Why should I choose Sportmonks instead of other suppliers?
Unlike many other suppliers, we are an official football data supplier, providing high-quality football data at a reasonable price. Our global presence and highly dedicated scout teams ensure you will have the best football data available. Sportmonks has proven to be the go-to partner for long term success since 2016.
Many smaller competitors have suddenly disappeared in the past years. If you want to go for a long-term, sustainable partnership, Sportmonks is the right football data supplier for you.
What is the difference between subscribing on RapidAPI and Sportmonks?
You can subscribe to the Sportmonks Football API via RapidAPI or via
My Sportmonks.
A subscription on RapidAPI means you have access to all available data features and all 1000+ Leagues, with the exception of the Prediction API. The plans on RapidAPI are categorized by the number of API calls included in your plan. On RapidAPI the API is called Football Pro.
On Sportmonks you get the exact same features, but you will have everything nicely put together in your
My Sportmonks environment.
How can I test the Sportmonks API for FREE?
You have two options:
- Create an account on My Sportmonks and get immediate access to our free plan.
- Subscribe to one of our paid plans and receive a one-time-only 14-day free trial.
How can I request a custom plan?
There are two options for requesting a custom plan.
- You can email our sales team with the requirements of a plan. They will get you sorted with your request for a custom plan!
- You can go to my.sportmonks.com and create a custom plan yourself. Choose the leagues and data features you like and request a price. Our team will come back to you as soon as possible.
Sportmonks is a sports data provider, founded in 2016, primarily doing business in football, cricket and formula 1. We work with APIs to provide you the best possible data for an affordable price.
How does the 14-day free trial work?
Once subscribed to one of our plans you will automatically receive the 14-day free trial. After 14 days, your credit card will be charged, unless you choose to cancel your subscription in time. You’re only permitted to have one free trial.
How do we collect our data?
At Sportmonks, we manage all our data in the Sportmonks Scout Application Platform (SSAP). Our dedicated scout teams from all over the world add, manage and validate the data collected by this platform. We work together with high-class data partners to ensure our football data is reliable and always up to date.
How can I create an API-token?
Once you’ve created your account, you can create your API token via the settings page on
My Sportmonks. For security reasons, the API token will only be shown to you once when you create it. Please make sure to write down your API token somewhere safe.
Which leagues are included in my plan?
For Formula 1, all 21 races are included.
For
Football and
Cricket you can go to their respective pages and click on the different plans.
Football has the
Euro,
World and
Enterprise plans, while Cricket has the
Major,
World and
Enterprise plans.
Go to the plan you're interested in and you will be re-directed to the chosen plan page, which will show you all the included leagues as well.
Sportmonks makes use of API-tokens for authorization of our API. You are required to add the parameter 'api_token' to your API requests. The parameter's value is the actual token you received when you created it in
My Sportmonks.
Without this key, you cannot use our APIs.
Where can I find my API-tokens?
You can view all the tokens you’ve created in your account settings on
My Sportmonks. Here you can manage and delete api-tokens.
Can I make multiple tokens?
You can make as many tokens as you want. Each token is valid until deleted.
How long is my token valid?
Each token is valid until manually removed by yourself from your
My Sportmonks account.
Is my token valid for all sports?
Yes, you can use the same token for multiple sports.
Do I need to change tokens when I switch to another plan?
No, you can stick to the same token you used beforehand.
Where can I create an account?
You can create an account via our dedicated
My Sportmonks platform. After you signed up, you will automatically be assigned to our free plan.
How many API calls do I get?
By default, you will have access to 2000 API calls per endpoint per hour.
If you feel this is not enough, you can upgrade this amount when selecting your plan.
We have built a well-structured, flexible, and fast JSON API. Our API makes it easy to customize your JSON responses.
Our API's flexibility demonstrates itself by allowing its users to build their own responses in the form of adding include parameters to their requests. This means you can request the data you need and leave out the data you don't need.
Filtering and Sorting is another widely used and loved characteristic of our API. It means you can request the data the way you want it to, by adding the proper filtering and sorting commands. Please check our
documentation pages for more information.
Where can I find all the available endpoints?
You can find all our endpoints with explanations on our well-described
documentation pages. Please note that we also have a helpful
Postman collection.
What happens if I hit the rate limit?
Once you’ve hit the rate limit, you will receive a 429 response. The rate limit kicks in after the first request has been made. The rate limit will be set to 0 when an hour has passed.
For example: If you make the first of X requests at 18:18 UTC it will be reset at 19:18. Information about the current number of calls, as well as the reset time, can be found in the responses meta section.
Is it possible to increase the number of API calls?
Yes this is possible. We offer an increased number of API calls for an extra tariff.
Please
contact us if you would like to increase the number of API calls.
How does the billing cycle work?
If your subscription is still active after the free trial period, a recurring billing cycle will commence for the amount you have agreed to. A billing period lasts 1 month and is paid upfront.
Which payment methods are supported?
As of now, we only accept credit card and PayPal as valid payment methods.
When will my subscription be active?
After you’ve subscribed to a plan, it will take a maximum of 15 minutes before your new data is visible.
Do you offer yearly plans?
Yes, we offer yearly plans. Yearly plans are discounted compared to monthly plans.
Which leagues are included in the Euro plan?
You will have access to the English Premier League, Bundesliga, Italian Serie A, La Liga Santander, French Ligue 1, Dutch Eredivisie, UEFA Champions and Europa League, and 20 more leagues.
For a full overview of all covered leagues, you can head to the
Euro plan page.
Which leagues are included in the World plan?
You will have access to all the leagues in the Euro Plan + some other major leagues like the Brazilian Serie A, MLS, Copa Liga MX, Copa Libertadores, and much more. Putting the total on a 100+ leagues worldwide.
For a full overview of all the covered leagues of the World plan, please refer to its
plan page.
What is included in the Enterprise package?
Our Enterprise package offers you:
- All the leagues we have
- Personal support from one of our support members
- All data features
- Some add-ons
Contact our
sales team for more information. A personal sales representative will be happy to help you.
Which features are included in the basic package?
In the basic data feature package, you will have access to livescores, events, standings, historical data, and much more.
For a full overview of all our data features and more information, you can refer to our
coverage page.
Which features are included in the standard package?
In the standard data feature package, you will have access to all the features in the basic package. Furthermore, you will have access to statistics, head2head, team squads, and much more.
For a full overview of all our data features and more information, you can refer to our
coverage page.
Which data features are included in the advanced package?
In the advanced data feature package, you will have access to all the features in the standard and basic packages. Furthermore, you will have access to live odds, trends, and live standings.
For a full overview of all our data features and more information, you can refer to our
coverage page.
What is your Service Level Agreement (SLA)?
Our approach is to put as much effort as possible to keep our API available and have real-time updates as fast as possible. The speed of our livescores is very fast compared to competitors, so it is definitely one of our competitive advantages.
Moreover, our we have incredibly high server uptime. There's little chance of you experiencing much downtime.
Use our product for a few months and you will see for yourself.
Do note that, our company does not work with SLA's and guarantees on uptime.
Can I use player images/club logos?
All logo's and profile photos are copyrighted by their legal owner.
To display these types of content in your app or website you have to arrange the proof of intellectual property yourself.
The livescores endpoint doesn't show any livescores
We often receive this complaint that the livescores endpoint doesn't function.
It's often the case that you're currently requesting livescores for a match that isn't live yet.
In such scenarios, the livescore endpoint returns nothing back.
Head to our
tutorials if you need more technical guidance.
If this is not the case for your issue, please contact our
support team.
Sportmonks is a Dutch company, with two locations in the Netherlands.
Is there live chat support?
Unfortunately no, but who knows? We might implement this in the future.
For now, you can best
contact us via email.
How can I leave a review?
Do you like our services so much that you want to write a review about us?
Simply email our
Sportmonks Team, and they will get back to you with more details.
How many discount coupons can I use?
You are only allowed to use one discount coupon at a time. The stacking of coupons does not work.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes, we do! In fact, we often host special events where you can win discounts on your plan. Sometimes we also give out free discounts, like with our Black Friday 2 Friday event.
Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news about any discounts.
How do I best receive updates from Sportmonks?
We are active on
Facebook,
LinkedIn,
Instagram and
Twitter. We also have a weekly newsletter for people who are subscribed to our email services.
What happens when the top 5 in the leagues are playing against each other?
When two teams in the top 5 are playing against each other we will add another matchup. For example, the numbers 1 and 2 are playing each other.
We will add the matchup of the team that is number six at the start of that round.
This will only happen in the Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1. The News API will have 20 articles available per month if that month includes 4 rounds of the competition.
What is covered in the Football News API?
What is covered in the pre-match news API?
The Football News API offers comprehensive coverage across various leagues, providing users with a wide range of football-related content. The Top News Plan and Full News Plan are priced per single league, offering in-depth coverage tailored to specific leagues such as the UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A, and Ligue 1.
The All-In News Plan encompasses all six leagues for users seeking broader coverage. This plan includes detailed updates on matches from the UEFA Champions League and English Premier League and coverage of the top five teams from the previous season in the Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, and Ligue 1. With this plan, users gain access to comprehensive news and insights spanning across multiple leagues, ensuring they stay informed about the latest developments in football across Europe.
What is covered in the post-match news API?
Our Football post-match News API meticulously covers post-match analysis for Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Eredivisie, and Champions League matches. On top of that, we also offer post-match football news for the EUROs. The articles are based on match results, statistics, goals, injuries, and other important events. With our reliable and up-to-date football data, you can provide your users with instant updates after the final whistle.
How are the articles in the News API written?
