This week on @thesoccerladder, hosts @meganlinkeofficial and @liamlinke18 sit down with Chijioke Akujuobi (@choppaholic5) — the creator and host of @victorychatterpodcast / @victorychatterpod — for a powerful conversation on mindset, mentorship, and what it really takes to make it in the world of soccer.

From street soccer in Texas to playing professionally in Denmark, Chijioke’s story is one of grit, faith, and relentless belief in his purpose. In this episode, he shares:

⚽️ How mindset outweighs talent — and why mental strength is the #1 differentiator for elite players.

💬 The moment a coach changed his entire career with one mindset shift.

🌍 What separates U.S. and European youth development systems — and how culture, discipline, and structure play a major role.

🎙 The origin story of The Victory Chatter Podcast and how interviewing pros like AJ DeLaGarza, Kellyn Acosta, and others has deepened his perspective.

🔥 Why self-awareness, mentorship, and consistency are the true markers of success both on and off the field.

🏆 Lessons from players like Michael Bradley and Cristiano Ronaldo on staying hungry and grounded — no matter how far you go.

This episode is packed with gold for players, parents, and coaches who want to build not just a career — but character.

🎧 Listen to Episode 22 now on all streaming platforms.

📲 Follow & Connect:@thesoccerladder @meganlinkeofficial @liamlinke18@choppaholic5 @victorychatterpodcast @victorychatterpod

🎥 TikTok: @choppaholic5 @victorychatterpod

#thesoccerladder #victorychatterpodcast #soccerpodcast #mindsetmatters #shijogakajobi #usmnt #youthsoccer #footballculture #growthmindset #soccerjourney #leadership #athletedevelopment

Guest: Fre Frans, former pro defender turned coach at RWDM Brussels
📲 IG: @frefrans

In this inspiring and globe-spanning episode, we sit down with Belgian footballer and coach Fre Frans (@frefrans), who shares his journey from debuting at 17 in Belgium’s top league to coaching one of the youngest squads in Europe today.

Fre played professionally for clubs like Lierse SK, Beerschot, and Partick Thistle in Scotland, and he’s now mentoring rising talent at RWDM Brussels — a club committed to youth development, global scouting (including American talent), and building strong character on and off the pitch.

We dive into:

• Fre’s early debut at just 17 and how he handled pressure with ease
• His time in Scotland vs Belgium and the cultural & tactical differences
• Coaching lessons he's learned from both the best — and worst — coaches
• Why mentality trumps talent at the pro level
• What it’s like raising a son who dreams of being the next Thibaut Courtois
• RWDM’s exciting philosophy on global development and scouting
• Advice to academy players dreaming of the first team
• And rapid fire questions: toughest opponent, dream stadium, and one young player to watch 👀

🔗 Plus: We get personal about parenthood, mindset, and how creating your own journey (and not comparing it to others) can lead to a long-lasting career in football and beyond.

Whether you're a young player, parent, or passionate fan — this one is packed with life lessons, laughs, and legacy-level wisdom.

📍 Clubs mentioned:
@lierse_k | @beerschotofficial | @partickthistle | @rwdm_brussels | @krcgenkofficial | @official_kaagent | @realmadrid | @newyorkredbulls

📌 Don’t forget to follow the hosts:
🎙️Megan Linke: @meganlinkeofficial
🎙️ Liam: @liamlinke18

🎙️Podcast: @thesoccerladder

💥 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts — Episode 21 is live!

#thesoccerladder #frefrans #rwdmbrussels #footballcoach #belgiumfootball #youthdevelopment #soccerjourney #podcastepisode #liandme #mlsacademy #redbullacademy #parentingathletes #soccerparent #goalsetting #footballmentality #sportsleadership #coachlife

MLS veteran. U.S. National Team defender. College champion. Youth trainer. In this episode, A.J. DeLaGarza opens up about what it really takes to have a 14-year career in Major League Soccer—and the moments on and off the field that shaped him most. From Maryland to Miami, and Galaxy to Gold Den, A.J. shares the mindset, heart, and leadership it takes to stay at the top, adapt through change, and give back to the next generation.

🔥 Inside This Episode:
⚽️ How winning two national championships at Maryland prepared him for the pro level
⚽️ What consistency, versatility, and adaptability meant in his 14-year MLS career
⚽️ Playing alongside legends like David Beckham, Landon Donovan, and Ashley Cole
⚽️ His most defining moments—from ACL tears to playing out of position to speaking up to coaches
⚽️ Creating The Goalden in Charlotte to fight burnout and build joy in the game again
⚽️ His most powerful moment of overcoming grief—finding healing on the pitch after losing his son in 2014
⚽️ His current work with Photon Sports and how data + recovery are changing the game
⚽️ Why being prepared when your number is called is everything

⚡️ Rapid Fire:

• Messi or Ronaldo?
• Toughest opponent he ever faced
• The match he wishes he could replay
• Locker room prank stories 😂

📲 Connect & Follow:
🎧 Guest: A.J. DeLaGarza — @ajd_20
Training Facility: @thegoalden704
👟 Podcast Host: @meganlinkeofficial

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and give us a comment on instagram @meganlinkeoffical let us know your thoughts on this episode.

#TheSoccerLadder #AJDeLaGarza #MLSLegend #TheGoalden #YouthSoccer #SoccerPodcast #SoccerJourney #SoccerLeadership #SoccerDevelopment #MLS #SoccerParents #CollegeToPro #Futsal #PhotonSports #SoccerRecovery #SoccerResilience