Why I'm choosing France

The interest in France started in a classroom. Sophomore year of high school I picked up French as my language, and the more I learned, the more the country pulled me in — the language, the culture, and eventually the football.

In June I traveled there for myself. The goal was simple: get in front of clubs and coaches, see the universities, and find out if the level was actually for me.

While I was out there I trained with a fifth-division club. On paper that sounds low. In reality the level was high — sharper, faster, more demanding than I expected. It was the kind of session where you find out very quickly what your standard actually is.

I came away knowing the level was something I could work toward and live inside of, not just visit.

Marseille has the football culture, the universities, and a long ladder of clubs to climb. That last part matters. It is not one club and one shot — it is a real pathway with real steps.

Summer 2026 is the move. Everything I do between now and then is preparation. That means training, recovery, language, and documenting the process so other players can see what the road actually looks like.

If you are an American player thinking about Europe, the first thing to understand is that the system rewards consistency and patience. Clubs scout over months, not weekends. You need footage, a clear position, and a plan for how you will survive financially while you earn your opportunity.

I am writing these entries because I wish I had found a clear record of someone doing this in real time. If you want the full picture, read What American players need to understand about Europe next.