Is AI the future of discovering football superstars in Senegal?

In Senegal, Generation Foot, a football club based in Dakar, has been leveraging artificial intelligence technology to enhance its talent identification processes. This initiative seeks to identify promising young players who may have the potential to follow in the footsteps of notable club alumni like Sadio Mane. The club’s former general manager initiated a connection with Eyeball, a platform designed to provide video footage and data analytics of players across various markets. This innovative approach enables individual players to access recordings of their performances, facilitating personal improvement. It also allows coaches to assess team dynamics collectively, thereby making data-driven scouting more efficient. Although traditional scouting methods still play a significant role in finding talented footballers, the integration of technology has begun to reshape how scouting works. The vast network of scouts employed by Generation Foot, roughly 50 in number, continues to traverse Senegal to seek out top-level prospects. However, the advanced capabilities offered by platforms like Eyeball are helping to streamline these efforts. The visual data can serve as a preliminary assessment tool, allowing scouts to examine players remotely before deciding whether a trip to watch them play in person is warranted. Furthermore, the academy at Generation Foot supports approximately 130 players by financing their schooling, accommodation, and medical care. This investment illustrates the club's commitment to not only developing football talent but also supporting the educational needs of its athletes. As Generation Foot aims to foster future football greats, the integration of AI will likely enhance its ability to provide a steady pipeline of qualified players to both domestic and international teams. Overall, Generation Foot's fusion of traditional scouting methods with modern technology marks a significant evolution in the recruitment of football talent. This advancement highlights a new era in football where data and video analysis become pivotal in decision-making processes regarding player development and recruitment. The potential long-term outcomes include a greater number of successful transitions from youth football to professional levels, thereby ensuring that Senegal remains a robust contributor to the global football landscape.