NEXTGEN: Ronny Arévalo
The future is theirs. In our NextGen series, we take a look at the latest wave of players chasing the ultimate dream. From their greatest doubts and challenges to their inspirations and goals, we dive into what it’s like for these promising youngsters to climb through the soccer ranks.
Up first, we caught up with El Salvador NT and NYCFC II player Ronny Arévalo to get some insight on his journey to make the professional level.
Why are you chasing this dream?
I’ve always been in love with the game. Even now, I can’t think of much else to do when I don't train or play. My dad was a soccer player when he was younger, so I feel like soccer has just been a part of who I am since the beginning. Chasing this dream can be a risk, but I feel like not taking it is an even bigger risk. As they say, “You miss 100% of the chances you don’t take.”
I remember being in high school and telling my parents I didn’t want to go to school anymore. I never got good grades, but I would always excel in soccer. That’s where I would try my hardest and have fun. I really knew that soccer was the thing that was going to take me out. It was more of a risk to not chase this dream than to follow a more regular path.
Who has been your biggest support throughout all of this?
My mom has been my biggest support. As I was starting out, she had to work all day, but she stopped working to be able to take me to trainings and be there for me. After school, she would give me food and take me to practice every day without fail. Even now that I’m older, whenever there is something bothering me, I go to her, and she’ll help me.
When did you realize you wanted to go pro?
By my freshman year of high school, I knew I wanted to go pro. I didn’t want to go to school anymore, and I told my parents I wanted to drop out. The USL was coming up, and they would train in the mornings, but I’d have to be in school. I didn’t want to be there, I wanted to be on the field.
What was their reaction when you told them you wanted to go pro?
I remember having a serious talk with my mom about it. She didn’t want me to only play soccer. She wanted me to finish high school, and so did many of my coaches and mentors. They didn’t let me drop out, so it was like I had to finish high school for me to get to the next level.
What has your experience been like with development in the US?
I’ve really enjoyed it. I played for Cedar Stars Academy, and all the coaches there would always push me to better myself. I would leave school and go to the field at 3 PM every day and not finish until 9:30 PM. It’s been so much time that I’ve dedicated myself to playing soccer. It was only right that I would see improvement over time.
Is there anything you might change?
Not really. My coaches have always understood me. My coach Juan Santa Maria was one of my biggest mentors. He was a Spanish coach, and he brought European football to our trainings. It was great.
What are some of the most important mentors you’ve had in your development?
My coach Juan was always there for me. He would always tell it to me straight – good or bad. When it came to making the decision of playing in college or trying to go pro, he gave me advice for both paths and never pressured me. He let it be my own decision, and I think that’s what a good mentor is for. He also made sure I finished high school. That may not seem like much for others, but I have a couple of friends who didn’t graduate. For me, it was a blessing to be able to get that degree while still developing as a player.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Don’t look at what other people are doing. Just focus on yourself. I would get so mad sometimes because I would see players at 15 or 16 already playing in the Champions League, and I was not there. But that type of mentality can lead to frustration, and then it can end up affecting your own game. Like my coach would always tell me, “This is your path – just trust the process.” In the end, there will always be ups and downs, but just enjoy the ride and focus on yourself. That’s all you can do.
Who was your idol growing up?
I’d have to say Neymar when he played for Santos. The confidence he had was unmatched. He’d lose the ball five teams, get it again, and dribble again without any fear of losing it. You have to take risks if you want to be creative, so he always felt like an embodiment of that. I always admired it.
What’s some advice you might give others who are trying to make it to the pro level?
The same advice that my coach gave me: stick to yourself and have confidence that you’re on the right path. If you have confidence on the pitch, it’ll separate you from many others.
What are your goals for 2023?
I want to contribute 10+ goals or assists for NYCFC II this season. By the end of the year, I want to be training with the first team and hopefully earn a first-team contract.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Somewhere in Europe would be awesome, but I just want to be in a great spot to be able to help my family. I want to buy my mom a house, and I just want to be living a good life doing what I love – with my family right there with me.
If you weren’t trying to go pro, what would you be doing now?
My dad used to be a mechanic – now he’s a bus driver – and I would be in the shop with him all the time. It was pretty dope, so maybe I’d be a mechanic. I learned a lot of useful stuff at the shop, so when it comes to car trouble I can handle it.
What is your favorite place outside of a soccer field?
I’m really good at pool – I can’t really explain why or how. But I come here at least once a week and make bread. My friends don’t like to bet against me anymore because when there’s money on the line, I take it very seriously. But outside of that, it’s just really therapeutic. It’s good to have a change of scenery because if you’re constantly thinking about soccer, it’s just gonna ruin you mentally. I’m even thinking of getting a table to have in my house, that’s how much I love it.
