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At 19, Erling Haaland was already scoring goals in the Bundesliga.
Phil Foden was already playing for Manchester City.
And Tijjani Reijnders?
HE WAS WORKING AT ALDI.
After school, he rode his bicycle to a supermarket in Zwolle, Netherlands.
For four hours, he worked at the checkout and filled shelves with products.
At the same time, he dreamed of becoming a professional footballer.
But his dream seemed very far away.
HE WASN'T A YOUNG SUPERSTAR.
Reijnders had spent time in the FC Twente academy, but his journey was not straightforward.
He returned to amateur football at CSV '28 before getting another opportunity at PEC Zwolle.
Even there, success did not come immediately.
He was sitting on the bench for the Under-19 team.
Then he wasn't even selected for a match squad.
Imagine that.
You're 19.
You work in a supermarket.
You struggle to get minutes in youth football.
And you watch other players your age becoming professionals.
How many young footballers would start believing their opportunity had already disappeared?
BUT REIJNDERS DIDN'T STOP.
His father, a former professional footballer, helped him understand that talent alone was not enough.
He had to take responsibility for his development.
He continued working.
He continued training.
And slowly, things began to change.
THE OPPORTUNITY FINALLY ARRIVED.
In 2017, Reijnders moved to AZ Alkmaar.
But he didn't immediately become a first-team star.
He played for Jong AZ.
He spent time on loan at RKC Waalwijk.
He had to prove himself again and again.
It took years before he became an important player in AZ's first team.
Then his career moved to another level.
2023 — AC MILAN.
2025 — MANCHESTER CITY.
The young man who once worked at a supermarket checkout had reached the dressing room of one of the biggest football clubs in the world.
Think about that journey.
From struggling for minutes in youth football.
To working at Aldi.
To playing in the Netherlands.
To AC Milan.
To Manchester City.
And representing the Netherlands internationally.
WHAT CAN YOU LEARN FROM HIS STORY?
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YOUR AGE DOES NOT DEFINE YOUR FUTURE
At 19, Reijnders was not where Haaland or Foden were.
That didn't mean his chance was gone.
Stop comparing your career timeline with somebody else's.
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WORKING AND PLAYING FOOTBALL IS NOT A REASON TO GIVE UP
Maybe you work in a shop.
Maybe you study.
Maybe you help your family.
Your situation may make development more difficult.
But it does not automatically end your football ambitions.
Use the time you have intelligently.
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NOT PLAYING TODAY DOESN'T MEAN YOU ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOREVER
Reijnders struggled for opportunities.
He needed time, development and the right environment.
If you are on the bench, find out what you need to improve.
Then work on changing it.
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YOUR NEXT STEP DOESN'T HAVE TO BE A BIG CLUB
Reijnders didn't jump directly from youth football to Manchester City.
He needed intermediate steps.
Sometimes a smaller club, a reserve team or a loan can help you build the career you want.
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KEEP IMPROVING WHEN NOBODY IS WATCHING
The important work often happens long before the big transfer.
When nobody knows your name.
When there are no cameras.
When your football career looks ordinary.
Those years still matter.
FINAL MESSAGE
Maybe you're 18, 19, 20 or 22.
Maybe you work eight hours a day.
Maybe you're playing in a lower league.
Maybe you're watching players your age sign professional contracts while you are still waiting for your first real opportunity.
Remember Tijjani Reijnders.
AT 19, HE WAS WORKING AT ALDI.
HE DIDN'T HAVE THE CAREER HE DREAMED ABOUT.
BUT HIS STORY WAS FAR FROM FINISHED.
Not everyone will reach Manchester City.
And hard work alone cannot guarantee a professional career.
But being behind today does not mean you must stay behind forever.
DON'T LET YOUR CURRENT SITUATION CONVINCE YOU THAT YOUR FUTURE HAS ALREADY BEEN DECIDED.
Keep developing.
Take the next realistic step.
And give yourself the chance to discover how far you can go.
SUPPORT FOR PLAYERS
For 6 years, we have been helping less-known players completely for free — guiding them, giving honest feedback, and creating real football opportunities. During this time, we have completed over 25 player transfers to clubs across Europe.
If you value our work and want to help us continue supporting players worldwide, you can support us through Football Talents Tube.
Every supporter will have the chance to speak personally with me.
I will check your level, give you real feedback, and guide you individually.
The most determined players receive invitations for official trials.
