“When I discovered King, I was impressed by its strong academic programs, especially in Business and Sports Management,” he said. “Additionally, the welcoming community and opportunities to grow both on and off the field made King the perfect choice for me.”
When King University’s Tijani Ali Khelifaoui was growing up in Saint Etienne, France, he dreamed of merging his passion for sports with an education that would help him build a career he truly loved.
“It’s not very feasible in France, but America has a unique system that offers the chance to study while competing in your respective sports,” said Khelifaoui, who goes by TJ at King.
When King recruited him to play soccer, his dream began taking shape.
“When I discovered King, I was impressed by its strong academic programs, especially in Business and Sports Management,” he said. “Additionally, the welcoming community and opportunities to grow both on and off the field made King the perfect choice for me.”
For many years, Khelifaoui, who loves sports, envisioned himself as a professional soccer player.
“I’ve been playing soccer since I was five,” he said. “Soccer has always been more than just a game to me; it’s a way of life. I love how it brings people together, regardless of their background or culture, and how it creates unforgettable moments of passion and unity.”
While Khelifaoui had brushes with the world of professional sports, he notes his experience as a player was stymied by agents who didn’t share his same passion and standards. The resulting frustration served as motivation for him to study to become a licensed independent FIFA (Federation International Football Association) agent – a challenging process, but one that Khelifaoui was more than ready to take on.
“The FIFA Agent License exam is known for its high level of difficulty,” he said. “The exam covers a vast array of topics, including FIFA regulations, legal procedures, and contract law subjects that typically require years of specialized study, often as a sports lawyer.”
Additionally, he noted, the exam is only offered once a year. That gave him just four months to prepare, all while in the middle of soccer season and classes for his MBA.
After weeks of hard work and discipline, he passed the exam and is now a licensed FIFA agent.
“Earning the license was incredibly rewarding; it marked a major step in my career and solidified my commitment to excelling in the global football and sports industry,” said Khelifaoui. “I am officially certified to represent professional football players in contract negotiations, transfers, sponsorship deals, and career management. It’s also an opportunity to represent a new generation of sports agents – I can be the ‘Agent of Tomorrow,’ driven by solid principles and profound human values: motivated, determined, and above all, dedicated to serving athletes.”
Khelifaoui feels King played a significant part in him reaching his goal.
“King offered me solid academic training in sports management and also an environment where I was able to develop essential skills such as leadership, communication, and project management,” he said. “The support and advice of my professors helped me grow, not only academically but also personally.”
Khelifaoui says that kind of community support is something he holds close to his heart.
“The diversity and support of the university community was the best thing about King,” he said. “It’s a place where every student can thrive, thanks to well-structured programs and a team that really wants to see us succeed. King fosters an environment where you can dream big and work toward those dreams with the support of an entire network behind you. Now that I’m almost done with school, I can truly say this: I love my professors and will always be grateful for everything they’ve done for me.”
Regarding his career, Khelifaoui’s main objective is to continue developing as a FIFA agent, representing top-tier players on the global stage, and becoming a trusted name in the football industry while remaining true to his values.
“I want to help players not only achieve their professional dreams but also secure their futures off the pitch,” he said. “Additionally, I aim to mentor young talents and guide them as they navigate the complexities of the football world.
“I would also like to contribute to the growth and development of soccer in the United States, particularly by fostering youth programs, promoting the sport at the grassroots level, and enhancing its visibility and accessibility. My hope is to play a role in elevating soccer’s profile in the U.S. and inspiring a new generation of players and fans.”
