THE IMPACT OF RELATIVE AGE EFFECT ON PLAYER DISTRIBUTION AND MARKET VALUE IN TOP UEFA COUNTRIES

Authors : Selçuk Tarakcı, Gülhan Erdem Subak, Kaan Kaya

Pages : 21-35

View : 57 | Download : 36

Publication Date : 2025-06-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The Relative Age Effect (RAE) is a well-documented phenomenon that influences the development and young athletes’ career trajectories, particularly in football. This study examines the impact of RAE on the distribution and market value of U19 players in the top 10 UEFA-ranked countries since January 2024 Data were collected from Transfermarkt, analyzing players’ birth quarters using the Chi-Square Goodness-of-Fit test, while market value differences were examined through ANOVA. The results indicate a significant overrepresentation of players born in the first two quarters of the year, with a corresponding underrepresentation in the final quarter. The findings reveal a significant overrepresentation of players born in the first two quarters of the year, particularly in Germany, France, and Turkey, while England exhibited a more balanced distribution. Furthermore, players born in the first quarter commanded the highest market values, highlighting the long-term economic implications of RAE. These findings underscore the need for ongoing efforts to address RAE in youth football development, ensuring that talent identification and development practices are equitable and inclusive. By fostering a more balanced environment, the football industry can better recognize and nurture potential across all birth quarters, ultimately promoting fairness and diversity in the sport.
Keywords : Bağıl Yaş Etkisi, Genç Futbolu, Piyasa Değeri, Yetenek Seçimi

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