What you should know
There is more than formal education
There are various forms of education: degrees, diplomas, or skill development. All forms help players to develop and one is not necessarily better than another.
Benefits of study
Studying while playing professionally has many benefits for players, such as reducing the pressure of football, increasing preparedness for the transition into a post-playing career, and developing other identities.
It will not be easy to study while playing professional
An education takes time and effort and managing multiple demands is very challenging.
Player story
Patrik Raitanen: "How modelling changed my perspective on football"
Finnish defender Patrik Raitanen plays for IFK Mariehamm. The former Liverpool academy player balances his football career with professional modelling work. In 2020 he experienced negative treatment as a player due to his appearance, which impacted his mental well-being.