The match previews are written by Sportmonks' data experts and scouts. Our post-match articles are AI written in collaboration with
United Robots, a renowned AI news provider. The articles are based on match results, statistics, goals, injuries, and other important events. With our reliable and up-to-date football data, you can provide your users with instant updates after the final whistle.
How can I use the API to get the News articles I need?
When making an API request you will receive the data in JSON format. There are two ways to request the news in our API.
- You can use the News API endpoint.
- You can use the Fixture endpoint and use the include 'prematchNews.lines' or 'postmatchNews.lines'.
- You can use the Livescore endpoint and use the include 'prematchNews.lines' or 'postmatchNews.lines'.
Our News API is combined with our Football API. So make sure you are subscribed to a Football plan.
What is a Football News API?
A football news API allows developers and enthusiasts to access and retrieve up-to-date football news articles and headlines via our Football API. This API grants users the ability to integrate real-time football news content into their applications, websites, or platforms seamlessly.
How can I get access to these football news articles?
First of all, you need to be subscribed to one of our
Football API plans with a News API add-on of your choice. After that you can make a request to our API. To access pre-match news, you can use the prematchNews.lines include. For post-match news, you can use the postmatchNews.lines. For more information, you can navigate to our
documentation.
I am currently subscribed to your API, how can I add a News API plan to my subscription?
You can get access to these articles by going to
my.sportmonks.com and go to the 'edit my subscription' environment to add the News API plans to your subscription.
Another way to get access to these articles is by contacting our sales team at our
contact page or by mailing
[email protected].
Can I try the Football Widgets for free?
Yes, if you are a first-time customer, you can use the 14-day trial to try the Football Widgets.
How to start implementing the Football Widgets?
To get started, if you're interested in any of our widgets, you can easily request them by heading to My.Sportmonks. If you haven't created an account yet, you'll need to do so first. Once you're signed up, navigate to the My Widgets page under Football Widgets in mySportmonks. This page provides an overview of all available widgets; you can manage them from here.
Here, you can easily request the widgets you're interested in.
Option 1: Opt for a default widget package
We’ve created default widget packages: European Widgets, WorldWide Widgets and Enterprise Widgets. The packages are based on the default API plans, meaning they have the same leagues available.
Option 2: Choose a custom widget subscription
Besides the default packages, you can create custom widget subscriptions. There is an option to select their preferred widgets, data features and leagues.
Option 3: A default widget package and a custom widget subscription
There is also an option to combine options 1 and 2. Meaning that you can subscribe to a default and custom widget package.
Please follow our detailed guide: "
How-to create your widget in three steps", guide for more information about selecting and integrating your football widget.
How do the Football widgets look and feel?
You can preview all widgets on
my.sportmonks.com. Next to that, you can find how to set up your widgets on our
Documentation.
Do I need an API token for the Football Widgets to work?
Maintenance is done by our developers, and the widgets will request our API every time it is needed. Therefore, no API token is required.
Wo kann ich ein Benutzerkonto erstellen?
Sie können ein Konto über unsere eigene
My.Sportmonks-Plattform erstellen.
Nachdem Sie sich registriert haben, erhalten Sie automatisch unser kostenloses Leistungspaket.
Wie wird das Livescore Widget implementiert?
Wählen oder erstellen Sie ein Leistungspaket und stellen Sie sicher, dass Sie das Widget in Ihrem Leistungspaket aktivieren.
Wenn Sie bereits ein Abonnement besitzen:
- Fügen Sie das Widget zu Ihrem Abonnement hinzu
- Legen Sie Ihre Domain fest
- Konfigurieren Sie Ihr Widget
- Kopieren und fügen Sie den Einbettungscode in Ihre Anwendung oder Website ein.
Benötigen Sie weitere Informationen zur Einrichtung Ihres Fussball Widgets? Sie finden alle Informationen auf unserer
Dokumentationsseiten.
Benötige ich ein weiteres API-Token, damit das Widget funktioniert?
Nein, das API-Token, das mit Ihrem Fußball-Abonnement generiert wird, wird auch für das Live Score Widget verwendet.
Wie sieht das Livescore Widget aus und wie wirkt es?
Sie können eine Vorschau und Live-Beispiele an den folgenden Stellen finden: In unserem Dokumentationsseiten erfahren Sie wie Sie Ihr Widget einrichten. Zudem haben wir für Sie eine
Livescore Produkt Tour erstellt, sodass Sie herausfinden können, wie die verschiedenen Funktionalitäten aussehen. Zu guter Letzt haben wir ein Live-Beispiel des Widgets in My.Sportmonks eingerichtet. Bitte schauen Sie sich das
Live Widget Beispiel an, um herauszufinden, wie das Livescore Widget aussieht, funktioniert und wirkt.
Was passiert mit meinen API-Aufrufen, wenn ich das Widget verwende?
Standardmäßig haben unsere Leistungspakete ein Ratenlimit von 2.000 API-Aufrufen pro Endpunkt und Stunde. Es ist jedoch immer möglich, ein Leistungspaket mit mehr API-Aufrufen zu wählen. Sie haben die Möglichkeit, Ihre API-Aufrufe zu erweitern, indem Sie ein Add-on zu Ihrem Abonnement hinzufügen oder sich per E-Mail an das Sportmonks-Supportteam wenden. Die API-Anfragen werden nicht pro Seitenbesucher gestellt. Das bedeutet, dass es keinen Unterschied in der Anzahl der API-Aufrufe gibt, wenn das Livescore Widget nur einen Seitenbesucher oder über hundert Seitenbesucher hat.
Comment créer un compte ?
Vous pouvez créer un compte via notre plateforme dédiée
My Sportmonks.
Après vous être inscrit, vous bénéficierez automatiquement de notre forfait gratuit.
Comment procéder à l'intégration du widget Livescore?
Choisissez ou créez un forfait et assurez-vous d'activer le widget dans votre forfait.
Si vous avez déjà un abonnement :
- Ajoutez le widget à votre abonnement
- Choisissez votre domaine
- Configurez votre widget
- Copiez-collez votre code d'intégration dans votre application ou votre site web.
Avez-vous besoin de plus d'informations sur la configuration de votre widget Football ? Vous trouverez toutes les informations sur nos pages de
documentation.
Ai-je besoin d'un autre jeton API pour que le widget fonctionne?
Non, la clé API qui est générée avec votre abonnement au football sera également utilisée pour le widget Live Score.
À quoi ressemble le widget Livescore?
Vous trouverez un aperçu et des exemples concrets sur les liens suivants:
Dans notre
documentation vous découvrirez comment configurer votre widget.
Nous avons également mis en place une visite
guidée du produit Livescore pour vous permettre de découvrir ses différentes fonctionnalités. Pour finir, nous avons ajouté un exemple en direct du widget dans My.Sportmonks. Veuillez consulter
l'exemple du widget en direct pour découvrir à quoi ressemble le widget Livescore, et comment il fonctionne.
Qu'arrive-t-il à mes appels API lorsque j'utilise le widget?
Par défaut, nos forfaits sont limités à 2 000 appels API par terminal et par heure. Cependant, il est toujours possible d'obtenir un forfait avec plus d'appels API. Vous pouvez augmenter les appels API en ajoutant un module complémentaire à votre abonnement ou en envoyant un e-mail à l'équipe de support technique de Sportmonks. Les demandes API ne sont pas effectuées par visiteur de page. En clair, il n'y a aucune différence dans le nombre d'appels API effectués lorsque le widget Livescore n'a qu'une page de visiteurs ou plus de cent pages de visiteurs.
Onde posso criar uma conta?
Pode criar uma conta através da nosso dedicada plataforma
My Sportmonks.
Depois de se inscrever, será automaticamente atribuído ao nosso plano gratuito.
Como começar a implementar o Widget de Resultados ao Vivo?
Escolha ou crie um plano e certifique-se de ativar o widget no seu plano.
Se já tem uma assinatura:
- Adicione o widget à sua subscrição
- Defina o seu domínio
- Configure o seu widget
- Copie e cole o seu código de incorporação no seu aplicativo ou site
Preciso de outro token de API para o Widget funcionar?
Não, o token de API gerado com a sua subscrição de futebol também será usado para o Widget de Resultados ao Vivo.
Where do I find the differences between API 2.0 and API 3.0?
We have written new
documentation pages and a
blog to help you get started and find your way into API 3.0.
Is API 3.0 better than API 2.0?
Yes! Our developers made a lot of improvements. We have new features, new endpoints, a better data quality and more. Multiple customers have helped us during the testing phase of our Beta version. With your help, we have ensured a high level of data quality.
What is the date Sportmonks stops supporting API 2.0?
API 2.0 is deprecated but will remain working. Sportmonks will continue to monitor and validate API 2.0 until December 2025. All the new features and improved data quality are only available in API 3.0. Therefore, we do recommend integrating the new API as soon as possible.
Can I keep my current API token?
You can use the same API token as you are currently using for API 2.0. You don't need to create another token for API 3.0.
¿Dónde puedo crear una cuenta?
Lo puedes hacer a través de nuestra plataforma específica
My Sportmonks.
Después de registrarte, tendrás automáticamente nuestro plan gratuito.
¿Cómo implemento el widget de resultados en vivo?
Elije o crea un plan y asegúrate de activar el widget en tu plan.
- Configura tu dominio
- Configura tu widget
- Copia y pega el código de inserción en tu aplicación o sitio web
¿Necesito otro token de API para que el widget funcione?
No, el token de API generado con tu subscripción de fútbol se usará también para el widget de resultados en vivo.
¿Qué pasa con mis llamadas API cuando uso el widget?
