Insights from Samuele’s Journey
In the fast-paced world of football, agents play a pivotal role in shaping the careers of players, navigating transfers, and handling the complexities of contracts and commercial deals. Samuele, an experienced football agent who has been in the industry for over six years, provides a rare glimpse into the reality of the profession. Far from the glitz and glamour often associated with football agents, Samuele’s day-to-day life is a testament to hard work, dedication, and a genuine passion for the game. This article takes a closer look at a typical day in his life, based on his personal insights and experiences.
1. Starting the Day: Fitness and Family
Samuele’s day typically begins with an early morning workout. Having undergone a knee operation and faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, Samuele found himself at a weight of 92 kilograms—far too heavy for his frame, he admits. In September 2022, he made a conscious decision to improve his fitness, purchasing a pair of Adidas Predator football boots with the aim of returning to five-a-side football. While eleven-a-side matches were too physically demanding, his commitment to fitness has been transformative. Over the past year, Samuele has lost 12 kilograms and, more importantly, feels mentally and physically stronger.
However, fitness is only the first task of the day. After working out, Samuele gets his son, Romeo, ready for nursery. As a father, he cherishes these moments, which offer a sense of normalcy in the midst of a busy schedule. The morning nursery run is a simple but important part of his daily routine, and it sets the tone for a productive day ahead.
2. Work Begins: Managing Communications and Player Updates
Once the nursery drop-off is complete, Samuele heads into the office of Entourage Sports, the football agency where he works. Typically, he commutes via the London Underground, but on this particular day, he drives, giving him the chance to reflect on the tasks ahead. Upon arrival at the office, the first order of business is catching up on a flood of WhatsApp messages. In Samuele’s world, WhatsApp is an essential tool for communication. Agents, players, clubs, and other stakeholders all rely on quick and efficient messaging to stay in touch, especially when dealing with time-sensitive matters.
In addition to WhatsApp, Samuele checks his emails and catches up on news and scores related to the players he represents. Staying informed about their performances and any developments is crucial to his role. Football is a global industry, and matches happen constantly, so agents must stay on top of everything to make informed decisions and provide valuable advice to their clients.
3. Player Representation and Commercial Work
One of the most intriguing aspects of Samuele’s work is the breadth of responsibilities he handles for his players. At Entourage Sports, the agency takes a team-based approach rather than the more traditional individual representation model. Samuele works closely with a variety of players, from emerging talents to established professionals. One of the players he represents is Guglielmo Vicario, the goalkeeper for Tottenham Hotspur, who has recently garnered significant attention for his performances in the Premier League.
Samuele also works on the commercial side of player representation, an area he particularly enjoys. This includes building personal brands, managing social media, and negotiating sponsorship deals. For example, he handles commercial deals for Vicario and collaborates with legends like Marco Materazzi, a former Italian international footballer. This side of the business, though less visible to the public, is crucial in maximizing a player’s financial potential and public profile.
4. Scouting and Match Analysis
A key part of Samuele’s role involves scouting new talent. On this particular day, he prepares for a trip to Bristol, where he will watch the FA Youth Cup. The aim is to scout potential players for future representation, a task that requires a blend of football knowledge, instinct, and careful observation. Before heading to the match, Samuele meets with Gonzalo, an in-house match analyst at Entourage Sports, to review footage of the players they will be watching. This helps them get a better sense of the talent on display and allows them to enter the match with a strategic plan.
The drive to Bristol offers Samuele a moment of reflection. One of the things he loves most about his job is the relationships he builds with his players. “They’re never just clients,” he explains. Agents often form close bonds with their players, offering guidance both on and off the pitch. This personal connection is what makes the job so rewarding for him. It’s not just about negotiating contracts or securing transfers—it’s about helping players navigate their careers and lives.
5. The Match: Scouting Talent
Upon arriving in Bristol, Samuele quickly grabs some food—chicken and rice, his go-to meal when working long hours—and prepares for the match. The stadium atmosphere is charged, as the young players are competing not just for a victory but for their future careers. For Samuele, watching a match is never passive. He takes detailed notes on his iPad, documenting his observations on each player’s performance. This information is then stored in a digital database, allowing him to track players’ progress over time.
Throughout the match, Samuele focuses on finding players who not only display technical ability but also possess the right mentality to succeed in professional football. After the game, he meets with some of the players, giving him a chance to assess their personalities and see if they would be a good fit for the agency. Scouting isn’t just about finding the best footballers; it’s also about identifying individuals with the right character to handle the pressures of a professional career.
6. Late-Night Reflections: Advice for Aspiring Agents
By the time the match ends, it’s late, and Samuele faces a long drive back to London. As he heads home, one question lingers in his mind—how can aspiring football agents break into the industry? It’s a question he often receives in his DMs, and it’s one that he takes seriously.
Samuele acknowledges that becoming a football agent is not easy. The path is filled with long hours, numerous setbacks, and fierce competition. “Don’t do it for the money,” he advises. Those who are motivated purely by financial gain will likely give up long before they see any success. Instead, aspiring agents need to have a genuine passion for football and a willingness to put in the hard work. Building a career in this industry requires patience, perseverance, and, above all, a deep love for the game.
Conclusion: The Reality of Life as a Football Agent
Samuele’s day, while filled with exciting moments, also highlights the less glamorous side of being a football agent. It’s a job that demands dedication, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to the players one represents. From early morning workouts to late-night scouting trips, the life of a football agent is far from easy. Yet, for those who truly love football, like Samuele, it is an incredibly rewarding career. The relationships formed with players, the thrill of discovering new talent, and the opportunity to shape the future of the sport make it all worthwhile.
For anyone aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Samuele’s advice is clear: if you’re not in it for the long haul, you’re in the wrong business. But for those who can’t imagine doing anything else, the journey is well worth the effort.
