Patrice Evra Launches PLAYER App: A Game Changer for Aspiring Footballers.

Former Manchester United star Patrice Evra, alongside football-tech entrepreneur Tommy Fish, has co-founded PLAYER, a new app designed to connect football players with coaches, scouts, and agents. Dubbed the "LinkedIn for Footballers," the app serves as a digital footballing CV for aspiring athletes who may have been overlooked by traditional academies. With early success stories, such as Lewes FC Women’s Muna Eze and Rugby Borough's Nyla Peterkin, PLAYER aims to bridge gaps in talent identification, especially in women's football and underrepresented communities.

The app is currently in beta testing, with plans to expand internationally after raising $1.2 million in pre-seed funding. It will officially open to the public next year, offering opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills in front of scouts from major clubs like West Ham United. Evra, who himself rose to fame from humble beginnings in the lower leagues, hopes PLAYER will help others follow their dreams, whether they are top academy prospects or grassroots talents.

Additionally, PLAYER is committed to supporting released academy players through career mentorship and helping them transition into life after football. Evra's personal mission is to provide young athletes with opportunities on and off the pitch, working with Premier League clubs to help develop both their sporting and career skills. Co-founder Fish emphasized the app’s goal of becoming the world’s largest football community, helping players succeed by increasing their visibility to clubs and agents.

By blending football, technology, and mentorship, PLAYER has the potential to change the way young players navigate their football careers, offering them a better shot at success in the competitive world of professional football.