How long does it take to become a professional soccer player?

Question

I'm talking about an International Soccer player.
Do they go to school?
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks

Answer 1

All the best international players attend youth programs associated with a certain club.All major soccer clubs have these programs where they develop youngsters from the ages of 7yrs.Paolo Maldini's son Christian at the age of 9 signed with A.C Milan.Hope I helped you.

Answer 2

Many players go to "soccer schools" at early age, but that does not guarantee them a professional Carrier... but there are many players who do not attend any kind of school.
In fact in places like Brasil, often happens that a young player is noted playing on the street or on the beach... and it is signed up for professional Teams... they play few years in their country with the goal of moving to Europe. The same it happens in Africa.
Many European clubs (where the big $$$ is) have talent-scouts all over the world and as soon as they "discover" new talents they sign them up with their teams offering them profitable contracts.
The above scenario is the most common in the last few years.
Then there are exceptions and each Country have its own story.
A great example is Freddy Adu: check his story in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freddy_Adu.
In Italy often happens that players for lower divisions are signed by professional Teams at any age: Juventus it is one of the teams who have had so many players who were unknown and became famous.
A good example is Fabo Grosso, who reached the Serie A with Perugia in 2001 (he played in Eccellenza and Serie C2 for many years) and played for the first time in the National Team in 2003... now is a World Champion. Similar story is for Andrea Barzagli.
In France a similar example comes from the talented Franck Ribery.
A reverse example is Giuseppe Rossi, the talented M. United striker (now loaned @ Newcastle) who has gone to soccer schools in USA and in Italy (Parma).

Answer 3

YES THEY DO GO TO SOME INSTITUTES . HOW LONG ? WELL IT DEPEPENDS ON THE TALENT U HAVE SO IT TAKES about 3-4 years

it took ronaldhino - 2 years
totti ====== 4 years
toni 2 years
buffon - 3
david beckham 3

thanks to www.soccerking.com