Is 16 Too Late to Go Pro in Soccer? Here’s the Truth

The Age Question: When Is It Really Too Late?

Well, let’s dive into the big question, right? Is 16 really too late to start thinking about going pro in soccer? Honestly, when I first heard someone ask this, I wasn’t sure how to respond. I mean, 16 is still quite young, right? But in soccer, that’s almost like a ticking clock. For some, 16 could be considered "late" to make it to the professional level. But let's unpack this.

The Typical Pro Soccer Journey

To really get into this, you’ve got to understand the usual path most pro soccer players take. Many players, especially those in Europe or South America, begin their serious training at an early age, sometimes as young as 6 or 7. By 16, most of them are already in academy systems, training with the elite clubs. So, yeah, they’ve been at it for almost a decade already.

But here’s the thing: it doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you’re starting at 16. Let me share a quick story. I was chatting with my buddy Sam, a coach for a local youth team, and he mentioned a few cases where players broke through later, even in their late teens. It's rare, sure, but it’s not impossible.

Can You Catch Up at 16?

Now, here’s the part that might make you breathe a little easier—yes, you can catch up. But it’s gonna take some serious work and commitment.

What’s Needed to Go Pro at 16?

If you’re starting at 16, you’ll need more than just talent. You’ll need an insane work ethic, a lot of grit, and, frankly, a bit of luck. Let’s break it down.

• Physical Development: At 16, you're still growing. Some 16-year-olds might already be at their physical peak, while others might take a couple more years to fully mature. The thing is, you’ll need to stay in shape, constantly pushing your limits.

• Skill Refinement: If you haven't already developed strong technical skills, this is the time to double down on them. This is where many late starters struggle, but don’t let that discourage you. I know a few players who’ve turned their weaknesses into strengths by training smarter, not harder.

• Mental Toughness: Going pro isn’t just about physical ability; it’s also about mentality. You need to be able to handle pressure, bounce back from failures, and keep your eyes on the prize.

Training Intensity: Will It Be Enough?

I remember a few years back when a 16-year-old at our local club was desperate to go pro. He wasn’t in an academy, but he trained like he was. He’d wake up at 5 AM, do fitness sessions, go to school, and then practice again in the evening. It was intense. Honestly, it exhausted him, and it led to a lot of burnout. So, yeah, you need to push yourself, but be careful of overtraining. Balance is key.

Real-Life Stories: Late Bloomers Who Made It

Okay, so let’s talk real examples. There are actually a few pros who didn’t hit the big leagues until they were older teens.

Jamie Vardy: A Premier League Success Story

Take Jamie Vardy, for example. This guy didn’t make his debut for Leicester City in the Premier League until he was 27! But before that, he played non-league football until he was 23. Can you believe that? He wasn’t even in an academy at 16. He wasn’t even anywhere near the professional scene. But with sheer determination, he worked his way up through the ranks.

Ibrahimovic: Starting Late but Rising Fast

Then there’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who didn’t make it into professional football until later compared to some of his peers. He wasn’t really picked up by top clubs at 16, but his talent was undeniable. He started playing in smaller Swedish clubs before being scouted by Ajax at 19. Talk about catching up fast!

So, what do these stories tell us? If you’re 16 and you haven’t been recruited yet, don’t lose hope. You don’t need to be in a top academy at 16 to go pro. However, the window to get noticed by big clubs does shrink as you get older, so it’s all about seizing the moment now.

Is It Worth It to Try Going Pro at 16?

Alright, now let’s get to the emotional side of things. You’re 16, and you're serious about becoming a pro soccer player. But is it worth dedicating everything to this dream?

The Sacrifices

You’ll have to make sacrifices, that’s for sure. Your social life will take a hit, you won’t be able to hang out with friends as much, and school might seem like it’s getting in the way. A lot of people I know who pursued soccer as a career at a young age often had to leave their homes for academies, away from family and friends. It's tough.

But on the flip side, if you’ve got the drive and passion, going for your soccer dreams can be the most fulfilling thing. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience.

The Risk vs. Reward

Is the risk worth it? Well, if soccer’s your passion and you’re willing to give it everything, maybe it is. But let’s be real for a second—there’s no guarantee you’ll make it. The competition is fierce, and only a tiny fraction of players make it to the top. That said, even if you don’t make it pro, playing at a competitive level or even just getting better as a player can be incredibly rewarding.

Conclusion: Is 16 Too Late?

Honestly, I think it depends on what you mean by "too late." If you’re starting at 16, you might not be as ahead as someone who's been in an academy for years. But that doesn’t mean you can’t reach your goals. It’ll take more effort, and probably a few years to catch up, but if you're willing to do whatever it takes—training relentlessly, staying disciplined, and pushing yourself mentally—you can absolutely give it a shot.

It’s not impossible. Sure, it’s tough, but that’s what makes it worth it, right?

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.