Abstract
The relative age effect (RAE) consists of the lower presence of members of an age group born in the months furthest from the age cut-off date established. In youth soccer, it is known that because of this effect the birth dates of more players in a team are closer to the cutoff of 1 January. These older players, due to their physical and psychological advantages, are more likely to be identified as talent. This study aimed to examine whether RAE can be identified in professional players of the top five European soccer leagues (Spain, Italy, England, Germany, and France) and to assess its influence on the perceived market value of the players. Market value data for 2577 players were obtained from the Transfermarkt database. A significant RAE was produced in all leagues (p < 0.05). However, this bias did not affect the market value of the professional elite soccer players examined here. Our observations indicate that, while the identification and promotion of talent at young ages are often biased by RAE, once players have reached the professional stage, the market value assigned to them is based more on factors other than their date of birth.
Highlights
The relative age effect (RAE) consists of a decline in the frequency of members born in the last months leading up to the cutoff after which a new age category is established
This study sought to examine the prevalence of RAE in European soccer and to assess its impacts on the market value of players
We examined the birth dates and market values of professional soccer players in the five top leagues
Summary
The relative age effect (RAE) consists of a decline in the frequency of members born in the last months leading up to the cutoff after which a new age category is established. While RAE occurs in different settings, in the sport or school setting, this effect will mean that in a given age group, there will be more older athletes or children with advantages in athletic or academic endeavors than younger ones. Studies examining this effect in sport were those of Barnsley, Thompson, and Barnsley [1], who noted that 40% of juvenile category ice hockey players in Canada had been born in the first quarter of the year. Between the ages of 15 to 18, individuals may have different levels of maturity affecting their competitive ability
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