Nuestros planes tienen, por defecto, un límite de 2 000 llamadas API por terminal y hora. Sin embargo, es posible obtener un plan con más llamadas API. Puedes añadir más llamadas API con un complemento a tu suscripción o enviando un correo electrónico al equipo de asistencia de Sportmonks. Las solicitudes de API no se hacen en función del número de visitas de la página. Esto significa que no existe ninguna diferencia en el número de llamadas API que se hacen cuando el Livescore widget tiene una o más de cien visitas.
What is the quality of the predictions?
At Sportmonks, we believe that transparency on the predictions and models used results in a better understanding, more sympathy and a greater product. That’s why we've introduced the league
predictability.
We provide access to our prediction history and performance metrics, allowing you to see the accuracy of our model over time. We are committed to continually monitoring and refining our model to remain accurate and up-to-date.
We understand the importance of trust when making informed betting decisions. With our transparent approach, you can be confident in our predictions' accuracy and easily make informed decisions.
How to get the best probabilities out there?
Our Predictions API offers predictions on various markets like the winner, correct scores, over/under and both teams to score (BTTS) are all available here, produced with our machine learning techniques and models.
An overview of all the options to request predictions:
- GET Probabilities:
Returns all probabilities available within your subscription.
- GET Performance by League ID:
Returns the performances of our Predictions Model for your requested league ID.
- GET Probabilities by Fixture ID:
Returns all the predictions available for your requested fixture ID.
Check
our docs for more info.
Why should I use the Predictions?
Football prediction sites have become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people turn to online resources for insights into their favourite football teams and matches. Using advanced machine learning techniques and historical data, our Prediction API accurately predicts the outcomes of future football matches, considering various factors such as team form, player injuries, head-to-head records, and more. We also incorporate the player contribution model, which further enhances the accuracy of the predictions.
With our Predictions API, you’ll have access to a vast range of markets, including match-winner, double chance, total goals, and beyond. We’re constantly improving our model, adding new features to ensure you have access to the most accurate and up-to-date predictions possible. The Prediction API is a valuable asset to any football prediction website, providing accurate predictions for future matches based on advanced machine-learning techniques and historical data.
Our prediction API has two key models:
1. Prediction model:
Using advanced machine learning techniques and historical data, our model accurately predicts the outcomes of future football matches, considering various factors such as team form, player injuries, head-to-head records, and more. In addition to that, we also incorporate the player contribution model, which further enhances the accuracy of the predictions. By analysing the performance of individual players and their impact on the team, we can better understand how they'll contribute to the match's final outcome. This model takes into account various metrics such as the player's recent form, their position, and their contribution to the team's overall performance
2. Value bet model:
The Value Bet model processes thousands of historical odds data and market trends to find the best value opportunities. In other words: it compares bookmakers' odds with each other and then gives you the best value bookmaker. Using our value bet model, you can access valuable insights into the best bets, which can help you make better decisions.
The models and algorithms are based on five key principles:
1. Timely and substantive:
The prediction API is updated daily with the latest data from the Sportmonks Football Database.
2. Data controlled:
No human intervention is needed. The prediction API runs on statistical analysis results based on the entire historical Sportmonks Football Database.
3. Precise probabilities:
The prediction API offers the most precise probabilities possible, thanks to our mathematical probability distribution models.
4. Predictability performance:
We monitor our prediction API's success rate and quality, but you can also track our predictions’ performance.
5. Machine Learning:
We use cross-validation machine learning models.
How can you offer great data at an affordable price?
We have assembled an online network of reliable data partners in addition to our on-site scouts. We validate (automatically and manually), manage, and store all data in our advanced data processing system. This streamlines our data-collecting process and results in lower prices to you!
What sports and leagues do you cover?
Sportmonks currently offers comprehensive data for football, cricket, and Formula 1 racing.
Football
We cover over 2200 leagues wordwide, including:
- UEFA Champions League
- UEFA Europa League
- UEFA Europa Conference League
- Copa Libertadores
- CONMEBOL Sudamericana
- CONCACAF Champions League
- AFC Champions League
- AFC Cup
We cover all major tournaments, including:
- World Cup
- FIFA Rankings
- World Cup API
- European Championship
- Euros 2024 Germany
- Africa Cup of Nations
- Copa America
- CONCACAF Gold Cup
- OFC Nations Cup
- Nations League
- Olympic Football Tournament
Cricket
We cover over 120 leagues internationally, including:
- Australia, Big Bash League
- India, Premier League
We cover international matches, including:
- One Day International
- ICC World Test Championship
Formula 1 Racing
We cover all races. The data we cover includes:
How fast is your live data?
Scores are available live and updated in real-time. So, in many cases it is faster than live tv (<15 seconds). More detailed data undergoes a verification process that runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is updated in the API as fast (and almost always faster) than other data providers.
What's your uptime track record?
We monitor our systems by constantly performing live API and web page tests. We do this to make sure all the data entered by our analysts is available via our APIs. We are live near 100% and dedicated to monitoring our systems, especially in weekends when most matches are live.
What if we need a unique set of data points or stats?
Get only the data you need! Sportmonks users can customise the parameters of their data using filters or by requesting a custom setup.
As users, what if we get stuck and need help?
Our responsive customer support team is a trademark of our business. So, whether you're using our 5-star user documentation or chatting with our agents, you can get applications up and running in no time.
What if we’re not satisfied with the product?
Try the product for free before you commit to a plan. When you do begin a paid subscription, pricing is short term so your plan can be canceled before the end of your billing cycle, without fees or obligations.
What if the existing plans do not fit my needs and wishes?
Get only the data you need! You can request a custom plan in your user portal, My.Sportmonks.
Hoe krijg ik toegang tot deze voetbalnieuwsartikelen?
Allereerst moet je geabonneerd zijn op een van onze
Voetbal API plannen. De Nieuws API moet altijd gecombineerd worden met de Football API. Je kunt toegang krijgen tot deze plannen en de nieuwsartikelen door contact op te nemen met ons
sales team via onze contactpagina of door te mailen naar
[email protected]. Een andere manier is om naar
my.sportmonks.com te gaan en naar de 'bewerk mijn abonnement' omgeving te gaan om de Nieuws API plannen aan je abonnement toe te voegen.
Wat is een voetbalnieuws API?
In Sportmonks' Voetbalnieuws API zijn zes van de Europese topcompetities opgenomen. Deze competities zijn de Engelse Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A en Ligue 1. Met de Nieuws API kun je preview nieuwsartikelen opvragen voor de wedstrijden die in je abonnement zijn opgenomen. Onze Voetbalnieuws API wordt verkocht als een exclusieve add-on voor onze
voetbalabonnementen. Hier vind je een voorbeeld van een artikel over de
EURO2020-finale.
Ik ben momenteel geabonneerd op jullie API, hoe kan ik een Nieuws API plan aan mijn abonnement toevoegen?
Je kunt toegang krijgen tot deze artikelen door naar
my.sportmonks.com te gaan en naar de 'bewerk mijn abonnement' omgeving te gaan om de Nieuws API plannen aan je abonnement toe te voegen. Een andere manier om toegang te krijgen tot deze artikelen is door contact op te nemen met ons verkoopteam via onze
contact pagina of door te mailen naar
[email protected].
Wat betekenen de prijzen per plan?
De prijzen van de plannen 'Top Nieuws Plan' en 'Full Nieuws Plan' zijn prijzen per enkele competitie. De prijs van het 'All-In Nieuws Plan' is de prijs voor een plan met alle zes competities inbegrepen. Dit plan biedt dekking voor alle wedstrijden van de Champions League en Premier League en de top 5 van de Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga en Ligue 1.
- UEFA Champions League: Alle teams.
- Engelse Premier League: Alle teams.
- Bundesliga: Bayern München, Red Bull Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen en Wolfsburg.
- La Liga: Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla en Villareal.
- Serie A: Juventus, AC Milan, Internazionale, Napoli en AS Roma.
- Ligue 1: PSG, Olympique Lyon, Lille, AS Monaco en Olympique Marseille.
Vergeet niet dat we een korting van 1 jaar geven als je je voor augustus inschrijft.
Hoe kan ik een aangepast plan aanvragen?
Er zijn twee opties om een aangepast plan aan te vragen.
- Je kunt ons verkoop team een e-mail sturen met de vereisten voor een plan. Zij zullen je aanvraag voor een aangepast plan in orde brengen!
- Je kunt naar my.sportmonks.com gaan en zelf een aangepast plan maken. Kies de competities en datafuncties die je wilt en vraag een prijs aan. Ons team zal zo snel mogelijk contact met je opnemen.
Kan ik meerdere competities uit verschillende plannen combineren?
Ja, je kunt competities uit het 'Top News-plan' en het 'Full News-plan' naar wens combineren. Vergeet niet dat het 'All-in Nieuws plan' er is voor alle competities.
Wat gebeurt er als de top 5 in de competities tegen elkaar speelt?
Als twee teams in de top 5 tegen elkaar spelen, voegen we nog een wedstrijd toe. Bijvoorbeeld, de nummers 1 en 2 spelen tegen elkaar. Dan voegen we de wedstrijd toe van het team dat nummer zes is aan het begin van die ronde. Dit zal alleen gebeuren in de Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A en Ligue 1. De News API zal 20 artikelen per maand beschikbaar hebben als die maand 4 ronden van de competitie bevat.
Hoe worden de artikelen in de Nieuws API geschreven?
De wedstrijdvoorbeschouwingen worden geschreven door de data-experts en scouts van Sportmonks.
Worden de artikelen met de hand geschreven of door robots gemaakt?
De wedstrijdvoorbeschouwingen worden geschreven door de data experts en scouts van Sportmonks. Er worden geen robots gebruikt in het proces.
Hoe kan ik de API gebruiken om de nieuwsartikelen te krijgen die ik nodig heb?
Wanneer je een API-verzoek doet, ontvang je de data op JSON-formaat. Er zijn twee manieren om het nieuws in onze API op te vragen.
