But former New Zealand U-20 captain Dan Keat is one such man.
The 23-year-old was picked up by the Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer’s supplemental draft in January after catching the eye during a four-year stint at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.
He joined a talent-packed roster at the Galaxy, one of the country’s glamour sides, that includes the likes of former England captain and Manchester United star Beckham, Landon Donovan – the golden boy of US football – and ex-Aston Villa striker Juan Pablo Angel.
But he has had to wait a frustrating couple of months to line up alongside them after fracturing a heel in pre-season training. When it did finally arrive this month, his debut was one to remember as it took place in front of over 50,000 fans against one of the best teams in the world.
Nine-time European champions Real Madrid visited Los Angeles to take part in a World Football Challenge friendly against the Galaxy and unleashed the full firepower of their amazing arsenal. Superstars Ronaldo, Kaka and Iker Casillas all took the field as Madrid romped to a 4-1 win, a scoreline that included a trademark Ronaldo wonder goal.
Keat came off the bench in the 71st minute of the match and found himself on the same pitch as more of the world’s best players just days later when the Galaxy took on Manchester City in another friendly.
The midfielder played the entire second half and had a hand in the Galaxy’s best moment of the day when he helped set up Mike Magee’s game-tying goal. He also netted a penalty in the post-game shoot-out after the scores were locked at 1-1 on the fulltime whistle but his effort was not enough to stop City prevailing 7-6.
The game has since made news all around the world for an act of petulance from Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli, who tried an audacious back heel in front of the Galaxy goal and then reacted angrily when he was immediately substituted by incensed boss Roberto Mancini.
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena has no such problems with his Kiwi signing and stated after the City defeat that he was pleased with the impact of the team’s new players.
“We had the opportunity to play 22 players, of which some were young players that haven’t had a lot of playing time this year,” he said. “A number of players got on the field and showed us what they can do.”
Wellington native Keat was happy with his performance and is pleased to finally be able to take part after those weeks of injury frustration.
“It was all about going out there and showing I can play at that level – you gain confidence with every little thing you do well,” he said.
“It’s always frustrating not being on the field but, to a certain extent, you’ve got to do what you can, keep working hard and take your chance when you get it. It’s the nature of the game and the nature of being at a club like this.
“We’ve all got to keep pushing each other hard and take our chance when we get it.”
Despite leading New Zealand at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada in 2007, Keat has not yet gone on to appear in Ricki Herbert’s senior squad and a place in the All Whites is at the forefront of his list of goals.
“You always want to play for the national team and it’s something I think I’m capable of. But all you can do is keep plugging away and hope you eventually crack it.”
To view footage of Dan Keat in action against Manchester City and hear his thoughts on the match click here