This report presents the CIES Football Observatory’s approach to assessing the level of performance of outfield players in six different areas of the game: ground defence, distribution, take on, chance creation, finishing and aerial play. For each of these areas, indices have been created by considering players’ related actions, both in terms of their frequency in relation to the minutes played and, where relevant, their success rate.

This report analyses the data on high intensity pressure produced by the French company SkillCorner. It presents several statistical models highlighting the link between teams’ styles of play, the level of pressure experienced by players and their ability to retain possession. It shows the importance of contextualising individual performance in relation to that of the team and the position occupied.

This report analyses from a spatial perspective the origin of transfer revenues collected by clubs worldwide between 2014 and 2023 according to their parent association. In total, clubs earned no less than €75 billion: around two-thirds from international transfers and the rest from domestic ones. However, this proportion varies greatly from country to country.

This report studies the fielding of minor footballers, under 18 years of age, in matches of the five major European leagues played over the 15-year-period between the 1st January 2009 until the 31st December 2023. The analysis covers the differences observed between leagues, the evolution over time, as well as the characteristics of the players concerned.

This report highlights the players born in 2003 or later who have accumulated the most playing experience over the last year (as at 11 December 2023), according the exclusive CIES Football Observatory ‘experience score’ metrics, in nine positions: goalkeepers, centre backs, left backs, right backs, holding midfielders, attacking midfielders, left wingers, right wingers and centre forwards.

The 89th edition of the CIES Football Observatory Monthly Report compares 48 leagues around the world according to the demographic characteristics of the players in their squads: 31 top divisions of UEFA member associations, nine of CONMEBOL, six of AFC and two of CONCACAF: the American MLS and the Mexican Liga MX.