- Je kunt het Nieuws API endpoint gebruiken
- Je kunt het Fixture endpoint gebruiken en de include 'prematchNews.lines' gebruiken.
- Je kunt het Livescore endpoint gebruiken en de include 'prematchNews.lines' gebruiken.
Onze News API is gecombineerd met onze Football API. Zorg er dus voor dat je geabonneerd bent op een voetbalabonnement.
Hoe krijg ik de beste kansen die er zijn?
Onze Voorspellingen API biedt voorspellingen op verschillende markten zoals de winnaar, correcte scores, over/onder en beide teams om te scoren (BTTS) zijn hier allemaal beschikbaar, geproduceerd met onze machine learning technieken en modellen. Een overzicht van alle opties om voorspellingen op te vragen:
- GET Probabilities (waarschijnlijkheden): geeft alle waarschijnlijkheden die beschikbaar zijn binnen je abonnement.
- GET Prestaties per Competitie ID: geeft de prestaties van ons voorspellingsmodel voor de door jou gevraagde competitie ID.
- GET Waarschijnlijkheden per wedstrijd ID: geeft alle beschikbare voorspellingen voor de door jou opgevraagde wedstrijd ID.
Bekijk
onze docs voor meer informatie.
Wat is de kwaliteit van de voorspellingen?
Bij Sportmonks geloven we dat transparantie over de voorspellingen en gebruikte modellen resulteert in een beter begrip, meer sympathie en een beter product. Daarom hebben we de competitie
voorspelbaarheid geïntroduceerd. We geven toegang tot onze voorspellingshistorie en prestatiecijfers, zodat je de nauwkeurigheid van ons model in de loop van de tijd kunt zien. We doen er alles aan om ons model voortdurend te controleren en te verfijnen zodat het accuraat en up-to-date blijft. Wij begrijpen hoe belangrijk vertrouwen is bij het maken van wel overwogen beslissingen. Met onze transparante aanpak kun je vertrouwen op de nauwkeurigheid van onze voorspellingen en gemakkelijk geïnformeerde beslissingen nemen.
Welke modellen gebruiken jullie?
Onze voorspellings-API heeft twee belangrijke modellen:
- Voorspellingsmodel:
Met behulp van geavanceerde machine learning technieken en historische gegevens voorspelt ons model nauwkeurig de uitslagen van toekomstige voetbalwedstrijden, rekening houdend met verschillende factoren zoals teamvorm, blessures van spelers, head-to-head records en meer. Daarnaast integreren we ook het spelersbijdragemodel, wat de nauwkeurigheid van de voorspellingen verder verbetert. Door de prestaties van individuele spelers en hun invloed op het team te analyseren, kunnen we beter begrijpen hoe ze zullen bijdragen aan het uiteindelijke resultaat van de wedstrijd. Dit model houdt rekening met verschillende statistieken, zoals de recente vorm van de speler, zijn positie en zijn bijdrage aan de algehele prestaties van het team.
- Value Bet-model:
Het Value Bet model verwerkt duizenden historische kansgegevens en markttrends om de beste kansen te vinden. Met andere woorden: het vergelijkt de odds van bookmakers met elkaar en geeft je vervolgens de bookmaker met de beste waarde. Met behulp van ons value bet model krijg je toegang tot waardevolle inzichten in de beste weddenschappen, waardoor je betere beslissingen kunt nemen.
De modellen en algoritmes zijn gebaseerd op vijf belangrijke principes:
- Tijdig en inhoudelijk:
De voorspellings-API wordt dagelijks bijgewerkt met de nieuwste gegevens uit de Sportmonks Voetbal Database.
- Gegevens gecontroleerd:
Menselijke tussenkomst is niet nodig. De voorspelling API draait op statistische analyse resultaten gebaseerd op de gehele historische Sportmonks Voetbal Database.
- Nauwkeurige waarschijnlijkheden:
De voorspelling API biedt de meest precieze kansen mogelijk, dankzij onze wiskundige kansverdelingsmodellen.
- Voorspellings prestatie:
We monitoren het succespercentage en de kwaliteit van onze voorspellings-API, maar je kunt ook de prestaties van onze voorspellingen volgen.
- Machine-leren:
We gebruiken cross-validation machine learning modellen.
Waarom zou ik de voorspellingen gebruiken?
Voetbalvoorspellingssites zijn de laatste jaren steeds populairder geworden omdat steeds meer mensen zich tot online bronnen wenden voor inzichten in hun favoriete voetbalteams en wedstrijden. Met behulp van geavanceerde machine learning technieken en historische gegevens voorspelt onze voorspellings-API nauwkeurig de uitslagen van toekomstige voetbalwedstrijden, rekening houdend met verschillende factoren zoals teamvorm, blessures van spelers, head-to-head records en nog veel meer. We integreren ook het spelersbijdragemodel, wat de nauwkeurigheid van de voorspellingen verder verbetert. Met onze voorspellingen API heb je toegang tot een groot aantal markten, waaronder matchwinner, dubbele kans, totaal aantal doelpunten en meer. We verbeteren ons model voortdurend en voegen nieuwe functies toe om ervoor te zorgen dat je toegang hebt tot de meest accurate en up-to-date voorspellingen. De voorspellings-API is een waardevolle aanwinst voor elke voetbalvoorspellingswebsite en biedt accurate voorspellingen voor toekomstige wedstrijden gebaseerd op geavanceerde machine-learning technieken en historische data.
How often are the odds updated?
Our pre-match odds are updated around every 10 minutes. Meaning (worst-case scenario) it can take up to 20 minutes before a change on the bookmakers' site is available in our API feed. Our inplayOdds refresh every second, so that should be pretty much instant.
How to get the lastest odds available?
The best way to achieve this is to request the "
odds/pre-match/latest" endpoint every 5 seconds. This way, you only get the odds as close as real-time. The endpoint itself returns odds that were updated within 10 seconds. So, if you request the endpoint every 10 seconds, you may miss some values because making a request also takes some time (can take around ±1 second). Within that second, you are prone to missing updates.
Which bookmakers are available in the Premium Odds Feed?
To access the comprehensive list of bookmakers included in our Premium Odds Feed, kindly navigate to the following link:
Premium Odds Feed - Bookmakers
This link will provide detailed information regarding the bookmakers available, including their bookmaker ID, ensuring transparency and accessibility to our valued users.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you require further assistance or have any additional inquiries.
What is the difference between the Standard and Premium Odds Feed?
We would happily explain the difference between our Standard and Premium Odds feeds.
First, our Premium Odds feed is developed in partnership with TXOdds, a highly reputable odds provider known for its exceptional data reliability. The Premium Odds feed offers an extensive selection of 42 markets from 145+ different bookmakers, which you can review
here.
Additionally, we meticulously document the opening odds for each fixture, and all subsequent changes and updates are recorded and made accessible for your use. This functionality enables you to track the evolution of each odd and effectively present these changes to your customers.
Do you offer historical odds?
Our API provides a history of odds for fixtures for up to 7 days after kick-off (starting_at). Additionally, we offer the history of changes of each odd. We document the opening odds for each fixture; subsequently, all changes and updates are stored and accessible for your use.
Do you offer winning odds?
We are happy to provide you with more information about our winning odds.
Winning odds are calculated automatically during or after a match. Winning odds determine whether an odd has 'won' or not. For example, if the market for an odd was over 2.5 goals and there were 3 goals in that match, the odd will be set to "winning": "true". If there were less than 3 goals in that match, the odd will be set to "winning": "false".
Please note that not all markets we cover have winning odds calculations. Every market has a flag marking whether you can expect winning odds for it. You can check the markets here:
Which markets are available in the Premium Odds Feed?
To access the comprehensive list of markets included in our Premium Odds Feed, kindly navigate to the following link:
Premium Odds Feed - Markets
This link will provide detailed information regarding the markets available, including their market ID, ensuring transparency and accessibility to our valued users.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you require further assistance or have any additional inquiries.
Does the Football API provide historical data for previous Euro tournaments?
Yes, the Sportmonks Football API provides access to historical data for previous Euro tournaments, including match results, player statistics, and more.
Are there any restrictions on the usage of European Championship data for commercial purposes?
Users are free to use European Championship data for commercial purposes as long as they comply with the
terms of service and licensing agreements provided by Sportmonks.
Can I access real-time data during European Championship matches using the API?
Yes, you can access real-time data during European Championship matches using the Sportmonks
Football API. The API provides live match updates, including scores, events, and other relevant information.
Are there any specific endpoints or parameters for accessing European Championship data?
Yes, the Sportmonks Football API offers specific endpoints and parameters for accessing European Championship data, allowing users to retrieve match information, player statistics, team data, and more.
Can I retrieve detailed player statistics for European Championship matches through the API?
Yes, you can retrieve detailed player statistics for European Championship matches through the Sportmonks Football API. This includes information such as goals, assists, yellow cards, red cards, and more.
Can I retrieve detailed player statistics for Copa America matches through the API?
Yes, you can retrieve detailed player statistics for Copa America matches through the Sportmonks Football API. This includes information such as goals, assists, yellow cards, red cards, and more.
Are there any specific endpoints or parameters for accessing Copa America data?
Yes, the Sportmonks Football API offers specific endpoints and parameters for accessing Copa America data, allowing users to retrieve match information, player statistics, team data, and more.
Can I access real-time data during Copa America matches using the API?
Yes, you can access real-time data during Copa America matches using the Sportmonks
Football API. The API provides live match updates, including scores, events, and other relevant information.
Are there any restrictions on the usage of Copa America data for commercial purposes?
You are free to use Copa America data for commercial purposes as long as they comply with the
terms of service and licensing agreements provided by Sportmonks.
