Can AI really identify the next football superstar – or is it changing the game in worrying ways?

Football fans around the world are preparing to celebrate the sport’s most talented athletes as they prepare for the start of another FIFA World Cup. But few see how the next generation of Messis and Ronaldos are discovered.

For decades, the beautiful game depended on the human eye: a scout on the sidelines, watching intently and waiting for something special. However, this process is becoming increasingly data-driven. At elite soccer academies around the world, technologies such as GPS trackers, automated video analytics and AI-powered platforms are changing the way players are identified and evaluated.

In a sport dominated by money and global competition, the appeal is obvious. Clubs want to make better decisions, as early as possible. The quicker a talented player is identified, the greater the potential return.

As my research shows, the technology promises to do just that. Coaches and scouts use new tools to make it easier to identify talent…