A 19-year-old Manchester City academy prospect has shocked the football world by abandoning a professional career to pursue a law degree at Oxford University, citing a desire for intellectual stimulation over the sport’s demands.
Han Willhoft-King, who played for Manchester City’s Under-21 squad last season, made the unusual decision to leave a potential path to top-tier football. He previously developed in Tottenham’s youth system.
Willhoft-King stated that despite the allure of playing for a club like Manchester City, he “felt I needed something more, especially intellectually.” He acknowledged this might “sound quite pretentious, but it’s true.”
He further explained a persistent feeling of being “understimulated in football.” He clarified he still loved the sport but felt he “could be doing more” and was “wasting hours of my day.”
Oxford’s academic environment and its community excited him, becoming “the” reason for his departure. Injuries were a factor in his decision but “not the main one.”
The young player emphasized a need to think “long-term” about his future beyond a typical football career. He questioned the long-term enjoyment of playing in lower divisions, even if lucrative.
Willhoft-King pointed out that a football career might last only 10 to 15 years. He saw university as a platform for a career “at least for longer than the next 10-15 years.”
Away from professional football, he remains involved in the sport. He currently plays for Oxford University’s team while managing his studies and social life.
He shared candid insights into training with Manchester City’s senior team. He often found these sessions unenjoyable, describing them as “running behind the ball like dogs for half an hour or an hour.”
Willhoft-King explained that pressing world-class players like Kevin De Bruyne, İlkay Gündoğan, or Phil Foden was frustrating. The difficulty in getting close to them often outweighed the initial “fascination.”
He noted the difference in club levels, saying “Tottenham is a good team, but Manchester City is on another level.”
Willhoft-King described De Bruyne and Erling Haaland as “the best players in the world” but also “normal people.” He observed them joking and holding each other accountable.
He also commented on coach Pep Guardiola’s “remarkable” and “animated” presence. Guardiola’s energy, hand gestures, and elevated tone of voice were notable to him.