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A Pro at 16: San Jose Earthquakes’ Niko Tsakiris
What’s it really like to go from youth soccer to the pros at just 16 years old? In this episode, Bay Area native Niko Tsakiris joins Claudine and Alex to talk about his incredible journey from kicking a ball around his backyard to wearing the Earthquakes jersey and representing the U.S. on the world stage. Niko shares what it’s like growing up in a soccer family, the mental challenges of turning pro as a teenager, and how he balances joy, pressure, and perspective in a career that’s still just getting started.
Key Topics & Moments
[00:01:00] Growing up in a soccer family — and never being without a ball.
[00:03:00] Childhood inspirations and Messi magic.
[00:05:00] Early training, competitiveness with siblings, and family support.
[00:07:00] What it’s really like having your dad as your coach.
[00:10:00] Moving from the Bay Area to Florida and the early academy years.
[00:11:30] Transitioning from youth to pro — the speed, the mindset, and the adjustment.
[00:14:00] Signing a pro contract at 16 — the whirlwind moment that changed everything.
[00:16:50] Making his MLS debut and what that first appearance felt like.
[00:19:30] The thrill of scoring his first MLS goal and what it meant for the team.
[00:21:10] Future ambitions — from San Jose to the dream of Europe.
[00:22:30] His take on youth soccer pathways and what needs to change.
[00:24:00] Learning from rejection and the power of persistence.
[00:26:30] The mental discipline of staying ready, even off the starting lineup.
[00:28:45] Overcoming doubts and deciding what’s worth sacrificing.
[00:31:30] Why he still loves the grind — the joy of competition and camaraderie.
[00:33:30] Representing the U.S. — the pride of wearing the crest.
[00:35:00] Advice to young players: enjoy the process, love the game, and keep the ball
close.
About Niko Tsakiris
Position: Midfielder, San Jose Earthquakes
Notable Honors: U.S. U-20 Captain, U-20 CONCACAF Golden Ball MVP
Signed Pro: At age 16 with the Quakes Academy
Hometown: South Bay, California
Connect with Us
Follow Offside in the Bay: To the Pitch and Beyond for more conversations about the
beautiful game — from youth soccer to the pros.
Connect with Claudine Wong:
Instagram: @ClaudineWongKTVU
Facebook: @ClaudineWongKTVU
TikTok: @ClaudineKTVU
YouTube: @ClaudineWong
Connect with Alex Lobban:
Instagram: @TheAlexLobban
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
View all episodes
By KTVU Fox 2 (Bay Area)What’s it really like to go from youth soccer to the pros at just 16 years old? In this episode, Bay Area native Niko Tsakiris joins Claudine and Alex to talk about his incredible journey from kicking a ball around his backyard to wearing the Earthquakes jersey and representing the U.S. on the world stage. Niko shares what it’s like growing up in a soccer family, the mental challenges of turning pro as a teenager, and how he balances joy, pressure, and perspective in a career that’s still just getting started.
Key Topics & Moments
[00:01:00] Growing up in a soccer family — and never being without a ball.
[00:03:00] Childhood inspirations and Messi magic.
[00:05:00] Early training, competitiveness with siblings, and family support.
[00:07:00] What it’s really like having your dad as your coach.
[00:10:00] Moving from the Bay Area to Florida and the early academy years.
[00:11:30] Transitioning from youth to pro — the speed, the mindset, and the adjustment.
[00:14:00] Signing a pro contract at 16 — the whirlwind moment that changed everything.
[00:16:50] Making his MLS debut and what that first appearance felt like.
[00:19:30] The thrill of scoring his first MLS goal and what it meant for the team.
[00:21:10] Future ambitions — from San Jose to the dream of Europe.
[00:22:30] His take on youth soccer pathways and what needs to change.
[00:24:00] Learning from rejection and the power of persistence.
[00:26:30] The mental discipline of staying ready, even off the starting lineup.
[00:28:45] Overcoming doubts and deciding what’s worth sacrificing.
[00:31:30] Why he still loves the grind — the joy of competition and camaraderie.
[00:33:30] Representing the U.S. — the pride of wearing the crest.
[00:35:00] Advice to young players: enjoy the process, love the game, and keep the ball
close.
About Niko Tsakiris
Position: Midfielder, San Jose Earthquakes
Notable Honors: U.S. U-20 Captain, U-20 CONCACAF Golden Ball MVP
Signed Pro: At age 16 with the Quakes Academy
Hometown: South Bay, California
Connect with Us
Follow Offside in the Bay: To the Pitch and Beyond for more conversations about the
beautiful game — from youth soccer to the pros.
Connect with Claudine Wong:
Instagram: @ClaudineWongKTVU
Facebook: @ClaudineWongKTVU
TikTok: @ClaudineKTVU
YouTube: @ClaudineWong
Connect with Alex Lobban:
Instagram: @TheAlexLobban
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices