In recent years, football has seen a major transformation thanks to data analytics. Clubs now rely on data to scout opponents, recruit players, and enhance performance. The latest development in this evolution is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), which promises to take the game to new heights.

AI’s Role in Football Data Collection

The explosion of football data has paved the way for AI’s capabilities. Modern football now captures thousands of data points per match, making it more complex and detailed than ever before.

Traditionally, football data focused on events—passes, tackles, and shots—logged manually by analysts reviewing match footage. However, this method only tracked ball-related actions, leaving the rest of the game largely unexamined.

With the introduction of tracking data, the entire pitch comes under scrutiny. Stadium cameras record the movements of all 22 players, creating a comprehensive map of their actions. AI plays a key role in this process, using advanced computer vision to identify and track players, even in challenging conditions like obstructed views. This allows for real-time tracking that surpasses human capabilities, capturing intricate details of player positioning and movement.

AI Enhancing Refereeing Decisions

Refereeing has long been a contentious area of football, with controversial calls leaving lasting memories—think Maradona’s infamous "Hand of God" goal in 1986. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has improved decision-making, but FIFA has taken it further with Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT).

SAOT utilizes 12 stadium cameras to track player and ball positions 50 times per second, combined with a sensor in the ball to pinpoint when it’s kicked. The system alerts VAR officials to potential offsides, providing them with precise data to review. While referees maintain the final say, SAOT enhances accuracy and reduces missed calls. Successfully deployed in the 2022 World Cup and Champions League, SAOT is set to become a permanent fixture in football.

AI Keeping Players Fit and Injury-Free

In today’s packed football schedules, managing player fitness and minimizing injuries is critical. AI has become an invaluable tool in this area.

Zone7, a data analytics company, uses AI to monitor players’ physical data—such as GPS and force platform metrics—to identify patterns that predict injuries. By flagging sensitive markers, clubs can intervene before injuries occur. Teams like Los Angeles FC, Napoli, and Liverpool have successfully used Zone7 to reduce injury rates and maintain peak performance.

AI and Strategic Collaboration: Liverpool and DeepMind

Liverpool FC, known for its data-driven approach, has partnered with DeepMind, Google’s AI research lab, to explore new possibilities in football analytics. By analyzing match data from 2017 to 2019, they uncovered AI’s ability to predict player behavior in specific scenarios.

This innovation could revolutionize opposition analysis, enabling teams to simulate and evaluate various tactical strategies before a match. While this technology is still developing, experts believe tools like an "Automated Video Assistant Coach" could become a reality within five years, offering real-time pre-match, in-game, and post-match insights.

The Future of AI in Football

AI will not replace human analysts or coaches, but it will significantly enhance their capabilities. Machine learning can deliver more precise, detailed, and actionable insights, ushering in the next phase of football’s data revolution. By embracing AI, clubs can gain a competitive edge, making smarter decisions on and off the pitch. The fusion of AI and football isn’t just innovation—it’s the future of the beautiful game.