SAI Academy student-athlete Alex Bayraktarov has earned his fourth U.S. Youth National Team call-up, continuing an impressive soccer career while maintaining a strong academic record through SAI Academy.

On September 10, Bayraktarov was called up to the U.S. Under-16 Youth National Team. The 15-year-old goalkeeper has previously received three U.S. U15 Youth National Team call-ups and has also represented the Bulgarian Youth National Team. He participated in the UEFA International Development Tournament in Moldova, helping Bulgaria finish in first place.

Bayraktarov’s recent success builds on several notable accomplishments throughout his young career. In 2024, he was named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the Mina Cup in Dubai. In November 2025, he was invited to join the Bulgarian Youth National Team for the UEFA Development Tournament in Moldova, where Bulgaria finished in first place. In May 2026, he represented the U.S. U15 Youth National Team at the Vlatko Marković International Tournament in Croatia, helping the team finish third. Most recently, in June 2026, Bayraktarov helped the Chicago Fire U15s finish in first place at a tournament in Turin, Italy.

Bayraktarov currently plays for Chicago Fire FC Academy, where he has competed since 2022 at the age of 11, when he was playing up with the U13s. At the same time, he has pursued his education through SAI Academy, allowing him to balance a demanding academy training schedule with his academic responsibilities.

“Alex is exactly the kind of student-athlete SAI Academy was built for,” said Shamini Ghay, President of SAI Academy. “Balancing a professional training environment with a rigorous academic schedule isn’t easy, but our flexible model gives students like Alex the structure and support they need to excel in both. His call-up to the U16 national team is a testament to his hard work, and we’re proud to be part of his journey.”

His typical weekday begins at 5:45 a.m. with a commute from Schaumburg to downtown Chicago. His day includes online classes, multiple soccer training sessions, and time in the gym before he returns home around 7 p.m. He follows the schedule five days a week while also competing on weekends.

Despite the demands of his schedule, Bayraktarov maintains very strong grades and has earned Honor Roll recognition.

“That is one of the accomplishments we are most proud of because we have always wanted him to understand that being a successful athlete and being a successful student go hand in hand,” said Alex’s mother, Milena. “SAI Academy didn’t just give Alex the flexibility to keep up with school while pursuing soccer. They gave him the chance to work toward both of his dreams at the same time, and that means so much to our family.”

For the Bayraktarov family, Alex’s success represents years of commitment and sacrifice. His younger brother, 11-year-old Dominik, has grown up watching Alex’s journey and is now following in his footsteps as a goalkeeper.

“Alex still has a long road ahead of him, and we know there will be challenges along the way,” said Milena. “But as his parents, our greatest pride isn’t just watching him make a big save or put on a national-team jersey. It’s watching him continue to show up, continue to learn, continue to work, and continue to believe in himself. We are incredibly proud of him, and we are deeply thankful to SAI Academy for being part of his journey.”

SAI Academy provides a flexible academic model designed to help student-athletes manage rigorous training and competition schedules without sacrificing their education. Bayraktarov’s journey demonstrates how student-athletes can pursue opportunities at the highest levels of their sport while continuing to prioritize academic achievement.

Apply today to start your journey at: saiacademy.com/admissions