Aixa-Requena Saül, Gil-Galve Albert, Legaz-Arrese Alejandro, Hernández-González Vicenç, Reverter-Masia Joaquín
Human Movement Research Group (RGHM), University of Lleida, Plaça de Víctor Siurana, 25003 Lleida, Spain.
Physical Education and Sport Section, University of Lleida, Av. De l'Estudi General, 25001 Lleida, Spain.
J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2025 Apr 30;10(2):153. doi: 10.3390/jfmk10020153.
Early-maturing players tend to have physical advantages during formative stages, but it remains unclear whether these advantages translate into long-term professional success. This study examines how biological maturation influences participation and career trajectories in youth football. Anthropometric and competitive data were collected from 47 players (13.53 ± 1.08 years) in a top-tier academy during the 2010-2011 season. The maturation status was assessed using the Tanner-Whitehouse II RUS method, and the career outcomes were tracked in 2024-2025. Early-maturing players showed higher anthropometric values and greater participation. However, late maturers were more likely to reach professional football ( = 0.003), with all players competing in the top five European leagues belonging to the late-maturing group. Early maturation does not guarantee professional success. Strategies such as bio-banding and personalized training can reduce biases and support talent development, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to player evaluation.
早熟球员在成长阶段往往具有身体优势，但这些优势能否转化为长期的职业成功仍不明确。本研究探讨了生物成熟度如何影响青少年足球运动员的参与度和职业轨迹。在2010 - 2011赛季，从一所顶级足球学院的47名球员（13.53 ± 1.08岁）中收集了人体测量和比赛数据。使用坦纳 - 怀特豪斯二世俄罗斯方法评估成熟度状态，并在2024 - 2025年跟踪职业发展结果。早熟球员表现出更高的人体测量值和更高的参与度。然而，晚熟球员更有可能进入职业足球领域（P = 0.003），所有在欧洲五大联赛踢球的球员都属于晚熟组。早熟并不能保证职业成功。生物分组和个性化训练等策略可以减少偏见并支持人才发展，凸显了采用更全面的球员评估方法的必要性。
