AI in soccer: How FC Bayern uses artificial intelligence in scouting | OneFootball

Artificial intelligence is changing more and more industries – including professional soccer. In the OMR podcast, Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen explained what role AI is already playing at the German record champions and in which areas it could become even more important in the future

The 58-year-old made it clear: FC Bayern is already using data-based analyses today, but sees AI primarily as a support and not as a replacement for human decisions

According to Dreesen, artificial intelligence has already found its way into player analysis and scouting in particular, with modern data models now making it possible to evaluate huge amounts of player data

This is no longer just about traditional statistics such as goals, assists or minutes played. „Today, there are models that analyze millions of data points,“ explained Dreesen

For example, analysts can calculate how well a player fits into a particular team, evaluating not only individual quality but also how a player harmonizes with other types of players within a team

„It is calculated whether player A works better with player C and D or not,“ says the Bayern boss. Such analyses would hardly be possible without modern data processing and AI

Human decisions remain important

Despite all the technological advances, however, Dreesen emphasized that artificial intelligence does not decide on transfers. Even if data-based models are becoming increasingly important, traditional scouting remains a central part of the decision-making process at FC Bayern. „Of course, this does not replace looking at a player yourself,“ explained Dreesen

The Munich club therefore relies on a combination of data analysis and personal observation. This hybrid model is intended to ensure that sporting decisions are not based exclusively on algorithms

In addition to scouting, Dreesen also sees great potential for the use of AI in other areas of the club, particularly in organizational and administrative tasks, where processes could be automated to a greater extent in the future

One example is translations or content production. FC Bayern publishes an enormous amount of content for its international fans every day. „We produce around 250 pieces of content in 13 languages every day,“ explained Dreesen

Many of these translations are already partially automated – and this proportion is likely to increase further in the future

According to Dreesen, standard texts in contracts or sponsorship could also increasingly be created by AI systems. For the Bayern CEO, it is therefore clear that the development has only just begun

The use of artificial intelligence will significantly change professional soccer in the coming years – both on and off the pitch. „We are only at the beginning,“ emphasized Dreesen.