Soccer Agent FAQ

Becoming a Soccer Agent

How do you become a soccer agent?

To become a licensed soccer agent, you apply through the FIFA Agent Platform, meet FIFA's eligibility requirements, and pass the FIFA Football Agent Exam, which FIFA holds once a year. Agents who were already licensed under earlier rules may be exempt from the exam. Structured training such as SMWW's Soccer Agent course, taught by a licensed FIFA agent, is a common starting point

Do you need a FIFA license to work as a soccer agent?

To represent players in international transfers, you need a FIFA license, and your national federation may add its own requirements. SMWW's Soccer Agent course is open to people with or without a license, and it covers the regulations you need to understand. If you want to pursue licensing, SMWW's FIFA Agent Prep course focuses on the exam. You don’t have to wait for your license to get started: SMWW students can co-represent players alongside SMWW’s FIFA-licensed agents right away.

How much do soccer agents make?

Soccer agents commonly earn about three percent to ten percent of a player's contract value, depending on the player, league, and deal. FIFA's planned service fee caps remain suspended while legal challenges in Europe continue, so fees vary by market and federation rules. Agents can also earn from endorsement and image rights deals.

What does a soccer agent do?

A soccer agent represents players in dealings with clubs and companies. That includes recruiting and promoting players, negotiating contracts, managing transfers, securing endorsements, and handling image rights, while following FIFA and national regulations.

How do soccer agents find players to represent?

Agents build relationships through scouting, networking, and a strong personal brand, then promote their players to clubs. SMWW's Soccer Agent course teaches client recruitment and promotion strategies across leagues and countries.

Do you need to be a lawyer to become a soccer agent?

No, you do not need to be a lawyer to become a soccer agent. While some agents have a legal background, many successful agents start with the right training and a passion for the game. SMWW's Soccer Agent course gives you the practical tools to get started, and lawyers can always handle contract fine print.

What makes a great soccer agent?

A great agent builds authentic relationships, earns trust, and helps athletes achieve their goals. Players choose agents who are genuine, friendly, and dependable, who carry real integrity, and who go above and beyond for their clients.

Can I represent women's soccer players?

Yes. SMWW's Soccer Agent course teaches how to represent men's and women's players around the world.

About the SMWW Soccer Agent Course

Who teaches the Soccer Agent course?

The course is taught by two licensed FIFA agents: Maikel Tsuji, a former professional player and SMWW’s Director of Soccer Operations, and Mario Iveljic, an SMWW graduate, attorney and founder of Chicago-based Mag Mile Sport, whose client Chris Brady was named to the 2026 U.S. World Cup roster. SMWW President and certified NFL agent Dr. Lynn Lashbrook also teaches. Students join live weekly Zoom sessions with the mentors.

What topics does the Soccer Agent course cover?

The eight-week course covers the FIFA Football Agent Regulations, domestic compliance, transfer procedures, contract negotiation, client recruitment and promotion, endorsements and image rights, and how to build your personal brand as an agent.

What is the difference between the Soccer Agent course and FIFA Agent Prep?

The Soccer Agent course teaches the business of representing soccer players, from recruiting to contracts and transfers. FIFA Agent Prep is focused on passing the FIFA Football Agent Exam. Many aspiring agents take FIFA Agent Prep to earn their license and the Soccer Agent course to learn how to build a client list.

Should I take Athlete Management or Soccer Agent first?

The Soccer Agent course is introductory, so you can start there if soccer is your focus. SMWW's Athlete Management course gives a general overview of the agent business across all sports, and many students take both.

What happens after I complete the Soccer Agent course?

Graduates receive an SMWW Certificate of Accomplishment, a professionally redesigned resume, and an invitation to join the SMWW Soccer Agency as an agent advisor, with the opportunity to co-represent athletes and build a client list. A position is not guaranteed, but it gives you a structured path to begin.

Can I take the course without working for SMWW?

Yes. Some graduates go on to work for other agencies and others start their own, and the choice is always yours.

How is the Soccer Agent course taught online?

The course runs for eight weeks with weekly live, interactive Zoom sessions with your mentors, plus online coursework you can complete around your schedule. Students join from countries around the world and must be 18 or older.

What if I need one-on-one help?

SMWW staff are available by phone throughout the course for one on one help with coursework, live sessions, or career questions. Call 1-877-SMWW-NOW in the United States and Canada, +44 (0)871 288 4799 in the United Kingdom, or +1-503-445-7105 from anywhere else. Our offices are in Portland, Oregon, and London, England.