Steps

1. Make it regular. From the ages of 4 to 10 years old, play soccer on almost a daily basis, preferably with older people, in an unstructured environment where you can develop instincts.
2. Start playing on organized youth teams some time between the ages of 6 and 10.
3. Continue with youth teams every year, progressing to more competitive and selective teams, playing with older kids (playing "up a level" or "up an age group").
4. Have very supportive parents who are willing to make the time and financial sacrifices to get you to the most competitive and selective soccer organizations by the time you reach age 10 or 12.
5. Make the sacrifices to exclude other sports and activities from a young age, concentrating exclusively on soccer.
6. Get natural physical gifts.
7. Have a naturally competitive, athletic, and aggressive personality.
8. Attend out-of-town training camps and tournaments every year starting at age 10 or earlier.
9. Get invited to a professional developmental program some time before the age of 13.
10. Stay dedicated to the professional development program throughout the teen years, making the sacrifices, and having strong family support.
11. Depending on where you live, play soccer at the high school varsity level, if the level is competitive enough.
12. Perform well enough in high school and/or club play to be successfully recruited by a college with a top soccer program if you're not yet recruited by a semi-professional club.
13. Once you're 18 years old, be willing to relocate anywhere to accept offers of semi-professional clubs.
14. Be willing to earn extremely low pay.
15. Stay free from injury.
16. Become extremely lucky.

Tips

• Practice, practice, practice!!