AI Transforms Talent Scouting in Brazilian Football

Published Date : 20/05/2025 

Brazil, a nation deeply passionate about football, is leveraging AI to revolutionize the talent scouting process, making it easier to identify and nurture young talent from the grassroots level. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries worldwide, and the world of football is no exception. From acting as powerful virtual assistants to generating Instagram-worthy images, AI is making its presence felt across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and defense. It was only a matter of time before AI made its way into sports, and Brazil, known for its deep-rooted football culture, stands out as a nation that is taking the implementation of technology in sport seriously.

AI has a wide variety of uses in sports, from NFL teams using AI-powered sensors in helmets and pads to collect data on player movement and collisions to the introduction of automated line-calling systems in tennis. When it comes to football, Brazil is leading the way by using AI to simplify the process of identifying young talent at the grassroots level.

Footbao, a Swiss organization, has created an online platform where budding players can create an online portfolio of videos showcasing their skills. The platform's machine-based analysis of these clips helps filter out players based on the specific needs of clubs. According to Nick Rappolt, Footbao’s chief executive, more than 100,000 young players have registered for their mobile application, with a majority of them from Brazil.

“Footbao helps clubs find players who match their needs more accurately — all at a national scale and with much greater precision,” Rappolt told Financial Times. Given Brazil’s obsession with football and the fact that it exports more football talent than any other nation, the South American country is the perfect testing ground for AI-based applications like Footbao.

The stark inequality in Brazil means not every young footballer has access to high-quality practice facilities. However, technological advancements have made it possible for those from humble backgrounds to get noticed more quickly. Footbao recently sent five Brazilian teenagers to Italy to train with Serie A club Lecce. The app helped create a shortlist of 20 out of 2,000 applicants, from which the five were selected.

Footbao, however, is not the only AI-based application making waves in Brazilian football. Cuju, an app developed and financially backed by German sports player agency Rogon, also went live in Brazil last year. Cuju requires users to exhibit their skills through a series of exercises, and the clips of these exercises are uploaded to a database where the AI compares players from across the world.

“You can compare the exact same skills or exercises from a kid in Brazil with a kid in Malaysia or the United States with Africa, so this is pure standardization and will help make the life of clubs and scouts easier in their search for the next talent,” Rogon Technologies’ chief marketing officer Sven Muller said in the report.

While these apps have established themselves at the grassroots level in Brazil, their potential impact on other football-obsessed nations around the world remains to be seen. The use of AI in scouting is not limited to identifying young talent; it can also be implemented at the senior level to enhance player performance and team strategies.

In summary, the integration of AI in Brazilian football is transforming the way talent is identified and nurtured. These technological advancements are not only making the scouting process more efficient but are also providing opportunities for young players from diverse backgrounds to showcase their skills and potentially change their lives. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is Footbao?

A: Footbao is a Swiss organization that has created an online platform where young football players can create portfolios of videos showcasing their skills. The platform uses AI to analyze these clips and filter out players based on the specific needs of clubs.

Q: How does AI help in talent scouting in Brazil?

A: AI helps in talent scouting by analyzing videos of players' skills, comparing them to a database, and filtering out the most suitable candidates for clubs. This makes the process more efficient and precise, especially for players from humble backgrounds who may not have access to high-quality practice facilities.

Q: What is Cuju, and how does it differ from Footbao?

A: Cuju is an app developed by German sports player agency Rogon. It requires users to perform a series of exercises and upload video clips, which are then analyzed by AI. Cuju focuses on standardizing the comparison of players from different countries, making it easier for clubs and scouts to find the best talent.

Q: What impact has AI had on young footballers in Brazil?

A: AI has made it easier for young footballers in Brazil to get noticed, regardless of their background. Apps like Footbao and Cuju provide a platform for players to showcase their skills, increasing their chances of being scouted by professional clubs.

Q: Can AI be used in talent scouting in other countries?

A: Yes, AI can be used in talent scouting in other football-obsessed nations. The technology is not limited to Brazil and has the potential to transform the way talent is identified and nurtured globally, from the grassroots level to the senior level. 

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