As I’ve always said, and will continue to say, there are people in different countries or continents who still don’t realize the opportunities available for young players to reach the highest levels. Players aged 14, 15, and 16 are already showing the potential to achieve greatness.
But we always hear the same questions:
*“He’s too young.”
“He needs more time.”
“He needs more maturity.”
“It’s too much for him.”*
The question then becomes: when will the opportunity come? The development process must be structured to help the player reach that level. As you know, it starts with a few minutes of play, then progresses to more minutes, then 45 minutes, and from there, as confidence, ambition, enthusiasm, and responsibility grow, the player’s development becomes a reality. This process is an investment made by the club, one that requires both short-term and long-term vision. It’s not just about what’s done on the field directly—everything is a process, and it needs to be managed wisely.
Starting young is crucial because at that age, you can see where corrections and improvements need to be made, where to push harder, and where to continue development.
I don’t want to mention specific names, but continents like Europe, South America, Oceania, and Africa are showing signs of development. However, in some places, that potential hasn’t fully crystallized. Here in South Africa, there’s a sense of hesitation. Few teams, especially those that don’t have the means of the upper-middle class, invest in young players, develop them, and then sell them as a good investment. On the other hand, bigger teams with more economic stability don’t need to sell; they give young players a real chance. That’s why I stress that, with 56 million inhabitants, South Africa has enough talent to develop the best players and create a strong international market.
We often see young players appear in one game, but then they vanish or only appear sporadically. We need to give them time and opportunity, and most importantly, we need to believe in youth.
Their development is crucial, both on and off the field. We need to guide them in how they spend their free time, how they analyze their performance, and how they grow. It’s about more than just football; it’s about personal development, family, and the people around them. Family plays a vital role.
GIVE OPPORTUNITIES TO YOUNG PLAYERS, BELIEVE IN THE YOUTH, AND DON’T WASTE TALENT. AVOID FAVORITISM.
This takes me back to my youth. When I was young, I played in the second professional league, where I became the champion, top scorer, and best player, all in the same year. I was also part of the youth and senior teams, each step guided by my coaches and my family.
That’s why it’s important now to teach young players what it means to be professional and how much sacrifice it takes. Players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and many others came from poor, disadvantaged backgrounds. It wasn’t easy. Their individual work—arriving early for training, doing extra work before and after—helped them not only improve their physical skills but also strengthen their mental resilience.
Families, don’t let your young players live alone or be away from home for long periods. Keep them close, and always guide them. The wrong environments can be dangerous.
We’ll continue discussing the passion of football and the surprise stars that emerge every day in this world of football.
Keep reading this page.
Greetings,
Prof. Augusto Palacios
