Brandon Diau has revealed the bold approach that helped him secure a move to Airbus UK Broughton, insisting aspiring footballers should stop making excuses and take matters into their own hands.
The defender, who boasts more than 300,000 followers on TikTok, has opened up about how he secured his return to Welsh football after spells across the UK and Europe.
Diau joined the Wingmakers during the summer after previously representing Flint Town United and Colwyn Bay. He has also played in Northern Ireland for Portadown and Institute before moving to Slovakia to join third-tier outfit FC Lokomotíva Košice.
Since arriving at Airbus, Diau has made five appearances for the club. He initially had to be patient for his opportunity after spending time as an unused substitute, but has tasted defeat just once in the league when featuring on the pitch.
Defender reveals simple approach that secured Airbus UK Broughton move
Despite his growing social media following, Diau’s explanation of how he secured the move was refreshingly straightforward.
Rather than relying on an agent or waiting for an opportunity to come his way, the defender took the initiative and contacted his manager directly on Instagram.
“I literally just slid into my manager’s DM on Instagram, as simple as that,” he said on his TikTok page.
Diau believes having a significant online following can help players attract attention, potentially increasing their chances of receiving a response when they reach out to clubs.
However, his wider message is that aspiring footballers should not allow a lack of contacts or professional connections to prevent them from pursuing their ambitions.
TikTok star tells aspiring footballers to stop making excuses
Diau recently shared his frustration after speaking to a 19-year-old footballer in England who wanted to play professionally but felt having the right contacts was essential.
The defender used the conversation to explain why young players should be prepared to take a more direct approach when looking for opportunities.
“If you slide into someone’s DM because of your followers, you might have a better opportunity to get a reply,” he said.
Acknowledging that contacts and agents can make the process easier, Diau argued that players without those advantages should still be willing to approach clubs themselves.
“Yes, it’s true if you have the right contacts, the right agent helping you it might be easier but if you don’t, google the address of your club and just show up, it’s easy as it is.”
Brandon Diau’s advice to players chasing professional football
Diau did not hold back when explaining what he believes separates those who actively pursue their football ambitions from those who allow obstacles to stand in their way.
He questioned why players continued to blame a lack of connections when there were other ways to put themselves in front of clubs and coaches.
“I simply don’t get it why you keep having to make those excuses,” he said.
“It’s not you don’t have the right contacts, it’s that you don’t have the balls to just show up at a club and ask for a trial.”
For Diau, his own move to Airbus UK Broughton serves as an example of the importance of being proactive. By reaching out directly, he was able to open a door that might otherwise have remained closed.
Now back playing in Welsh football, the defender is using his platform to encourage the next generation to be more confident in pursuing their goals, whether that means contacting a manager on social media or turning up at a club to ask for a chance.
