Former Ghana international Kevin-Prince Boateng says his football agency, Rookie & Champ, aims to groom, guide, and mentally shape the next generation of stars.
The former AC Milan, Tottenham, and Barcelona midfielder says the agency is not just about signing players—it’s about preparing them for life in football’s unpredictable spotlight.
“I went pro at 18 and I was loving it,” he recalled at the TransferRoom summit.
“Then I moved to Tottenham. Ten days later, the coach said, ‘I don’t want you.’ That moment changed everything for me.”
Now, Boateng wants to be the voice he didn’t have at the time.
In an era where players can rise to fame with a single goal or viral moment, Boateng believes mental readiness is more important than ever.
“Today, you score one goal or play well for half a season, and suddenly you’re worth 30 million. You get 100,000 followers overnight—and then you start chasing 200,000. It’s hard to keep players grounded,” he explained.
That’s why Rookie & Champ is designed to prioritise mindset, not just market value.
“We select players who are mentally stable. And we involve their parents deeply. That’s key.”
Boateng admits he often thinks about what could’ve been with the right guidance.
“If I had this, I would’ve played ten straight years at Real Madrid. Absolutely.”
But more than regrets, his focus now is on building futures—developing players who are ready for pressure, expectations, and life beyond the pitch.
“You have a Rookie & Champ player at 18—he’s ready for everything. He can take a penalty in front of 50,000. Not just because of talent, but because he’s prepared for the moment.”
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