysts, coaches—to create a winning strategy.
Orta explains the importance of surrounding yourself with people who are even better than you in certain areas.
“Surround yourself with the best people,” he says. This isn’t about showcasing leadership; it’s about understanding that true success is built on collaboration.
In football, the best managers know how to balance individual talents for the good of the team, both on and off the field.
5. Knowledge and Qualifications
Finally, having the right qualifications is crucial. Football today is more data-driven and complex than ever before.
Professionals need to master everything from statistics and scouting techniques to sports law and psychology.
This diverse skill set allows them to manage contracts, understand Big Data analytics, and assess both player and team performance at a deeper level.
Orta sums it up well: “In football, you need to know a lot about technical aspects but also about contracts, economics, and even psychology.”
The best football professionals never stop learning, constantly expanding their knowledge to stay ahead in an evolving sport.
Conclusion
Success in football doesn’t come from mastering just one thing. Whether you’re looking to manage a team or become a top scout, you need a combination of experience, academic knowledge, passion, teamwork, and qualifications.
Football is a game of balance, and so is the career that supports it.
By focusing on these essential qualities, you can thrive in the world of football and contribute to your team’s success both on and off the field.