Global Surge in Expatriate Players: CIES Football Observatory Study 2024

The global landscape of football is undergoing a significant shift, as revealed by the latest study from the CIES Football Observatory. The report highlights a notable surge in expatriate players for the year 2024, indicating a new high in global player migration.

Analyzing data from 135 leagues worldwide, the CIES report showcases a remarkable 20% increase in players moving away from their domestic markets since 2020. This trend is particularly prominent in UEFA-affiliated countries, where signing players from abroad is becoming increasingly popular, especially in top leagues with the resources to expand their search for top-quality talent.

Interestingly, while the overall trend is on the rise, African nations have experienced a surprising 14% decline in expatriate player presence from 2020 to 2024. On the other hand, powerhouse nations like Brazil, France, and Argentina are at the forefront of this global player exodus, with players from these countries representing a significant portion of expatriates in the leagues studied.

The study also highlights the Portuguese league as the largest importer of players from a specific country, with a significant number of expatriates from Brazil. Despite the overall growth in player migration, the league has actually seen a decrease in the number of Brazilian players since 2020.

Overall, the analysis by the CIES Football Observatory underscores the increasing trend of player mobility through transnational transfer networks, not only for top-tier talent but also for players at lower levels of professional football. This shift in the global player market is reshaping the landscape of football and providing new opportunities for clubs and leagues around the world.