2.3.2. Career Transition

Career Transition

There has to be life after football for players

The career of a footballer is short at the best of times, and can be cut even shorter due to forced retirement. While most people have forty years or more to earn money in their chosen field, players generally have less than half that time to contribute to their life savings. Only a small number of players can achieve lifetime financial security from their professional playing careers. And even if a player can do so, there is a whole life ahead of them upon retirement. Having something at hand, contribution to and being part of society is really important for their mental wellbeing. 
It is therefore imperative for footballers to be able to transition smoothly into a post-playing career.

What you should know

Transiting into a post-playing career is challenging for a variety of reasons

These include but are not limited to, a lack of qualifications, limited work experience, and a loss of identity

FIFPRO works closely with national player unions to help players prepare

This could be through higher education, raising awareness of the career opportunities that are available, or even simply making players aware of the transferable skills that they already possess

The environment should step up to support players in this process

Encouragement by all those in their environment (i.e., parents, coaches, clubs, agents, national governing bodies, player associations etc.) is vital to help players prepare for the day that they stop playing professional.

Karen Carney VISA Pundit