Does the Football API provide historical data for previous Copa America tournaments?
Yes, the Sportmonks Football API provides access to historical data for previous Copa America tournaments, including match results, player statistics, and more.
How often are the Premium odds updated?
Our pre-match odds are updated around every 1 minute. Meaning (worst-case scenario) it can take up to 2 minutes before a change on the bookmakers' site is available in our API feed.
What can I use xG Corner/Free Kick/Penalty for?
Of course, we offer xG Open Play and xG Set Play. But if you want to dive deeper into xG Set Play, the metrics xG Corner, xG Free Kick, and xG Penalty will come in handy.
These statistics have particular use cases. For example, in the 2023/2024 season, Arsenal scored many goals from set pieces. For some people, it might be very interesting to see if the XG Arsenal generates is higher than the XG for other title contenders (like Manchester City and Liverpool). At the moment of writing, they are only 1 point apart and are numbers one to three in the league standings. As you can imagine, the over- and underperformance of these teams from set pieces might have a small or big influence on the rest of the season.
It might be interesting to show which of the set pieces generates the most xG for certain teams and to find out if there are any differences. For one team, free kicks might be way more dangerous (maybe because they have a free-kick specialist), while others have a way higher xG from corners (maybe because they have two giants as centre-backs who join the attack when they have a corner).
As you can see, these use cases can be really interesting to get a better understanding of the tactics of specific teams and to find out if a late free kick or corner is actually as interesting as it seems when the whole stadium is cheering to support their team with this late chance to score.
What leagues have xG available?
We have a
list available in our documentation. Please keep in mind this list is not yet complete, as not all leagues that will have xG available is active.
Once leagues like the European Championship have played xG will also be available here.
What is the pricing for the xG metrics add-on?
At Sportmonks, we use three types of packages: a basic package, a Standard package, and an Advanced package.
In the Basic package, xG per fixture will be available 12 hours post-match.
In the Standard package, xG per fixture and xG on Target per Fixture will be available straight after a match.
The xG advanced package will have all our xG metrics, including xG per Fixture, xG On Target, Non-Penalty xG, xG Open Play, xG Set Play, xG Corners, xG Free kick, xG Penalty, Expected Points, Expected Points Table, Expected Goals Conceded, Expected Goal difference, Over/Underperformance players, Over/Underperformance team, Expected Goals Saved. The Advanced package has all metrics live.
How are xG values calculated?
xG values are
calculated using
historical shot data. The calculations are made based on the shot's location, angle, and distance. Next, the type of shot (for example, header or foot) is considered. The position of the goalkeeper and players is also used in the calculations. This data and additional information are used to create the different xG metrics, providing a comprehensive understanding of goal-scoring probabilities.
Expected goals is usually expressed as a value between
0 and 1, where 0 indicates a very low probability of scoring and 1 indicates a very high probability. For example, a clear one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper might have a high xG value close to 1, while a long-range speculative shot might have a low xG value closer to 0. An xG value above 0.38 for a specific shot is considered a big chance. For example, a penalty has an average xG of 0.79 to be scored.
Keep in mind that the
quality of a player is not accounted for. So, for expected goals, it does not matter if Lionel Messi is the one taking a shot or if the data scientist of Sportmonks takes the shot.
How can I get access to xG Data?
You can simply get access by going to
MySportmonks and adding the Expected Goal add-on to your subscription. Not yet registered to MySportmonks?
Create your account and start with Expected Goals by creating your New Subscription.
What is the update frequency for xG values?
xG values are continuously calculated and processed throughout the match, with updates occurring every couple of minutes. The maximum time between these updates should not exceed 5 minutes. Stay informed with real-time insights into evolving goal-scoring probabilities.
How does the reliability of xG values depend on the context of the match?
The reliability of xG values is contingent on various factors, including the context of the match. A nuanced understanding of the game's flow, tempo, and dynamics enhances the interpretation of xG values, providing valuable insights into the scoring probabilities.
How does speed impact the availability of xG values?
The availability of xG values is influenced by the speed of data processing. Since xG calculations require match statistics like shots, there may be a delay before xG values become available. Patience is key as relevant match data is processed to generate accurate xG insights.
What are the numeric values associated with xG?
xG statistics generate numeric values that show the chance of scoring based on the quality of chances created or conceded. These values for one specific player usually range between 0 and 1.5 for a specific fixture. For example, Erling Haaland had an xG value of 1.1634 in the Manchester Derby (18842545). In that fixture, he scored 1 goal in total. Pretty accurate, right?
For that same fixture, the xG for both teams was as follows:
Manchester City: 3.6439 - Manchester United: 0.3841.
As you can see, the xG values are pretty accurate to the actual outcome, which was 3-1. However, Marcus Rashford's wonder strike shows that xG doesn't always tell the full story. He had an xG of 0.3553 for that match but did manage to score 1 goal.
Remember: This will not always be the case. You may expect Erlin Haaland to finish a 0,89 chance or to score at least once or twice if he has a total of 3,10 xG. However, that doesn't mean the xG metrics are wrong if he doesn't. xG metrics are just parameters to calculate the quality of a chance or multiple chances. Even if a chance has a 99% chance of resulting in a goal, there is a 1% chance it will not.
Can I use xG with a custom plan?
Absolutely! If you have a personalized plan and wish to leverage the xG feature, simply reach out to our support team. We'll swiftly arrange the setup of a tailored xG add-on for you.
Feel free to email us directly at
[email protected] or get in touch with support via our
contact page. We're here to assist you every step of the way!
How can I integrate Sportmonks Football API with PHP?
To integrate Sportmonks Football API with PHP, you'll need to sign up for an account on
MySportmonks platform to obtain your API token. Once you have your token, you can use PHP's cURL or Guzzle HTTP client to make HTTP requests to the API endpoints. The
How-to guide provides a comprehensive guide on how to authenticate your requests, make various types of API calls, and handle the responses in PHP.
What data can I access through Sportmonks Football API?
The Football API offers a wide range of football-related data, including match fixtures, live scores, player statistics, team information, standings, and more. You can retrieve data for current and upcoming matches, as well as historical data for past matches, tournaments, and leagues. Please visit our
coverage page for an overview of all leagues and features.
Do I need any special knowledge or skills to integrate the API with PHP?
While basic knowledge of PHP programming is essential for integrating the API with PHP, the
how-to guide provides detailed instructions and code examples to guide you through the integration process. Familiarity with handling JSON data and making HTTP requests using PHP's cURL or Guzzle library would be beneficial but not mandatory.
Can I customise the data retrieved from Sportmonks Football API?
Yes, you can customise the data retrieved from the Football API to suit your specific requirements. The API allows you to filter data based on various parameters, such as date, team, player, league, and more. Additionally, you can specify which fields you want to include or exclude in the API responses to minimize bandwidth usage and optimize performance. Check our
documentation for more information.
Is there a limit to the number of API requests I can make?
We offers different subscription plans with varying levels of access and usage limits. While the Free plan has certain restrictions on the number of API requests allowed per day, higher-tier plans offer increased usage (3,000 API calls per entity per hour) allowances and additional features. If you require more API requests than your current plan allows, you can consider upgrading to a higher-tier plan or contacting support for customised solutions tailored to your needs.
How do I get started with Sportmonks Football API in Python?
To begin utilizing the Football API with Python, you'll first need to sign up for an account on
MySportmonks to obtain your API token. Once you have your tokens, you can use Python's requests library to request HTTP to the Football API endpoints. The
how-to guide provides a comprehensive guide on authentication, making API calls, handling responses, and error handling in Python.
What types of data can I access through Sportmonks Football API using Python?
Our Football API offers a vast array of football-related data you can access using Python, including match fixtures, live scores, player statistics, team information, standings, and more. You can retrieve data for current matches, upcoming fixtures, and historical data for past matches, leagues, and tournaments. Head over to our
coverage page for all the available leagues and data features.
Do I need prior experience with Python to use Sportmonks Football API?
While basic knowledge of Python programming is beneficial for working with the Football API, the
blog provides detailed explanations and code examples to help developers of all skill levels integrate the API with Python. Familiarity with handling JSON data and making HTTP requests using Python's requests library would be advantageous but not mandatory.
What is the average success rate of the predictions?
Our advanced machine learning model accurately predicts football match outcomes by analysing historical data, including team form, player injuries, and head-to-head records. Additionally, our player contribution model enhances prediction accuracy by analszing individual player performance, recent form, position, and impact on the team. With our predictions API, you can access various markets such as match-winner, double chance, and total goals.
Can I subscribe to only the predictions?
The Prediction API is an add-on that can be added to your subscription. It is not possible to subscribe to the prediction API add-on. You must always subscribe to a plan and add the Prediction API to your football plan.
Is the prediction also available for other sports on your API?
The prediction is only available on the Football API at the moment.
Are there any previous statistics about the prediction's performance?
You can retrieve statistics on prediction performance by using the "GET Performance by League ID" endpoint, which provides information about the prediction model's performance for a specific league.
What is the endpoint to get the all the predictions with the team names?
The best way to do this would be to call the "
All Predictions" endpoint and then use the fixture.participants include. This retrieves all the predictions with their corresponding fixtures and teams.
What is Postman, and how can I use it with Sportmonks Football API?
Postman is a popular API development environment that allows you to test, document, and interact with APIs more efficiently. You can use Postman to send HTTP requests to SportMonks Football API endpoints, view responses, and streamline API testing and development processes. This "
How to use Sportmonks' Football API" provides a step-by-step guide on how to set up Postman and make requests to the Football API.
Can I access all Sportmonks Football API endpoints using Postman?
