← All guests
Episode breakdown
Jerome Kiesewetter
Former Bundesliga player
Why Is U.S. Soccer STILL Behind Europe? A Former Bundesliga Player Explains
Respect yourjourney
Episode guest
JeromeKiesewetter
Former Bundesliga player
Why Is U.S. Soccer STILL Behind Europe? A Former Bundesliga Player Explains
Watch episodeThe conversation
What we talked about
Former professional soccer player Jerome Kiesewetter breaks down growing up inside the German soccer system, why developing a player in Europe looks so different from the U.S., and his journey from Berlin to the Bundesliga, representing his country and joining Inter Miami.
The lessons
What we learned
- Culture comes first: why the U.S. is still behind starts with soccer culture.
- Academies train next to the pros: young players in Germany develop alongside professionals.
- Pay-to-play changes who gets a chance: MLS NEXT, cost and exposure to scouts shape opportunities.
- Development vs. winning: choosing a big club or more minutes is one of the biggest decisions young players face.
- Life after sport looks different: Germany and the U.S. prepare athletes differently for what comes next.
The chapters
Key moments
The audience
Who should watch
soccer parents, youth players and club coaches.
Topics
Questions
Episode FAQ
Keep exploring
Related guests
Every Thursday · In your inbox
RYJ Athlete Development,
the weekly newsletter
The best lessons from every episode, in your inbox every week