Just days after replacing Roberto Carlos at Strive Aid and sharing a pitch with football legends and content creators, Levi Samuels found himself back in college.
No packed stadium. No football icons. No cameras.
Just another day.
For Samuels, that contrast made the experience feel even more surreal.
“I was still feeling over the moon, to be honest. I still didn't think it was real,” Levi said.
From Strive Aid To The Classroom
After becoming one of the breakout stories of Strive Aid 2025, Samuels returned to everyday life almost immediately.
While fans celebrated his remarkable rise from showcase player to Roberto Carlos' replacement, he was back sitting in lessons with classmates eager to hear every detail.
“The next day, I went into college. It was a normal day at college,” he said.
“Everyone was congratulating me. It was just a mad experience because I've gone from playing with Angry Ginge, Chazza and all these people, and then I just go back to college and I'm just a normal kid again.”
His friends had plenty of questions.
What were the players like? What was the atmosphere like? How did it happen?
For Samuels, one moment stood out above all others.
“I was literally sat next to Roberto Carlos in the changing room. That's the main thing really. I just couldn't believe it.”
When The Reality Finally Hit
While thousands of fans watched him replace one of football's greatest-ever left-backs, Samuels admits he didn't fully appreciate what had happened at the time.
The day moved too quickly.
The adrenaline took over.
Only later did the reality begin to hit him.
“I didn't actually deep it properly until a couple of days later.”
He added: “I actually played in his position. He was helping me the whole time, telling me what to do and encouraging me. It was crazy.”
For a young defender suddenly stepping into Roberto Carlos' famous role, the experience felt almost impossible to comprehend.
The Opportunity That Changed Everything
Samuels had arrived expecting to play in the showcase match.
Nothing more.
Then came a conversation that changed everything.
“Someone came up to me and asked how old I was.”
“They asked me what position I played and I said left-back.”
Moments later, he was informed he would be playing in the main event.
“They said, 'Brilliant. You're playing. Do you want to play now?'”
“I was like, 'What?"
Suddenly he found himself warming up alongside football legends and some of the biggest names in football content.
"When The Whistle Blew, I Just Wanted To Express Myself"
Despite the scale of the occasion, Samuels found comfort in the one thing he knew best.
Football.
Once the match started, the nerves disappeared.
“When that whistle blew, I just wanted to express myself.”
He added: “That's what everyone told me to do. Express yourself, get on the ball as much as possible and do what you do best.”
It is a mindset that has become one of the biggest lessons he took away from the entire experience.
The Advice Levi Wants Every Young Player To Hear
Asked what advice he would give to other players hoping to make the most of opportunities, Samuels' answer was simple.
Be yourself.
“Just be yourself, no matter what.”
He believes many young players put unnecessary pressure on themselves during showcase events and trials.
Instead, he focused on enjoying the day, meeting new people and embracing the experience.
“I said to myself, 'Let me just be me today.'”
“Let me make friends. Let me talk to people.”
His approach paid off.
Not only was he awarded captaincy during the showcase game, but his performances and personality helped him stand out throughout the event.
“I feel like the opportunity came because I was fully being myself.”
Lessons Beyond The Pitch
One of the most memorable parts of the day was spending time with creators and football personalities away from the cameras.
Samuels recalled a conversation with Specs that left a lasting impression.
“He was literally telling me to just be myself.”
“We sat there talking in the changing room and had a really good conversation.”
It reinforced the message he had already embraced throughout the day.
Authenticity matters.
Whether you're playing football, creating content or building a career.
