In this episode, Devin Amoo-Mensah shares his remarkable and unconventional journey to becoming a professional soccer player — without an agent, a network, or a clear roadmap.
We kick off with how Devin negotiated his first pro contract entirely on his own, before rewinding to his early years and Division 2 college career. From there, we follow his grind into the professional ranks, including an unfiltered look at life in Sweden’s 4th tier — breaking down contract terms, salaries, and the often-overlooked realities of living abroad as a lower-league footballer.
Returning to the U.S., Devin details his transition to Michigan Stars in NISA, the mental battle of being a free agent, and the uncertainty that came with it. He offers a brutally honest breakdown of life in NISA — from travel and wages to locker room culture — and how he navigated finances along the way.
As the journey builds, Devin shares the moment he signed with Detroit City FC, the impact of securing a multi-year deal, and what that stability has meant for his career. We close with powerful reflections — on the promotion-relegation debate, his passions outside of soccer, the most expensive decision he’s made, and the daily routines and life lessons that continue to shape him today.
It’s a grounded, eye-opening conversation on what it really takes to carve out a career in the game.
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Chapters:
00:00 Negotiating a First Pro Contract Alone
03:58 Devon’s Childhood and Path to Pro Soccer
07:46 Breaking Into the Pro Game After College
11:46 The Realities of 4th Division Soccer in Sweden
19:20 Breaking Down a 4th Division Swedish Contract
22:12 Transitioning to Michigan Stars in NISA
26:01 Dealing With Doubt as a Free Agent
27:54 Devon’s Life in NISA: Travel, Wages, and Daily Realities
36:37 How Devon Manages His Finances as a Pro Player
38:05 Teammates or Distractions?
40:20 What to Watch for in Your First Pro Contract
42:27 Preparing College Athletes for Pro Life
44:44 Signing With Detroit City FC
50:17 The Impact of a Multi-Year Contract
52:48 Career Goals Moving Forward
55:24 A Pro’s Take on Promotion-Relegation in the U.S.
58:19 Devon’s Off-the-Field Interests and Passions
1:00:45 His Most Expensive Life Decision
1:01:49 Where He Finds Inspiration and Education
1:02:55 Devon’s Daily Routine and Unique Habits
1:04:15 Life Lessons and Dream Dinner Guests
1:06:06 Outro