From Germany’s 3. Bundesliga player to one of America’s most trusted advisors for aspiring professional soccer players, Eddie Loewen has built a reputation for helping young talent cross the Atlantic to play in Europe. As the Co-Founder of International Soccer Academy and the Founder of Global Soccer Development (GSD), Loewen has helped 100+ youth soccer players earn coveted trials and contracts with top clubs, especially in Germany’s highly competitive football system.
Loewen is known for opening doors for U.S. and Canadian players looking to make it in Europe — including trials at clubs like FC Schalke 04 and other Bundesliga football clubs. With thousands of young American players dreaming of playing abroad, but only a fraction ever securing professional contracts in Europe, Loewen shares invaluable insights on what it really takes to succeed.
In this exclusive interview with Diane Scavuzzo for SoccerToday, Eddie Loewen candidly discusses the pitfalls players and parents often fall into — from impatience and poor decision-making to the dangers of trusting the wrong agents. 
READ: Elite Summer Soccer Camp with Top German DFB Coaches
Key Points For Soccer Player Success:
- Impatience is the biggest mistake players make – many players expect quick results and fail because they want to take a short cut.
- A career is built on playing time, not just contracts or higher wages.
- Moving to a bigger club doesn’t always benefit the player or mean more playing time; players often end up on the bench.
- Parents can unintentionally hurt their soccer players’ careers by making hasty decisions without understanding the soccer business.
SoccerToday Diane Scavuzzo’s Interview with Eddie Loewen
Diane Scavuzzo: What is the biggest mistake players make when trying to play professionally in Europe?
Eddie Loewen: Being impatient. Too many players want results immediately, but development takes time, discipline, and trust in the process. It takes time to build a successful soccer career. Players need to be resistant to frustration. Talent is not enough. A soccer player who wants to be successful as a professional player needs to be resilient.
Diane Scavuzzo: There seems to be a Grand Canyon between what players do and what they should do. Why is that?
Eddie Loewen: A lot of it comes down to restlessness. Players don’t always understand that reaching the next level is built through quiet, consistent hard work. Big moments like moving from the 4th division to the 3rd don’t happen overnight. They are earned step-by-step.
The appearance of spectacular results often comes from unspectacular training
Diane Scavuzzo: How do soccer agents impact players’ careers?
Eddie Loewen: Once players enter professional football in Europe, agents often appear promising better deals or higher divisions. The truth is, agents make money on player transfers — usually around 10% of the player’s annual salary and sometimes a bonus from the club. Unfortunately, many agents push moves that aren’t in the player’s best interest.
Diane Scavuzzo: Why do so many players who transfer end up unhappy?
Eddie Loewen: Because they land at bigger, often more prestigious clubs, but they don’t get minutes. The transfer can look impressive on paper but in real life it can be very different.
At top clubs, coaches rotate players because of busy schedules. A player who moves for a better paycheck but ends up sitting on the bench often regrets it. Playing time is everything.
Diane Scavuzzo: So agents sometimes push moves that are short-term wins but long-term setbacks?
Eddie Loewen: Exactly. A player’s career is built on the minutes he or she plays, not the money made from a transfer.
Players need to recognize the importance of self-reflection in football. Many players overlook their present situation and focus solely on the future … and never get to where they want, or where their talent could have soared.
Diane Scavuzzo: What about parents—do they contribute to this problem?
Eddie Loewen: Parents want what’s best for their kids, but they can be impatient, too. They don’t always understand how the business side of football works. Relationships and reputation matter more than flashy moves.
Diane Scavuzzo: Do players need agents?
Eddie Loewen: Not necessarily. You can have an attorney help with contracts. Players and parents just need to be careful and surround themselves with trustworthy people.
Diane Scavuzzo: What are the top mistakes parents make?
Eddie Loewen: Number one is impatience.
Parents often think fast action equals progress, but true development is steady and deliberate. Another mistake is listening to agents who come in with exciting promises. Sometimes you need to stay quiet and trust the process.
Diane Scavuzzo: Why do so few players actually make it?
Eddie Loewen: It’s about endurance — resisting frustration and staying committed. Social media adds pressure by showcasing highlight reels of success, making young players feel like they’re missing out. The key is to stay grounded and find mentors who will tell you the hard truths.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do players need most to succeed?
Eddie Loewen: Discipline, self-reflection, and humility. Players need to show up every day with a great attitude, take care of their bodies, and be consistent. It’s about mastering the step you’re on before reaching for the next one.
Diane Scavuzzo: Can you share an example of a player who did this right?
Eddie Loewen: Deniz Undav is a great example. He played in Germany’s 4th tier, moved to the 3rd, then climbed to Belgium’s 1st Division, and now he’s playing in the Bundesliga. His journey took over a decade.
Diane Scavuzzo: What’s your biggest advice for young players?
Eddie Loewen: Ignore the noise. Don’t be swayed by promises of quick success. Build your foundation, and don’t burn bridges — football is about relationships, not just talent. Talent will open the door, but your character and work ethic will keep you there.
More Key Tips For Avoiding Common Mistakes
Agents often push for transfers that benefit them financially but may not be in the player’s best interest.
Agents typically earn a percentage of a player’s salary and signing bonuses, incentivizing them to encourage moves.
Trust is critical – players should work with mentors and coaches who give honest feedback, even if it’s tough to hear.
Players need to master their current level before seeking to climb higher.
Relationships are essential in football – success isn’t just about talent but also about building trust and rapport.
Self-reflection and teachability are key traits for professional growth.
Discipline off the field is vital – maintaining good nutrition, avoiding alcohol, and living like a professional even before becoming one.
**Resilience and patience are required
Many elite youth soccer players would like soccer trials in Germany and with European professional clubs. However, many soccer players make serious mistakes, falling victim to soccer agents with big promises that ultimately fall short of expectations. In this exclusive Eddie Loewen interview, the former Bundesliga pro player shares critical insights on making it as a pro soccer player. For more information on trials, please reach out to [email protected]
