Episode 11: Soccer Dreams to Reality ft. Larrys Mabiala

This week on The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by the incredible Larrys Mabiala  (⁠@mynameislarrys)⁠—former PSG Academy player and Portland Timbers pro, now author of Soccer Dreams to Reality. We dive into his journey from juggling a ball in a tiny Paris apartment to signing a professional contract at just 17.

Larrys' path is one of grit, resilience, and generational impact. He shares the raw truth of what it takes to go pro, the differences in development between Europe and the U.S., and the powerful lessons passed down from his father—both as a player and a man.

Whether you're a player, parent, or coach—this episode is packed with powerful perspective on mindset, development, and dreaming big without losing your grounding.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

⚽️ The difference between talent and mental resilience 

📚 What the French academy system does right (and how U.S. clubs can improve) 🧠 Why the “3 D’s” (Determination, Dedication, Discipline) matter more than talent alone 

📘 What inspired Larisse to write Soccer Dreams to Reality and who it’s for 

🗣️ How parents and coaches can make or break a player’s future from the sidelines 

🎯 When self-motivation should begin—and what happens if it doesn’t

A Few Standout Quotes:

“At 14, I wasn't just chasing a dream—I had a goal. I wasn’t leaving home for nothing.” “If soccer in Europe was pay-to-play like in the U.S., I never would’ve gone pro.” “Talent got me seen. Mentality got me signed.” “My father challenged me to juggle with my left foot—and that changed everything.”

📲 Stay Connected: 

Guest: @mynameislarrys 

Host: @liandmeinnyc 

Co-host: @liamlinke93

🎙️ Subscribe and don’t forget to leave a review. It helps more families, coaches, and players find us! 

👉 New episodes every Thursday

www.liandmeinnyc.com 

His Book: Soccer Dreams to Reality

Website: 

⁠https://www.larrysrecommends.com⁠