At this point in your life do you have to give up academics to get in shape & start playing better soccer? Or do you just have to give up your unfulfilling social activities (weekend drinking w/ friends) and buckle down to get in shape to even get noticed soccer-wise?

Obsessed people & dreamers both can take concrete steps to achieve the end result. Your end result now sounds like money & good looking women. I’m not sure what soccer players make but really there are many paths to girls & money.

As far as the soccer, do you even like to play? I started playing again after 22 yrs. I’m currently 42 and do want to get better as a player so I’ve joined an adult league. I realized I don’t like running just to run, but I like to run in sports as part of the game. I also began coaching. Personally, I find it fulfilling but I do pay to play!

“Ultimately, If I don’t really try (devote myself to it) to become a soccer player i have “thorn in my side”, ”

You’re obsessed with the dream. But you’re young and if you’re willing to work hard for it — go for it.