How to Become a Pro Soccer Analyst in 9 Steps and Earn Big: A Step-by-Step Guide

Meta Description:

Discover how to become a professional soccer analyst with this step-by-step guide! Learn the skills, tools, and tips to start a successful career in soccer analytics.

Introduction

So, you want to break into the world of professional soccer analysis? Maybe you’re a die-hard fan who dreams of turning your passion for soccer into a paying gig, or you’ve always loved dissecting games, plays, and strategies.

Well, buckle up, because I’ll take you on a journey from curious fan to professional analyst! By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to make your dream of becoming a soccer analyst a reality—and yes, there’s potential for that passive income you’ve heard about!

Why Become a Soccer Analyst?

Imagine having a front-row seat to the world of soccer, analyzing every kick, pass, and strategy. As a soccer analyst, your job would be to break down plays, offer unique insights, and provide predictions that could shape fan opinions or help teams win.

Whether you aim to work for a media outlet, an analytics company, or directly with a team, there’s no shortage of possibilities.

Plus, soccer analytics is on the rise! With more data-driven decision-making, this field is growing—and that’s where you come in.

What You’ll Learn Here

1. Step-by-step path to becoming a soccer analyst.
2. Essential skills you’ll need (and where to find them).
3. How to gain experience and credibility in the industry.
4. Ways to earn money as an analyst.

Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

Step 1: Build Your Soccer Knowledge—Deep Dive

Before you can analyze a game, you need to understand it inside and out. This doesn’t mean just knowing your favorite team’s stats; it’s about understanding tactics, formations, player roles, and strategies across leagues, cultures, and playing styles.

You’ll need to read, watch, and absorb as much as you can.

Pro Tip:

• Get Tactical: Study different soccer formations like 4-4-2, 4-3-3, and more obscure ones like 3-5-2 or 3-4-3. Know how each formation impacts the style of play.
• Keep Up with Trends: Soccer evolves, and so should you. Follow the latest developments in pressing, counter-pressing, high defensive lines, and other hot tactics.

Resources to Build Knowledge:

• Books like “Inverting the Pyramid” by Jonathan Wilson.
• YouTube Channels like Tifo Football and soccersolved.com.
• Podcasts such as “The Total Soccer Show” and “The Football Analytics Show.”

“You have to analyze, synthesize, and anticipate,” said John Muller, a soccer analytics writer. That’s what makes an exceptional analyst.

Step 2: Master the Tools of the Trade

A good soccer analyst is like a detective—you need the right tools. In the world of soccer analytics, this means mastering platforms and tools like StatsBomb, Wyscout, and Instat. These platforms provide data on player stats, team performance, and more.

Top Tools You’ll Need:

1. StatsBomb – Provides player and team data, tracking everything from tackles to expected goals.
2. Wyscout – A favorite among analysts for its player database and match analysis tools.
3. InStat – Known for its vast video library, it’s fantastic for scouting reports.

Learn how to use these tools to gain insights into players, teams, and even individual matches. Many offer tutorials to help you get started, so don’t worry if you’re new to the world of sports data!

Step 3: Learn Data Analysis and Visualization

Data analytics is crucial in modern soccer analysis. Sure, watching games and sharing opinions is fun, but real analysis digs into the numbers. You’ll want to learn how to interpret stats and trends, which can involve some data science basics.

Essential Data Skills to Learn:

• Excel: Start here. It’s versatile for managing datasets.
• Python or R: These are popular for data analysis. Python has libraries like Pandas and Matplotlib for handling data.
• Tableau or Power BI: These tools help you create data visualizations that make your insights easy to understand.

If you’re intimidated by coding, don’t worry! Start small. Many online courses make these skills accessible to beginners.

Quick Stat:

Did you know? The expected goals (xG) metric can predict a team’s performance over time. Understanding xG can make you a smarter analyst.

Step 4: Practice Your Analysis Skills on Real Games

Theory is great, but practice makes perfect. Watch live games or replays, take notes, and create your own analyses. Think of it as “game film review.” Compare your analysis with professional ones to see how you stack up.

What to Analyze:

1. Player Performance: Who stands out and why?
2. Team Formations: How does each team use space?
3. Game Flow: Where does the momentum shift, and why?

To take it further, try writing up your analysis and sharing it on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, or a blog. This is how you’ll start building credibility and getting noticed by others in the field.

Step 5: Find Your Niche and Build an Online Presence

The world of soccer analysis is vast, so it’s smart to find a niche. Maybe you’re an expert on La Liga tactics or a whiz with player scouting. Having a focus will help you stand out from the crowd.

Build Your Brand

Start by creating a website or a blog, and regularly post your insights. Use Twitter to share quick analysis or thoughts on recent games—it’s a popular platform for soccer analysts.

Fun Fact: Did you know many analysts get discovered on Twitter? Tagging relevant soccer accounts and using trending hashtags can boost your visibility!

Step 6: Network with Other Analysts and Industry Pros

Success in this field often comes from who you know. Engage with other analysts on social media, attend soccer analytics conferences, and don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals for advice or mentorship.

Networking Tips:

• Join Communities: Sites like BigSoccer and Reddit have forums dedicated to soccer analysis.
• LinkedIn Connections: Connect with professionals and engage with their posts to build relationships.
• Soccer Conferences: Events like the Opta Forum and the Football Analytics Conference offer networking opportunities and insider knowledge.

Step 7: Get Certified or Take Online Courses

Want to boost your credibility? Consider certifications or courses. While these aren’t mandatory, they add polish to your resume and signal to employers that you’re serious.

Recommended Courses

• CIES Football Observatory: Offers a course on performance analysis.
• Coursera & Udemy: Have affordable options for data analysis and sports analytics.

Step 8: Land Your First Job or Gig

Once you’ve honed your skills and built a portfolio, it’s time to find work. Start by searching for freelance opportunities or internships in sports media companies, analytics firms, or even with a soccer club.

Places to Find Soccer Analyst Jobs:

• LinkedIn Jobs
• Glassdoor
• Football Recruitment Websites like TransferRoom

Your first job might not be your dream job, but it’s a foot in the door. And once you’re in, it’s easier to climb up the ranks.

Step 9: Keep Learning and Adapting

Soccer analysis is a fast-paced field that evolves constantly. Keep up with the latest trends, tools, and techniques. The most successful analysts are lifelong learners who never settle.

Key Areas to Focus On:

• New Metrics: Stay updated on metrics like possession value and packing.
• Tech Developments: With AI and machine learning in sports, knowing the latest can keep you ahead of the curve.

Conclusion

Becoming a professional soccer analyst isn’t easy, but if you’re passionate and determined, it’s an achievable goal. From building deep soccer knowledge to mastering data analysis and creating a network, you now know the steps to make your mark.

Ready to get started? Take that first step today! Whether you’re watching games with a critical eye, taking an online course, or sharing insights on social media, each action brings you closer to your dream.

Summary:

• Understand the game deeply.
• Master key tools and analytics.
• Practice analysis on real games.
• Build an online presence and find your niche.
• Network and consider certifications.
• Land your first job and keep growing.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive in, start analyzing, and let the world of soccer see what you can do!