From soccer player to agent, with the same passion: Antonio Stelitano’s new life

Antonio Stelitano, who traveled the world as a soccer player, chose to embark on a new career after hanging up his cleats. And everything is going great, in part because he’s bringing the same passion to it that set him apart on the field. Sportal.it interviewed him exclusively.

After a career as a true “globetrotter” in international soccer, you’ve managed to reinvent yourself with great success off the field as well. In less than three years, you’ve already built a significant career as a FIFA agent, achieving remarkable results. Did you expect such rapid growth in this new venture?

I have to say, very well indeed. Today, I’m fully dedicated to my work as a FIFA agent, and after nearly three years, I can honestly say the results have exceeded even my expectations. It’s a journey that’s bringing me a great deal of satisfaction, and one I approach with great passion and dedication.

In fact, in less than three years, you’ve managed to build something significant, especially considering that this is a completely different profession from that of a soccer player. How much has the mindset you had on the field helped you?

A great deal. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to sign and represent many players from different parts of the world, as well as several coaches. But my mindset has remained the same as when I was a player: work hard, believe in yourself, and make sacrifices. I’m convinced that when you approach something with determination, results will follow even if your perspective changes completely. In my case, I’ve gone from the field to a desk, but certain principles haven’t changed.

One of the most interesting aspects of your job seems to be your ability to spot talent before it breaks through. I imagine it’s particularly satisfying to see those players go on to succeed.

Absolutely. It’s probably one of the things I’m most proud of. I’ve worked with players who were initially complete unknowns and who, thanks in part to our scouting efforts and the opportunities we’ve managed to create together, are now established professionals playing in major leagues, including the Italian league. When you believe in a player before others recognize him and then see him grow, establish himself, and reach certain levels, the satisfaction is enormous.

Especially since your work has now taken on a truly international scope. You’ve placed players in practically every corner of the world.

Yes, and that’s something I really love. Over the years, I’ve placed players in very different settings: from Indonesia to Kazakhstan, all the way to Bolivia, where some have even had the chance to compete in top-tier international tournaments. In Europe, I’ve had the pleasure of representing players who’ve competed in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. In Central America, I’ve had players competing in CONCACAF tournaments, and in South America, in the Copa Libertadores.

That’s quite an achievement in such a short time. But when it comes to transfers and contracts, people often only see the final results. You, on the other hand, have the chance to learn about everything that goes on behind the scenes.

And that’s exactly the point. For me, representing these athletes is a great honor, because behind every transfer, every contract, and every new experience, there’s so much more. There’s a story, there’s a professional journey, and above all, there’s a person who has decided to put their trust in me. This trust means the world to me and also comes with a great deal of responsibility.

But it’s not just about the players. In recent years, you’ve also begun to build a significant relationship with coaches.

Yes. At the same time, I’ve had the opportunity to work with prominent coaches. For some, I’ve managed to secure positions in top foreign leagues; for others, opportunities at prestigious clubs in Italian soccer; and, in one case, even with a national team. It’s another aspect of the job that I find very stimulating, because the needs and dynamics are different from those of a soccer player.

Getting back to scouting, it almost seems to have become one of your trademarks. Discovering a little-known player and guiding him to a high level must be particularly rewarding.

Definitely. I’m particularly proud of the scouting work I’m doing. Seeing a player who was initially known to only a few and who, after a journey we’ve built together, becomes an established, recognized, and properly valued professional is one of the greatest satisfactions of this profession. At the same time, though, I’m very pleased to have been chosen by established players—with distinguished careers behind them—who’ve decided to put their trust in me to continue their journey and take on new challenges. That, too, is a sign of trust that I consider very important.

From the way you talk about it, it’s clear that you don’t view this as simply a job, but as a project you’re building step by step. Where do you feel you’ve arrived today?

I feel I’m in a phase of significant professional growth. I’m truly happy with what I’m managing to build, especially because it all stemmed from an important decision: closing one chapter of my professional life and having the courage to start another. I know there’s still so much to do and learn, but what I’ve built so far gives me even more motivation to keep going.

Finally, there’s a much more personal aspect. Behind these latest achievements, there was also an extremely difficult time in your life: the loss of your mother. What do the milestones you’re reaching mean to you today?

They hold a very special meaning. Over the past year, I lost my mom, and I dedicate every achievement I’ve made since then to her. She was the person who, more than anyone else, taught me to believe in myself. She did that even when I was a soccer player. In fact, she often believed in me even more than I could believe in myself.

That’s a very beautiful thought. And perhaps it makes everything you’re building today even more meaningful.

Yes. Today, I believe she continues to believe in me. And I like to think that, somewhere out there, she’s still helping me achieve these results and build this new chapter in my professional life. Every time something wonderful happens, my thoughts turn to her. And I believe it will always be that way.