Yes, you can access all Football API endpoints using Postman. The API provides a wide range of endpoints for accessing football-related data, including match fixtures, live scores, player statistics, team information, and more. You can use Postman to explore and interact with these endpoints to retrieve the data you need for your applications or projects.
Visit our Postman Collection.
Do I need to sign up for an account to use Sportmonks Football API with Postman?
While signing up for an account on the
MySportmonks platform is required to obtain API keys for accessing certain endpoints and features, you can still use Postman to test and interact with the API without signing up. However, you'll need to sign up for an account and obtain API keys to access restricted endpoints or features.
Can I save and share API requests in Postman for future use?
Yes, you can save API requests in Postman collections for future use and easily share them with team members or collaborators. Postman allows you to organize your requests into collections, add descriptions and documentation, and export collections as JSON files for sharing or version control purposes.
Are there any limitations or restrictions when using Sportmonks Football API with Postman?
Sportmonks Football API does not impose any specific limitations or restrictions on using Postman with the API. However, you should be mindful of your API usage limits based on your subscription plan. Additionally, ensure that you handle sensitive information such as API keys securely within Postman to prevent unauthorized access or misuse.
What is a livescore website?
A livescore website provides real-time updates on football matches, including scores, match statistics, team lineups, and other essential information.
Why use Sportmonks Football API for a livescore website?
- Engaged Users: Provides accurate and comprehensive football data.
- Easy Integration: User-friendly with detailed documentation.
- Customization: Tailor data and features to your audience.
- Scalability: Handles significant traffic and data requests efficiently.
Reach out to out
support team if you need any help
What data should I show on my livescore website?
Common data includes match date and time, league details, teams, scores, and match events like goals and cards. But it's totally up to your projects requirement.
How do I build and filter API requests?
Use the base URL and include necessary data points like scores, events, and participants. Apply filters to refine the data to match specific criteria.
Here’s an example of how to incorporate the filter into your request:
https://api.sportmonks.com/v3/football/livescores/inplay?api_token=YOUR_TOKEN&include=events&filters=eventTypes:14,19,20,21
By utilising filtering capabilities, we can tailor the data retrieved from the API to match the specific needs and preferences of our livescore website. For further details on filtering techniques, refer to our dedicated
filter tutorial for additional guidance.
How can I handle high traffic on my livescore website?
Ensure you have a robust hosting solution, use caching mechanisms, and optimize API requests to manage and sustain high traffic efficiently.
How complex is it to integrate the API into my system?
Integrating our API is designed to be straightforward. With user-friendly documentation and clear setup instructions, even those with limited technical expertise can easily implement it. Our support team is available to assist with any questions or issues during the integration process. For detailed guidance, visit our
documentation.
How does Sportmonks' API compare to traditional sports betting methods?
Unlike traditional methods that rely on static and outdated data, Sportmonks' Sports Betting API provides real-time updates, advanced analytics, and comprehensive coverage. This dynamic approach ensures you have the most accurate and timely information, enhancing your betting decisions and platform performance.
Is the investment in Sportmonks' API worth it?
Investing in our API can significantly improve your project's performance and user satisfaction. With real-time data, advanced analytics, and comprehensive coverage, you can offer a superior betting experience, attract more users, and drive profitability. Many platforms have seen substantial benefits from integrating our API.
What if I experience issues with the data or integration?
Our API is designed to be reliable, with robust documentation and a responsive support team to address any issues. If you need help with data accuracy or integration, our team is ready to provide assistance and ensure a smooth experience.
For additional information or personalised support, please
get in touch with us today.
Which bookmakers and markets do you cover?
At Sportmonks, we strive to provide comprehensive coverage of a wide range of bookmakers and betting markets to cater to our users' diverse needs. Our offerings are designed to ensure that you have access to the most extensive and detailed information available.
- Bookmakers: We cover a vast array of bookmakers, including but not limited to some of the most popular and reputable names in the industry. Our list includes major international bookmakers, regional favourites, and niche operators that cater to specific sports or markets.
- Markets: Our coverage extends to an extensive range of betting markets. This includes traditional markets such as match outcomes, over/under, and handicaps, as well as more detailed markets like player statistics, corner bets, and in-play betting options.
- Detailed list: For a detailed and up-to-date list of all the bookmakers and markets we currently offer, please refer to our comprehensive spreadsheet. This document provides a complete breakdown of our coverage, ensuring you have all the information you need at your fingertips.
If you have any specific requirements or if there's a particular bookmaker or market you're interested in that is not listed, please feel free to reach out to our support team.
Who are the favourites to win the Eredivisie 2024/25?
PSV Eindhoven and Ajax are currently the frontrunners for the Eredivisie title based on their form, squad depth, and recent performances. Feyenoord remains in contention but faces challenges under their new coach, while AZ Alkmaar, FC Utrecht and FC Twente are dark horses shaking up the traditional hierarchy.
Which teams are in the Eredivisie this season?
The teams currently in the Eredivisie for the 2024/2025 season are - Ajax, Almere City, AZ, FC Groningen, FC Twente, FC Utrecht, FC Zwolle, Feyenoord, Fortuna Sittard, Go Ahead Eagles, Heerenveen, Heracles, NAC, NEC, PSV, RKC Waalwijk, Sparta and Willem II.
How does Sportmonks predict Eredivisie results?
Sportmonks uses advanced AI and machine learning to analyse real-time data, such as team form, player contributions, head-to-head records, and tactical trends. Unique tools like the Player Contribution Model and Pressure Index provide deeper insights into match outcomes and team performance.
What is the Player Contribution Model?
The Player Contribution Model evaluates the impact of individual players on a team's success. Metrics like recent form, fitness, and overall performance are factored in to assess how key players like Santiago Giménez (Feyenoord), Sem Steijn (FC Twente), or Luuk de Jong (PSV) influence match results.
Can AZ Alkmaar, FC Utrecht or FC Twente challenge the traditional top three?
Absolutely! FC Utrecht has been in exceptional form this season under Ron Jans, currently sitting third in the league and pulling off big wins like their 1-2 victory over Feyenoord. Similarly, FC Twente has been powered by Sem Steijn's incredible goal-scoring run and could surprise the big clubs if they maintain their momentum.
Why is the Eredivisie so unpredictable?
The Eredivisie is known for its thrilling goals, rising stars, and unexpected upsets. Underdogs like PEC Zwolle or Go Ahead Eagles often cause surprises, while mid-season injuries, tactical shifts, or transfers can drastically change the title race.
Which players should I watch this season in the Eredivisie?
Key players to keep an eye on include:
- Santiago Giménez (Feyenoord): A clinical striker leading the Rotterdam attack.
- Sem Steijn (FC Twente): The league's current top scorer.
- Luuk de Jong (PSV): A veteran forward with a knack for decisive goals.
- Sébastien Haller (FC Utrecht): Back from injury and making an immediate impact.
- Kenneth Taylor (Ajax): A versatile midfielder in Ajax's new Italian-inspired system.
- Oliver Antman (Go Ahead Eagles): With 8 assists so far this season, the attacker has proven important for the Eagles.
- Sven Mijnans (AZ): Creative midfielder Sven Mijnans has stepped up and is a key player in AZ's attacking football.
How does Sportmonks help fantasy football players and bettors for the Eredivsie?
Sportmonks provides real-time stats, player form updates, injury reports, and predictive insights, helping fantasy football players make informed transfers and bettors improve their chances of success. The platform delivers all the tools needed to stay ahead of the game.
Is Feyenoord out of the title race?
Not yet. Despite trailing PSV by 10 points, Feyenoord's strong squad and the return of midfielders Quinten Timber and Hwang In-beom provide hope for a resurgence. However, consistency and momentum will be key if they are to close the gap.
Can Ajax's defensive approach win them the title?
Under Francesco Farioli, Ajax has adopted a more defensive style, conceding just 17 goals halfway through the season. While fans have criticised the lack of attacking flair, their results have kept them firmly in the title race. If they can balance their defence with a sharper attack, they could go all the way.
How can I use Sportmonks to stay ahead in the Eredivisie?
Sportmonks' Football API offers detailed player and team statistics, predictive analytics, and real-time updates. Whether you're a fan, a fantasy football manager, or a bettor, the platform equips you with everything you need to make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Which club is most likely to win the Premier League?
Based on the Sportmonks data and analysis as of January 27, 2025, Liverpool are the current favorites to win the Premier League title, leading by 6 points with a game in hand
Who created the most chances in the Premier League in 2024?
Bukayo Saka has created the most big chances with 19 so far, second is Cole Palmer with 18 and third is Mohammed Salah with 17.
Who has the most goal involvements in a Premier League season?
Alan Shearer and
Andrew Cole are tied for the most combined goals and assists in the Premier League in a season, with 47.
Is there an API for the Premier League?
Yes, Sportmonks provides a
Premier League Prediction API which includes individual player stats, team performance metrics, and real-time data updates. This API helps in understanding the impact of players and teams on the Premier League outcomes.
Is the Bundesliga harder than Ligue 1?
Determining whether the Bundesliga or Ligue 1 is "harder" is subjective and depends on various factors. Both leagues have their own unique challenges and strengths:
- Ligue 1 is often considered more physical and tactical, with a greater emphasis on defensive solidity.
- Bundesliga is known for its high-intensity pressing, fast transitions, and attacking football.
Ultimately, the "harder" league depends on the individual player's or team's style of play and preferences.
How is the Bundesliga winner decided?
The Bundesliga winner is determined by a traditional points system. Teams earn:
- 3 points for a win
- 1 point for a draw
- 0 points for a loss
The team with the most points at the end of the season wins the Bundesliga title (Meisterschale). If two or more teams are tied on points, the following tiebreakers are used:
- Goal difference
- Goals scored
- Head-to-head record between the tied teams
If these criteria still result in a tie, further tiebreakers may include:
- Away goals scored in head-to-head matches
- Play-off match (extremely rare)
Who has the most appearances in the Bundesliga?
