BrainToPlay
A
BALL
and the dream.
Edisson Jordanov
All about me
The first time I entered a football stadium was in the world cup 1998 in France. I don’t remember a lot from it. The second time and the first time I consciously entered a football stadium was for a game of VfL Wolfsburg. From that moment I knew what I wanted to do: play as well in a stadium, become a football player. My dream was born. This was around the age of 7.
A journey started. I went everywhere with the ball, even dribbling with the ball to school. The school playground, backyards or the street was the pitch and my parents had to secure most of the things in our home when I was “shooting” around.
Being Away from Home
At just 11, I left home for a sports school. Because I love football and I wanted to become a football player. It was tough but also where I started growing as a player and person.
Talent and National Teams
With 13 I chose to join the academy of FC Hansa Rostock, led by Roland Kroos (father of Toni Kroos), over bigger clubs. A supportive yet competitive environment helped me to be selected for Germany's U15 to U19 teams alongside players like Rüdiger, Draxler, and Emre Can.
Pro Debut and ACL Injury
At 18, I made my 2nd Bundesliga debut. In my second game, I was in the „Kicker“ Team of the Week. But at 19, I tore my ACL — the first major hit in my journey. After months of rehab, I still got the chance to sign with Borussia Dortmund’s U23. Just days before their Champions League final (2013 against Bayern), Jürgen Klopp personally spoke to me, making the decision to join Dortmund „easy“.
I trained with top players like Reus, Lewandowski, and Gündogan — but mentally and physically, I wasn’t ready. I left Dortmund at 22, still searching for my place and direction. Despite moments where I showed my potential, I felt stuck. A relegation with one club, being send away after 6 months from another club were negative „highlights“ that followed.
The click that never came
In Germany I had no chance anymore, so I joined F91 Dudelange in Luxembourg under Dino Toppmöller. But mentally, nothing had changed. I lacked direction and confidence. I hit rock bottom — playing “Sunday League” football midweek with the second team of Dudelange. I was 24 and almost gave up.
Going abroad- new chances, same problems
But I didn’t quit. I loved the game too much and had some gut feeling that there is „more to come“…but I had to change everything — not clubs, but myself. Mindset. Nutrition. Training. Habits. I studied. I worked with performance coaches, mindset coaches. I moved from No.10 to fullback. And suddenly — it clicked
The real turning point
Every day provides a new oppotunity to get better. Basically, it´s a matter of mentality.
At 25, I played all 6 games in the Europa League group stage, facing AC Milan, Betis, and Olympiacos. One year before, I was almost out of football.
From Sunday League to the Europa League
Despite playing in Europa League, I „only“ had the chance to go to Belgium, 2nd division…Fast I became one of the best fullbacks in the league. We were first in the table and In winter I talked already with a first division club…but COVID came and changed the plans…
Setbacks, Again. And Again.
I had a clear vision and goal: Become a first division player and a national team player…But I was 26/27 and without a club…I trained the hardest I ever did, cut my own highlight video, and hustled for a chance which came with my contract for Union Saint Gilloise. We got promoted to first division. But again — no renewal.
Where there is a will there is a way
So I flew to Bulgaria on my own, just my football shoes in the bag, chasing a contract. After a two day trial I almost signed for a Bulgarian club, but the night before, I got a call: “Westerlo wants you.” I flew back, signed. One goal: Promotion. We did it.
From Control what you can control- all good things come in threes
In 2021, I finally played for Bulgaria — something I put into my head since 2018. In 2022, I played against Modric, Perisic, and Kovacic in Qatar. Remember, three years ago I almost quit football in Luxembourg.
National Team against Croatia
I’ve played over 50 first division and cup matches in Belgium, scored goals in Anderlecht and Standard Liege. First I had to change from within- and despite setbacks and closed doors, results followed later.
TODAY
Education
I felt I needed to learn something already during my career. So I did a bachelor’s in economics at IUBH. But my real interest has always been in the mindset of performance- even more when I discovered the impact on my career. So I did a Masters Degree in Sports Psychology at Universidad Europea de Real Madrid in 2025- to help players in a way that I would have loved- combining practical and scientific knowledge.