Italian football is renowned for its rich history, passionate fans, and competitive leagues. The sport’s structure is organized into nine divisions, each with its unique characteristics and challenges with the Serie A being the most prestigious and talked about league in Italy and also one of the best in the world at large.
The divisions in Italy are as follows: Serie A, Serie B, Serie C, Serie D, Eccellenza, Promozione, Eccellenza Regionale, Promozione Regionale and the ninth division Terza Categoria.
Each division in the Italian football landscape faces its own unique challenges and opportunities. While Serie A and Serie B benefit from significant media exposure and commercial revenue, lower division clubs often struggle to attract sponsorships and generate income.
A Talent Pool Hidden in Plain Sight
These lower divisions offer opportunities for young talent to showcase their skills and potentially earn a move to higher levels.
Additionally, these divisions have a crucial role to play in developing grassroots football and fostering a passion for the sport among local communities however these objectives are hampered with great struggles which Emmanuel Yaquib can attest to.
One of the major challenges which he recounts is the lack of exposure and promotion for players in the lower Category leagues particularly the Serie D and below. This he laments makes several players unnoticed upon all the superb performances they put up including himself.
According to Yaquib, unlike players in the top tier of Italian football, players in the lower leagues receive very small renumerations forcing them to take up other jobs with some leaving their passion for football behind in the long run.
While many professional footballers enjoy lucrative careers, the reality for many others is a less glamorous one. With varying levels of talent, competition for spots, and the uncertainty of contracts, a significant number of footballers find themselves juggling their athletic pursuits with other jobs to supplement their income.
Juggling a football career with other jobs can be challenging. Players often have to manage demanding training schedules, travel commitments, and the physical demands of the sport. Finding the right balance between their athletic pursuits and their side hustles can be difficult.
Given the uncertain nature of professional football careers, it’s essential for players to plan for their financial future.
Despite their exceptional performances, players in lower divisions often struggle to gain recognition and secure opportunities in higher tiers. Lack of media exposure, limited scouting networks, and financial constraints can hinder their progress.
Having played in Italy for several years, for clubs such as ASD Vignolese in the Promozione, US. Maranese and so on. Emmanuel Yaquib has made a name for himself in his former clubs’ history books however they were not enough to give him recognition in Italy’s top tier leagues.
He scored a total of 87 goals between 2011- 2022 in 81 appearances as a winger scoring double figure goals each season.
In the competitive world of professional sports, publicity plays a crucial role in a player’s development and career progression. Lack of exposure can significantly hinder a player’s growth and opportunities.
By addressing the challenges faced clubs at all levels and promoting sustainable growth, Emmanuel Yaquib believes that Italian football can continue to thrive and serve as nurturing place for several football talents from Africa and all over the world.
