The relative age effect in Brazilian elite soccer depending on age category, playing position, and competitive level

Abstract

PurposeThis study investigated the occurrence of relative age effect (RAE) in Brazilian elite soccer athletes depending on age categories, playing position, and competitive level.MethodsData from 2660 male elite soccer athletes who participated in the 2019 Brazilian soccer championships were analysed. To determine RAE, the players were divided by their quarter of birth: Q1 (January-March), Q2 (April-June), Q3 (July-September), and Q4 (October-December). Data were obtained from the Brazilian Soccer Confederation (CBF) official website, and from each club’s website when no information was available at the CBF website. Were included the athletes who participated in the 2019 Brazilian soccer championships in series A and B. Data were organized in accordance with age categories (under-20 or senior), playing position (forwards, midfielders, defenders, and goalkeepers), and competitive level (Series A or B).ResultsAn overrepresentation of soccer players born in the first quarter of the year was found when compared with the other quarters, whereas players born in the last quarter of the year were underrepresented, regardless of the age category and competitive level. Regarding playing position, an overrepresentation of soccer players born in the first quarter of the year was found for all playing positions in both age categories, except for the goalkeepers in the senior category.ConclusionsOur results showed a prevalence of RAE in U-20 and senior age categories in elite Brazilian soccer athletes, in both competitive levels, and for all playing positions, except for goalkeepers in the senior category.