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Global football
Not all talents get a chance
Football development lies at the heart of FIFA’s overarching mission to make football truly global. To have a significant impact on the development of the game, it is crucial to have a full understanding of the current global ecosystem.
Competitive imbalance
It is FIFA’s long-term ambition to see at least 50 national teams and 50 clubs from all continents competing at the highest level. Over the years, it has become clear that there is a competitive imbalance, with European football dominant across international competitions.
In the last four FIFA World Cups
100 000 %
56 00
In the last four FIFA Women’s World Cups
81 00 %
34 00
Financial disparity
Pre-COVID-19, elite clubs and associations around the world were enjoying a period of stable growth, albeit with a clear disparity between Europe and the rest of the world. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for both clubs and associations across the globe. A new financial era is dawning for modern football, and it is an era that must be met with caution to ensure the game is protected for the future.
469%
In 2020, the gap between the combined transfer spend of clubs affiliated to the associations that are home to the “big 5” leagues, and the clubs from the next five associations from the top ten as a staggering USD 3.4bn (469%)
4x
In 2020, the total transfer spend of clubs in UEFA was over four times more than the combined spend of clubs in the AFC, CAF, Concacaf, CONMEBOL and the OFC.
Top 10 MAs by transfer spend in 2020 (USDm)
34 00
4,052 0,000
Inconsistent playing opportunities
The opportunities for young boys and girls to participate in organised competition varies across the globe. The absence of regular and consistent playing opportunities, both domestically and internationally, puts players in certain age groups at a distinct disadvantage.
3 0 x
60 00 %
Age profile of last U‑17 Youth World Cups
In some regions, many talented boys and girls miss the opportunity to play due to international competitions taking place biannually.
5x
The chance of playing in a FIFA U-17 World Cup is five times higher for a male player born in an even year than for one born in an odd year
Countries not reaching their full potential
To reach its full potential, each association must be aware of how it needs to support its talented boys and girls.
A clear pathway from youth to senior football is key to future success. With so few countries able to manage this transition, what are the contributing factors?
Many countries are unable to transfer youth performance into senior success.
Men's competitions
4 0
2 0
Women’s competitions
6 0
4 0