The financial dimension of football injuries according to the wisdom of crowds

Abstract

ABSTRACT Research question How football players’ injuries and consequent days missed on the pitch affect their market values is an under-researched topic. In this study, we thus examine this association for a large sample of football players. Research methods We use an OLS regression model, where the dependent variable is the footballers’ market value provided by Transfermarkt over time for 9,230 observations from 2006-2020. Results Our findings show that an injured player’s market value drops by 0.08% for each day out of the game and training. When the injury is severe (more than 28 days of absence) the fall increases to 11.2% of market values. These drops depend on player type (famous or non-famous), injury type (muscles, ligaments, bones, and others) and its severity. Implications Quantifying the impact of injuries on football clubs’ intangible capital is crucial for effective risk management and strategic sporting planning.