The BTB Podcast

Kellyn Acosta has experienced nearly every side of professional soccer. After signing his first professional contract with FC Dallas at just 16 years old, he went on to become an MLS Cup champion, represent the United States at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and build a reputation as one of the most respected American midfielders of his generation.

In this episode of The BTB Podcast, Chris Mueller sits down with his former Chicago Fire teammate to explore the habits, sacrifices, and decisions that shape a successful professional career, and why the way you carry yourself matters just as much as what you accomplish on the field.

From being left out of the U.S. Men's National Team picture for two years to rebuilding his daily routines and eventually earning a place at the World Cup, Kellyn reflects on the challenges that forced him to grow. They also discuss his early experiences navigating a professional locker room, the importance of genuine curiosity, and why today's young players may be losing sight of what makes the game special.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What it was like signing professionally at 16, entering a locker room full of experienced players, and learning to earn their respect.
• Why curiosity, humility, and consistency have been essential to Kellyn's development, and how he built a personal brand by pursuing interests beyond soccer.
• How Kellyn responded to two years outside the USMNT, completely reevaluated his habits, and worked his way back to the 2022 World Cup.
• The difficult reality of sacrificing social experiences, managing expectations, and staying committed to your goals without any guarantee of success.
• Why Kellyn believes parents and social media are putting too much pressure on young players, and how comparison can take away from their love of the game.

Kellyn's story is a reminder that success is built through much more than talent. It's the discipline to show up when things aren't going your way, the willingness to learn from others, and the ability to stay true to yourself throughout the journey.

JOIN THE BTB LOCKER ROOM

Get direct mentorship from Chris Mueller, alongside exclusive courses, practical resources, and a community of ambitious players committed to becoming their best.

https://btbtheofficial.com/locker-room

ABOUT THE BTB PODCAST

Hosted by former professional soccer player, U.S. Men's National Team player, author, and BTB founder Chris Mueller, The BTB Podcast goes beyond the game to uncover the stories, habits, decisions, and perspectives of world-class athletes, coaches, and leaders.

Our mission is simple: Learn from the best. Apply what matters. Become your best.

Subscribe for new conversations every week.

CONNECT WITH BTB

Website: https://btbtheofficial.com

Instagram: @btbtheofficial

X: @cmueller1662

Oscar Pareja is one of the most respected coaches and player developers in American soccer. A former Colombian international and longtime MLS player, he has gone on to coach at the highest levels of the game while helping develop countless young players along the way.
In this episode of The BTB Podcast, Chris Mueller sits down with one of the most influential coaches of his own career to explore what player development actually requires, what separates players who reach their potential from those who don't, and where coaches and parents often get it wrong.

From building genuine confidence and taking ownership of your development to navigating the different pathways to professional soccer, Oscar shares valuable lessons from decades spent developing players at the highest level.

In this episode, we discuss:
Why genuine confidence is built through preparation, commitment, and experience.

The relationship between talent, hard work, and taking ownership of your development.

Why there is no single right pathway to professional soccer and the value of the American college system.

What Oscar sees changing in today's generation of young players and how technology may be affecting their ability to handle frustration.
Why problem-solving, adaptability, and personal responsibility are essential to long-term development.

This conversation is a reminder that becoming a great footballer is about much more than technical ability. It's about learning to think independently, overcome challenges, take responsibility, and develop the character required to reach your potential.

GET THE BTB RECRUITMENT CHECKLIST

Learn about where you are in the process, what really matters, what’s noise, and what might deserve your attention. Stop feeling like you’re behind, or missing something, and get clear on the most important factors, depending on where you’re at in your development process.
https://btbtheofficial.com/resources/

JOIN THE BTB LOCKER ROOM

Get direct mentorship from Chris Mueller, alongside exclusive courses, practical resources, and a community of ambitious players committed to becoming their best.
https://join.btbtheofficial.com/locker-room

ABOUT THE BTB PODCAST

Hosted by former professional soccer player Chris Mueller, The BTB Podcast goes beyond the game to uncover the stories, habits, decisions, and perspectives of world-class athletes, coaches, and leaders.
Our mission is simple: Learn from the best. Apply what matters. Become your best.

Subscribe for new conversations every week.

CONNECT WITH BTB

Website: https://btbtheofficial.com
IG: @btbtheofficial
X: @cmueller1662

Chris Mueller grew up watching Nani play for Manchester United, studying his game and dreaming of one day reaching that level himself.

Years later, he found himself sharing a locker room with Nani at Orlando City, learning firsthand from someone he'd admired since he was a kid.

For the very first episode of The BTB Podcast, Chris sits down with his former teammate, mentor, and friend, Luis Nani, to uncover the mentality, habits, and experiences that helped him become one of the best players in the world.

From living with Cristiano Ronaldo and learning what true professionalism looks like, to earning the respect of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and helping lead Portugal to victory in the EURO 2016 final, Nani shares incredible stories and lessons from his career at the highest level.

In this episode, we discuss:

What Nani learned from living and training alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
How he earned the respect of Manchester United's biggest stars and Sir Alex Ferguson.

Why consistency, preparation, and performing in big moments separate good players from world-class players.

What happened when Cristiano Ronaldo went down injured in the EURO 2016 final and Nani took the captain's armband.

The mentality young players need to overcome adversity, build confidence, and reach their potential.

This conversation is a reminder that greatness isn't simply about talent. It's about the standards you hold yourself to, the work you put in when nobody is watching, and the mentality you bring to every challenge.

GET THE BTB PRO MORNING ROUTINE

Discover the morning habits and routines that helped Chris become a two-time college All-American, earn a professional contract, and compete for nearly a decade at the highest levels of the game.
https://btbtheofficial.com/resources/

JOIN THE BTB LOCKER ROOM

Get direct mentorship from Chris Mueller, alongside exclusive courses, practical resources, and a community of ambitious players committed to becoming their best.

https://btbtheofficial.com/locker-room

ABOUT THE BTB PODCAST

Hosted by former professional soccer player, U.S. Men's National Team player, author, and BTB founder Chris Mueller, The BTB Podcast goes beyond the game to uncover the stories, habits, decisions, and perspectives of world-class athletes, coaches, and leaders.

Our mission is simple: Learn from the best. Apply what matters. Become your best.

Subscribe for new conversations every week.

CONNECT WITH BTB
Website: https://btbtheofficial.com
Instagram: @btbtheofficial
X: @cmueller1662