How to play soccer in Europe from Latin America: the real paths

Many players from Latin America dream of playing in Europe, and many make it. But almost never the way social media tells it: there are no magic trials and no contracts you can buy.

European clubs look for talent all over the world and, above all, in each country's leagues and national youth teams. That's why the most common path is to stand out where you play and reach Europe as a well-developed player. And a spell of training in Spain can make the difference in getting there.

Before age 18

As a general rule, FIFA prohibits international transfers of minors. It only allows them in specific cases, such as the family moving to another country for reasons unrelated to football. Federations also set conditions for registering foreign minors. At these ages, what helps most is development: training, competing, studying and discovering a different football culture.

From age 18

You can now sign for a club in another country. Many players start in lower or semi-professional divisions and work their way up: what matters is getting into the system and proving your level by playing.

1. Stand out in your own country

Playing regularly in a good academy, in the professional league or in your country's youth national teams is the most common way to get noticed by European scouts.

2. Train for a spell in Spain

A few weeks or a season training with the Spanish methodology teaches you the pace of decisions, the level of demand and the language of European football. You go home a better player or, if you're already 18, continue your journey from here.

3. Study and play

Long stays in Spain require a student stay authorisation. Combining studies and football lets you keep developing as a player without neglecting your future.

4. A European passport

If you have Italian, Spanish or Portuguese ancestors, check whether you can obtain their nationality. Professional competitions limit how many non-EU players each team can register, so a European Union passport opens many doors. In addition, nationals by origin of Ibero-American countries can apply for Spanish nationality after two years of legal residence in Spain.

5. International tournaments

Tournaments with teams from several countries bring together coaches and scouts. They're a good showcase and, above all, a way to test yourself against other styles of play.

• Short stays: with many Latin American passports, no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days in Spain, but it depends on your nationality.
• Long stays: to study or train for more than 90 days you need a student stay authorisation, which is processed at the Spanish consulate.
• Minors: also need authorisation from their parents or guardians and the documents required by the airline and their country.

Requirements vary by country and situation, so always confirm them with the Spanish consulate that covers you.

Unfortunately, some people take advantage of players' and families' dreams. Be wary if you see any of these signs:

• You're promised a contract in exchange for paying for a trial, a trip or a “programme”.
• The agent has no FIFA licence. Since 2023 it has been mandatory for anyone involved in international transfers.
• You're rushed to pay or sign without time to ask questions.
• Nobody explains who coaches, where the player will live, who supervises them or how they'll continue their studies.

Questions any academy should answer

• Who coaches, and with what licence?
• Where does the player live, and who supervises them, including at night?
• How do they continue their studies?
• What medical insurance do they need?
• What happens when the programme ends?

Global Football Total's answers are in our guide for families.

We don't promise contracts. What we do is develop players: UEFA-licensed coaches, a 100% Spanish methodology, a residence with 24-hour supervision and academic education.

• Player Test (ages 6 to 18, 1 to 4 weeks): we assess you and you receive a report with the path to keep improving.
• International Team (ages 15 to 18, 2 to 10 months): a season to adapt to the Spanish methodology in a team with players from different countries.
• Pro Player Program (ages 15 to 21, 10 months): combines the International Team with competitive teams at our partner clubs.