Abstract
Football is a popular sport worldwide, with leagues that differ competitively. This has led to a culture where top-rated footballers converge to participate in top European leagues such as the English Premier League (EPL) of England, La Liga (Spain), Bundesliga (Germany), Ligue 1 (France), and Serie A (Italy). Among the footballers currently competing in these leagues, Africans are well-represented, though the number of players from South Africa remains relatively low. This paper focuses on the factors that contribute to the successful transition of African footballers from local to European leagues, with a particular emphasis on participation in the English Premier League. By examining the football landscapes in Senegal, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa, this research aims to identify the key elements that facilitate impactful international transfers. Common themes in this investigation are early migration or birth in foreign countries, visa constraints linked to league regulations, and the absence of well-established developmental academies. Individuals of African descent with dual citizenship and a European upbringing tend to have stronger footballing foundations due to early exposure to higher-quality training, enhancing their prospects of playing professionally in highly competitive leagues. The study finds that the developmental framework in South African football could be the cause of obstruction of skill progression and reducing players’ competitiveness upon international transfers, specifically for those who transfer after reaching physical maturity.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Sporting Cultures and Identities
KEYWORDS
Transfers,Development,Competitiveness