Karl-Heinz Körbel holds the record for the most appearances in the Bundesliga with 602 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt.
Does the Bundesliga take a winter break?
Yes, the Bundesliga typically takes a winter break of around 4-6 weeks, usually from mid-December to late January or early February. This break allows players to rest and recover during the harsh winter months and helps to maintain the quality and intensity of the league.
Serie A has seen a resurgence in recent years, particularly in terms of competitive balance and the quality of football on display. The league has attracted high-caliber players, and teams like Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Napoli have made significant impacts in both domestic and European competitions.
The league's infrastructure, financial health, and international viewership have also improved, indicating a rise in its standing among Europe's top leagues. However, it still faces challenges in terms of financial competition with leagues like the Premier League.
How many Serie A titles has Inter Milan won?
Inter Milan has won 20 Serie A titles, with their most recent championship coming
in the 2023/2024 season.
How many Serie A titles does AC Milan have?
AC Milan has secured 19 Serie A titles in their history, making them one of the most successful clubs in Italy, just behind rivals Inter Milan and significantly behind Juventus.
Who is the favourite to win the Europa Conference League?
Chelsea is the clear favourite, having dominated the league phase with six wins in six games, 26 goals scored, and just 5 conceded. Their world-class squad, tactical flexibility, and European experience make them the team to beat. Other strong contenders include Vitória SC, Fiorentina, and Cercle Brugge, who have also performed well in the tournament so far.
How does the Europa Conference League work?
The UEFA Europa Conference League follows a new league phase format introduced for the 2024/25 season:
- League Phase: 36 teams compete in a single league, each playing six matches (three home, three away) against different opponents.
- Knockout Rounds:
- The top 8 teams in the league standings qualify directly for the Round of 16.
- Teams ranked 9th to 24th enter a knockout round play-off, with winners advancing to the Round of 16.
- From the Round of 16 onward, the format is a two-legged knockout until the final, which is a single match at a neutral venue.
The winner of the Europa Conference League earns a place in the following season's UEFA Europa League group stage.
When is the Europa Conference League final?
The 2024/25 Europa Conference League final will be held on May 28, 2025, at the Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain. This will be the first time Bilbao hosts a major UEFA club final, adding to the excitement of the competition's climax.
Which teams are in the 2024-25 Conference League season?
The 2024/25 UEFA Europa Conference League features 36 teams in the league phase, representing various European leagues. Below is the full list of teams competing in this season's tournament:
Teams Advancing Directly to the Round of 16 (Top 8 in the league phase):
1️⃣ Chelsea (England)
2️⃣ Vitória SC (Portugal)
3️⃣ Fiorentina (Italy)
4️⃣ Rapid Wien (Austria)
5️⃣ Djurgården (Sweden)
6️⃣ Lugano (Switzerland)
7️⃣ Legia Warsaw (Poland)
8️⃣ Cercle Brugge (Belgium)
Teams Qualifying for the Knockout Round Play-Offs (9th-24th place):
9️⃣ Jagiellonia Białystok (Poland)
🔟 Shamrock Rovers (Ireland)
1️⃣1️⃣ APOEL (Cyprus)
1️⃣2️⃣ Pafos (Cyprus)
1️⃣3️⃣ Panathinaikos (Greece)
1️⃣4️⃣ Olimpija (Slovenia)
1️⃣5️⃣ Real Betis (Spain)
1️⃣6️⃣ Heidenheim (Germany)
1️⃣7️⃣ Gent (Belgium)
1️⃣8️⃣ Copenhagen (Denmark)
1️⃣9️⃣ Vikingur Reykjavik (Iceland)
2️⃣0️⃣ Borac (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
2️⃣1️⃣ Celje (Slovenia)
2️⃣2️⃣ Omonia (Cyprus)
2️⃣3️⃣ Molde (Norway)
2️⃣4️⃣ TSC (Serbia)
Eliminated Teams (25th-36th place):
2️⃣5️⃣ Hearts (Scotland)
2️⃣6️⃣ Istanbul Başakşehir (Turkey)
2️⃣7️⃣ Mladá Boleslav (Czech Republic)
2️⃣8️⃣ Astana (Kazakhstan)
2️⃣9️⃣ St. Gallen (Switzerland)
3️⃣0️⃣ HJK (Finland)
3️⃣1️⃣ Noah (Armenia)
3️⃣2️⃣ The New Saints (Wales)
3️⃣3️⃣ Dinamo Minsk (Belarus)
3️⃣4️⃣ Larne (Northern Ireland)
3️⃣5️⃣ LASK Linz (Austria)
3️⃣6️⃣ Petrocub (Moldova)
These 36 clubs battled in the league phase, with the top 24 teams advancing to the knockout rounds and the bottom 12 eliminated. As the tournament progresses, the knockout rounds determine which clubs push further toward the final.
Who has won the Europa Conference League most often?
The UEFA Europa Conference League was first introduced in the 2021/22 season, meaning there have been only three past winners so far:
🏆 2021/22 – AS Roma (Italy) – Defeated Feyenoord 1-0 in the final.
🏆 2022/23 – West Ham United (England) – Beat Fiorentina 2-1 with a late winner.
🏆 2023/24 – Olympiacos (Greece) – Became the first Greek team to win a European trophy, defeating Fiorentina 1-0 in extra time.
No club has won the Europa Conference League more than once, so the 2024/25 winner will have the chance to make history.
Who is the top scorer in Europa League in one season?
Ramadel Falcao is the number two AND number one as the top scorer in one season in the Europa League. Here is the top eight scoring players in one Europa League Season.
- 17 Radamel Falcao (Porto, 2010/11)
- 12 Radamel Falcao (Atlético, 2011/12)
- 11 Olivier Giroud (Chelsea, 2018/19)
- 11 Giuseppe Rossi (Villarreal, 2010/11)
- 10 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Marseille, 2023/24)
- 10 Luka Jović (Frankfurt, 2018/19)
- 10 Aritz Aduriz (Athletic Club, 2015/16)
- 10 Klaas Jan Huntelaar (Schalke, 2011/12)
Do Champions League teams drop into the Europa League?
No, with the new set up for the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference league teams do not drop to a "lower" tournament. If a team isn't placed for a play-off round or the next round the team is eliminated from the European tournament.
How easy was it for ShiftOneZero to get started with Sportmonks’ API?
Very easy! ShiftOneZero quickly adapted to the API and successfully implemented real-time match statistics and engagement features into their application.
“Getting started was straightforward. Within minutes, you can access the data you need and experiment with parameters for additional information. The learning curve is short.”
What is ShiftOneZero’s favorite aspect of Sportmonks’ API?
ShiftOneZero highlighted two key strengths of the API:
- Speed & performance – Lightning-fast data retrieval ensures users get match updates in real-time.
- Uniform & clear responses – The structured format makes it easy to process and integrate into the app.
"It’s incredibly fast, and you always know what to expect. The API’s uniform and clear responses provide assurance that your data fetching engine will handle everything smoothly."
How did Sportmonks’ API help ShiftOneZero achieve their goals?
Sportmonks’ API exceeded expectations!
- Thanks to Sportmonks’ API, ShiftOneZero was able to:
Power their app with real-time match insights
- Deliver an engaging fan experience through live stats & analytics
- Enhance Dinamo Zagreb’s digital presence with a professional, data-driven platform
"Yes, the Sportmonks API definitely enabled me to achieve my goals and even surpass them. Certain statistics, such as the pressure index, are sometimes exactly what you need to elevate your product."
Did ShiftOneZero encounter any challenges while using Sportmonks’ API?
ShiftOneZero faced minor challenges, but Sportmonks’ honest and transparent support made all the difference.
This built trust in Sportmonks as a long-term partner for their football data needs.
"Yes, I encountered problems, some of which were due to my own oversight and others related to the data provided. The positive aspect is that I always received a sincere answer, which, to me, is more valuable than insincere reassurance."
How would ShiftOneZero rate Sportmonks’ customer support?
" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10/10! Whenever you need any answer or advice, they are here to provide it. Their support extends beyond just regular responses; they also offer advice on implementation that is helpful without leading you to think it’s the only or proper way to do things."
Who are the "Big Four" in the Premier league?
The "Big Four" is a term used to describe the four clubs that consistently dominated the Premier League in the early to mid-2000s. These clubs were:
While these clubs remain major forces in English football, the term "Big Four" is less commonly used now due to the rise of Manchester City and other clubs becoming consistent title contenders.
- Arsenal
- Chelsea
- Liverpool
- Manchester United
When does the Premier league season end?
The Premier League season typically ends in May. The exact date varies each year depending on the scheduling of matches. The season generally starts in August.
Who has the most Premier League trophies?
Manchester United has won the most Premier League titles, with a total of 13.
What teams are in the Premier League for the 2023-24 season?
The teams competing in the 2023-24 Premier League season are:
- Arsenal
- Aston Villa
- Bournemouth
- Brentford
- Brighton & Hove Albion
- Burnley
- Chelsea
- Crystal Palace
- Everton
- Fulham
- Liverpool
- Luton Town
- Manchester City
- Manchester United
- Newcastle United
- Nottingham Forest
- Sheffield United
- Tottenham Hotspur
- West Ham United
- Wolverhampton Wanderers
What is El Clásico and why is it so important?
El Clásico refers to the matches between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. It is one of the most famous and fiercely contested rivalries in world football, with a long history rooted in cultural and political differences between Madrid and Catalonia. These matches often feature the world's best players and generate massive global viewership.
Which stadiums in La Liga are considered the most iconic?
