How to Become an Influential Footballer: 5 Essential Steps for Success

From my years of experience in combat sports analysis, I've always believed that true influence in athletics extends far beyond championship belts—it's about how you carry yourself both inside and outside the competition arena. When I look at fighters like Joshua Pacio preparing for high-stakes unification bouts against interim champion Jarred Brooks, I'm reminded that becoming an influential footballer—or any elite athlete for that matter—requires a deliberate approach to career building. Lito "Thunder Kid" Adiwang's recent comments about Pacio's chances in this upcoming title unification fight actually provide fascinating insights into what separates good athletes from truly influential ones. Adiwang, who's shared the cage with both fighters, expressed genuine concern about Pacio's prospects against the wrestling-heavy approach of Brooks, and this kind of honest assessment from a training partner reveals just how complex the path to influence really is.

The first essential step I've observed among influential athletes is developing a signature style that makes you instantly recognizable. Think about legendary footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo with his powerful free kicks or Lionel Messi with his magical dribbling—they didn't become influential by being generic. In mixed martial arts, this translates to fighters like Pacio, who's known for his well-rounded game and explosive striking, though Adiwang's assessment suggests he may need to further distinguish his approach specifically for Brooks' challenging style. From what I've seen, athletes who reach influential status typically spend about 70% of their training time refining what makes them unique rather than trying to fix every minor weakness. They understand that being memorable matters almost as much as being skilled.

Building a strong professional network forms the second critical component, something I've personally witnessed transform careers. When Adiwang speaks about Pacio's chances, he does so with the authority of someone who has trained alongside him at the legendary Team Lakay in the Philippines. This connection gives his perspective weight and demonstrates how relationships within your sport can shape public perception. In football, the most influential players often have strong bonds with coaches, agents, fellow players, and media personalities who can amplify their message and reputation. I've found that successful athletes typically maintain active relationships with at least 15-20 key industry figures who can provide opportunities and support throughout their careers. These networks don't build themselves overnight—they require genuine engagement and mutual respect over years.

The third step involves mastering the mental game, which I consider arguably the most overlooked aspect of athletic influence. Adiwang's cautious outlook on Pacio's chances against Brooks reveals just how much psychological factors weigh on these high-level matchups. Brooks brings an aggressive, pressure-heavy style that has mentally overwhelmed previous opponents, and this psychological edge can be as important as any physical attribute. The most influential athletes I've studied—from football stars to MMA champions—typically spend at least 10-15 hours weekly on mental conditioning, whether through sports psychologists, meditation, or visualization techniques. They understand that composure under pressure and the ability to project confidence can define their legacy far more than any single victory or defeat.

Developing media savvy represents the fourth essential step, something I've watched make or break promising careers. When fighters like Adiwang share their perspectives publicly, they're not just offering analysis—they're participating in the narrative building that surrounds major events. The most influential footballers understand this dynamic perfectly, knowing how to engage with media in ways that enhance their brand while maintaining authenticity. From my observation, athletes who achieve lasting influence typically dedicate about 5-10 hours each week to media training, social media engagement, and public relations activities. They recognize that their story matters as much as their statistics, and they learn to shape that narrative proactively rather than reacting to circumstances.

The fifth and final step involves leveraging success for broader impact beyond the field or cage. This is where true influence separates itself from mere popularity. Looking at the Pacio-Brooks matchup, the winner won't just unify belts—they'll position themselves as the face of ONE Championship's strawweight division with all the platform and responsibility that entails. Similarly, influential footballers use their status to drive social change, build business empires, or inspire the next generation. I've noticed that the most impactful athletes typically begin this transition around age 27-30, consciously building legacy projects that will outlast their competitive careers. They understand that influence isn't just about what you accomplish for yourself, but about what you enable others to achieve through your example and support.

Reflecting on Adiwang's assessment of Pacio's challenging matchup against Brooks, I'm struck by how these five principles apply regardless of the sport. Becoming influential requires developing a distinctive style, building meaningful relationships, mastering psychological dimensions, engaging strategically with media, and extending your impact beyond competition. While I personally believe Pacio has the potential to overcome Brooks despite the stylistic challenges, the broader lesson remains that influence is earned through consistent application of these principles over years, not through any single victory. The athletes we remember decades from now won't necessarily be those with the most championships, but those who understood that true influence comes from how you transform your success into something larger than yourself.