AI Unearths Football Talent Beyond Scouts’ Reach
The AI Scout That Found a Brazilian Gem
In the sprawling football landscape of Brazil, where talent is as abundant as the passion for the game, 18-year-old Leo Veiga had nearly given up. Stuck playing for a small club in Santa Catarina, his dream of becoming a professional footballer seemed out of reach. Then, artificial intelligence intervened. Through the Footbao app, Veiga uploaded videos of his skills, and AI analyzed his performance. He was selected for a trial with Italian club Lecce, caught a scout’s eye, and now plays for Spezia’s youth academy in Italy’s second division. “AI opened a new door,” Veiga told AFP.
- Key Fact: Leo Veiga, 18, from Brazil, signed with Spezia youth academy after AI scouting via Footbao.
- Key Fact: Footbao estimates 14,000-15,000 undiscovered players globally with pro potential.
- Key Fact: CUJU app has 160,000 downloads; focuses on technical drills.
How AI Scouting Works
Tech companies like Footbao and CUJU are democratizing football scouting. Players upload videos of matches or training drills via smartphone apps. AI algorithms analyze technical skillsโball control, speed, passing accuracyโand generate performance scores. These scores are shared with scouts and clubs, bypassing traditional talent identification networks. Footbao, founded in 2023, operates in Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina, with plans to expand. CUJU, a German firm, uses app-guided drills to standardize performance data. “Professional clubs have huge databases, but they mostly contain players who have already been scouted,” said Sven Muller, CUJU’s marketing director. “There is no reliable data on talent at the earliest stages.”
Key Player Stats
| Player | App | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Leo Veiga | Footbao | Signed with Spezia youth academy |
| Marcela Geremias de Lima | CUJU | Earned place in Corinthians U-15 women’s team |
| Footbao users | Footbao | 120,000 registered; 14,000-15,000 with pro potential |
| CUJU users | CUJU | 160,000 downloads |
Boost to Women’s Football
AI scouting is also transforming women’s football. In Sรฃo Paulo, Marcela Geremias de Lima used the CUJU app to showcase her skills. After participating in youth tournaments organized by the company, she earned a spot in Corinthians’ Under-15 sideโa club with six Copa Libertadores titles in women’s football. “The exercises help you improve and mean you can be seen from anywhere in the world,” she said. With Brazil hosting the 2027 Women’s World Cup, AI-driven recruitment could accelerate the discovery of female talent. Brazilian club Santos, home to legends like Pelรฉ and Neymar, announced a deal with Footbao in December to identify young prospects. “It is a way to expand our search for athletes,” said club president Marcelo Teixeira.
What’s Next for AI Scouting
The integration of AI into football scouting is still in its early stages, but the potential is vast. Footbao plans to expand into more South American countries, while CUJU continues to refine its drill-based assessments. Top Brazilian clubs like Palmeiras, which produced stars Endrick and Estevao, acknowledge the value of pre-selection by tech companies. “I receive between 30 and 40 videos every day,” said Joao Paulo Sampaio, head of youth development at Palmeiras. “Tech companies that carry out a first round of pre-selection represent a new tool.” However, Palmeiras does not currently work with these firms. As AI technology improves, it could become a standard part of talent identification, especially in regions with limited scouting infrastructure. The Summer 2026 Transfer Window: Top Players on the Move may soon include names discovered through AI.
Where to Watch
For fans eager to follow the next generation of AI-discovered talent, matches from Brazilian leagues and youth tournaments are broadcast on platforms like ESPN, Star+, and local networks. In Italy, Spezia’s games in Serie B are available on Sky Sport and DAZN. The Nepal Crush Bhutan 3-0 in SAFF Women’s Championship Opener shows how football is expanding globally, and AI scouting could further diversify the talent pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does AI scouting work in football?
Players upload videos of their skills via apps like Footbao or CUJU. AI analyzes technical attributes such as ball control, speed, and passing, generating a performance score. This data is shared with scouts and clubs, who can then invite promising players for trials.
What is Footbao and how many users does it have?
Footbao is a Swiss company founded in 2023 that uses AI to scout football talent. It has around 120,000 registered users, primarily in Brazil, and estimates 14,000-15,000 have pro potential.
Can AI scouting help women’s football?
Yes. Marcela Geremias de Lima used CUJU to earn a spot in Corinthians’ U-15 women’s team. With Brazil hosting the 2027 Women’s World Cup, AI can accelerate female talent discovery.
Which clubs are using AI scouting?
Italian club Spezia signed Leo Veiga after Footbao. Brazilian club Santos partnered with Footbao in December 2025. Palmeiras acknowledges the tool but does not currently use these firms.
What are the limitations of AI scouting?
AI relies on video quality and may miss intangible qualities like game intelligence or teamwork. It is a pre-selection tool, not a replacement for human scouts.
