⚖️College or Go Pro?

What Path Is Right for You After MLS NEXT

If you're a top youth player right now, you're probably already hearing it:
"Should I go D1 or sign a pro contract?"

It’s a big decision.
And in today’s global football economy, the answer is more complex than ever.

Between MLS NEXT Pro, European lower-division contracts, and top-tier college soccer, the pathways to the top are no longer linear. At GoldCleats, we’re tracking the trends—and giving players the tools to choose what’s best for their journey.

Let’s break it down.

College soccer is evolving. Fast.

With the arrival of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) money and increased visibility through streaming and AI-driven scouting, players are staying in school and building their brands.

Pros:

• NCAA offers high-quality facilities & coaching
• NIL can provide real money while playing
• Education + soccer = dual path
• Visibility through platforms like GoldCleats, Veo, ESPN+, and more

Cons:

• Limited match calendar compared to pro systems
• Still not always a direct path to top-tier pro contracts
• Age progression—some pro clubs prefer younger signings

Best for: Players looking to combine education with long-term development, and those interested in building a business or brand alongside their playing career.

MLS NEXT Pro is changing the U.S. development model—fast.

With clubs like Inter Miami II, NYCFC II, and Tacoma Defiance investing heavily, players now have a domestic option to go pro earlier, while staying under the MLS umbrella.

Pros:

• Professional training environment
• Direct pathway to first-team contracts
• U.S.-based, culturally aligned development
• More match minutes than NCAA
• Easier transition if already in an MLS NEXT club

Cons:

• Lower salaries early on
• Fewer education guarantees (unless club-funded)
• Higher competition for limited slots

Best for: Players ready to go full-time, hungry for a pro pathway with MLS visibility, and willing to commit 100% to football.

Europe, South America, even Asia: lower-division clubs are scouting the U.S. more than ever.

Platforms like GoldCleats have made it easier to get discovered, and clubs are offering trials or short-term contracts to top youth talent.

Pros:

• Early pro experience
• Exposure to different playing styles
• Possibility of climbing to higher tiers
• Potential for earlier transfer market value

Cons:

• Can be unstable (contracts, visas, language, culture)
• Limited support systems
• Less brand building or NIL infrastructure
• Often little fallback if it doesn’t work out

Best for: Players with international ambitions, strong independence, and a team behind them (agent, family, advisor) to help navigate contracts and life abroad.

Our AI agents—like PlayerAgentGPT and ScoutGPT—can now evaluate your position, age, region, and visibility to help predict:

• Likelihood of earning a D1 scholarship
• Suitability for early pro environment
• Geo-market fit for international scouting
• NIL readiness based on social/media metrics

With over 1 billion impressions and verified video data across our ecosystem, we help players align their next move with their actual trajectory—not just hype.

• ✅ Do I want education to be part of my future?
• ✅ Am I ready to relocate for full-time training?
• ✅ Do I have the support system to navigate contracts and travel?
• ✅ Am I earning NIL now—or ready to start?
• ✅ What type of football identity am I building?

No matter what you choose, make it informed.

• 🎥 Upload your clips
• 🔍 Stay verified
• 📊 Use GoldCleats.ai to model your career path
• 💼 Monetize your brand through NIL

The path isn’t one-size-fits-all.
GoldCleats is here to help you choose the one that fits you best.