- Santiago Bernabéu (Real Madrid): A historic stadium with a rich history and a capacity of over 80,000.
- Camp Nou (Barcelona): The largest stadium in Europe, with a capacity of over 99,000, and a symbol of Catalan identity.
- Metropolitano Stadium (Atlético Madrid): A modern stadium known for its passionate atmosphere.
- Mestalla (Valencia): A historic stadium with a steep and intimidating atmosphere.
What is the Copa del Rey?
The Copa del Rey (King's Cup) is the main domestic cup competition in Spanish football. It's a knockout tournament that includes teams from all levels of the Spanish football pyramid, similar to the FA Cup in England. Winning the Copa del Rey is considered a prestigious achievement and also grants qualification to the UEFA Europa League.
What are some of the smaller clubs in La Liga that have had surprising success?
While Real Madrid and Barcelona often dominate the headlines, several smaller clubs have achieved notable success in La Liga. Examples include:
- Deportivo La Coruña: Won La Liga in 1999-2000 and reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2004.
- Villarreal: Consistently competes for European places and reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2006 and 2022.
- Real Sociedad: Won La Liga twice, most recently in 1982.
What is the "Scudetto" and why is it so important in Serie A?
The "Scudetto" (Italian for "small shield") is the badge worn by the winner of the Serie A title in the following season. It's a symbol of prestige and signifies the team's status as the reigning champions of Italy. Winning the Scudetto is the primary goal for most Serie A clubs each season.
What is "Calciopoli" and what impact did it have on Serie A?
Calciopoli was a major match-fixing scandal that rocked Italian football in 2006. Several top clubs, including Juventus, AC Milan, Fiorentina, and Lazio, were implicated in influencing referee appointments. The scandal resulted in relegations, point deductions, and bans for various officials. It had a significant impact on Serie A's reputation and led to reforms in the league's governance.
What is the typical style of play in Serie A?
Historically, Serie A has been known for its tactical emphasis on defensive organization and strategic play. The "catenaccio" system, a highly organised defensive approach, was particularly prominent in the past. While more attacking styles have become more common in recent years, tactical awareness and defensive solidity remain key characteristics of Serie A.
What are some of the most famous derbies in Serie A?
- Derby della Madonnina (AC Milan vs. Inter Milan): The Milan derby is one of the most fiercely contested matches in Italy, with a long history and intense rivalry between the two Milan clubs.
- Derby della Capitale (AS Roma vs. Lazio): The Rome derby is another highly charged fixture, with strong local rivalries and passionate fanbases.
- Derby d'Italia (Juventus vs. Inter Milan): This rivalry is often considered the biggest in Italian football, pitting the two most successful clubs against each other.
How do teams qualify for European competitions from Serie A?
The top four teams in Serie A qualify directly for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League. The fifth-placed team qualifies for the UEFA Europa League group stage. The winner of the Coppa Italia also qualifies for the Europa League group stage. The sixth-placed team qualifies for the UEFA Europa Conference League Play-off round.
What is the "Big Three" in Portuguese football?
The "Big Three" refers to the three historically dominant clubs in Portuguese football: SL Benfica, FC Porto, and Sporting CP. These clubs have won the vast majority of Liga Portugal titles and have consistently been the main contenders for domestic and European trophies. Their rivalry is a defining aspect of Portuguese football.
How does Liga Portugal compare to other top European leagues?
Liga Portugal is generally considered a strong league, but it typically ranks just below the top five European leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1) in terms of financial resources, global viewership, and overall squad depth. However, Liga Portugal excels at developing young talent and often acts as a stepping stone for players moving to those bigger leagues. The league has a rich history and has produced many world-class players.
How do teams qualify for European competitions from Liga Portugal?
- The top two teams qualify directly for the UEFA Champions League group stage after the league phase has ended.
- The third team according to league standings enters the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds.
- The fourth and fifth-placed teams enter the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds.
- The Taça de Portugal (Portuguese Cup) winner qualifies for the UEFA Europa League group stage. If the cup winner has already qualified for the Champions League, the Europa League spot goes to the next best placed team in the league.
- The sixth-placed team qualifies for the UEFA Europa Conference League Play-off round.
Is it common for players to move from Liga Portugal to bigger European leagues?
Yes, it is very common. Liga Portugal has become known as a development league, where young players gain experience and exposure before transferring to clubs in more financially powerful leagues. This has become a key part of the league's identity and its role in the global transfer market. Many world-class players have used Liga Portugal as a stepping stone in their careers.
Why is it called Bundesliga?
"Bundesliga" literally translates from German to "Federal League." This name reflects the league's structure as a nationwide, or "federal," competition encompassing clubs from across Germany. Before the formation of the Bundesliga in 1962, German football was organised into regional leagues, and the Bundesliga was created to unify the top tier of competition at the national level.
How long is the Bundesliga season?
The Bundesliga season typically runs from August to May. Each team plays 34 matches in a double round-robin format (playing every other team twice, once at home and once away). There is usually a winter break of a few weeks in December and January.
What is the most popular German football team?
Bayern Munich is widely considered the most popular and successful football team in Germany. They have won the Bundesliga title a record 33 times (32 official, 1 unofficial) and have a large global fanbase. While other clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Schalke 04, and Hamburger SV have significant followings, Bayern Munich's consistent success and global brand recognition make them the most popular.
How much do you get paid in English League One?
While top earners at the biggest clubs might earn several thousand pounds per week, the average wage is likely lower. It's safe to say that wages are significantly lower than in the Championship or Premier League. Many players are on relatively modest salaries, and some may even have part-time jobs alongside their football careers. There isn't a publicly available, definitive salary cap, but clubs operate within financial fair play rules and budget constraints.
Who gets promoted from League One?
At the end of the season:
- The top two teams in the league table are automatically promoted to the Championship.
- Teams finishing 3rd to 6th enter a play-off tournament. The winner of the play-off also gains promotion to the Championship.
What level is League One in England?
It is the third tier of professional football in England. It sits below the Championship (second tier) and above League Two (fourth tier). Above the Championship is the Premier League, the top tier of English football.
Which team is top in League One?
The top team in League One changes throughout the regular season as teams play matches and accumulate points. To find the current league standings, I recommend checking a live league table from a reliable source like:
The official EFL website:www.efl.com
Reputable sports news websites like BBC Sport, Sky Sports, or ESPN.
What teams are currently in League One?
Here are the teams competing in English League One for the current season (2024/25 season):
- Barnsley
- Birmingham City
- Blackpool
- Bolton Wanderers
- Bristol Rovers
- Burton Albion
- Cambridge United
- Charlton Athletic
- Crawley Town
- Exeter City
- Huddersfield Town
- Leyton Orient
- Lincoln City
- Mansfield Town
- Northampton Town
- Peterborough United
- Reading
- Rotherham United
- Shrewsbury Town
- Stevenage
- Stockport County
- Wigan Athletic
- Wrexham
- Wycombe Wanderers
What is the Europa League format?
The Europa League has a multi-stage format:
- Qualifying rounds: Several qualifying rounds narrow down the field.
- League stage: 36 teams participate in a single league stage. Each team plays 8 matches against 8 different opponents (4 home, 4 away).
- Knockout phase:
- The top 8 teams in the league stage advance directly to the Round of 16.
- Teams finishing 9th to 24th enter a knockout round play-off against the 8 third-placed teams from the Champions League group stage.
- The winners of these play-offs join the top 8 in the Round of 16. \From the Round of 16 onwards, it's a standard knockout format with two-legged ties leading to a single-match final.
Who qualifies for the Europa League?
Teams qualify for the Europa League through various routes:
- League position: Teams finishing in certain positions in their domestic leagues (usually those just outside Champions League qualification).
- Domestic cup winners: The winners of domestic cup competitions in many European countries.
- Champions league elimination: Teams eliminated from the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds or finishing third in their Champions League group stage.
How to watch the Europa league in Australia?
In Australia, the primary broadcaster for the UEFA Europa League is Stan Sport. They hold the rights to show all matches live and on-demand. Check their programming schedule for specific match times and availability.
What date is the 2025 Europa league final?
The date for the 2025 Europa League final is May 21, 2025. It will be played at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain.
Was it easy for DigitalGoal Ltd to integrate the Sportmonks API?
"Yes! The integration was fast and straightforward, allowing us to get up and running within hours."
How long did it take them to implement Sportmonks’ data?
"With Sportmonks’ detailed documentation, the integration process was smooth, allowing us to start using the API almost immediately. It helped us get up and running in just a few hours."
Did DigitalGoal Ltd face any challenges during the integration process?
"There were some minor issues with live data accuracy, but Sportmonks’ support team quickly resolved them."
How has Sportmonks’ API helped DigitalGoal Ltd grow?
Sportmonks’ data has enabled DigitalGoal Ltd to:
- Power their fantasy football and betting apps with real-time insights
- Increase user engagement and retention
- Deliver a seamless and professional experience to their users
"Nowadays most of our products are powered by Sportmonks API. Sportmonks is one of our best and most reliable partners."
What improvements have DigitalGoal Ltd seen since using Sportmonks?
Their platform now provides:
- Faster and more accurate live updates
- Better AI-driven player analysis
- More engaging and interactive features
What is the most successful club in France?
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is the most successful club in France in recent history, having won Ligue 1 11 times, with most of those titles coming since the Qatari takeover in 2011. However, historically, AS Saint-Étienne holds the record for most Ligue 1 titles with 10. So, depending on how you define "most successful" (recent vs. all-time), the answer could be either PSG or Saint-Étienne.
Is Ligue 1 a top 5 league?
Whether Ligue 1 is consistently considered a "top 5" league in European football is a matter of ongoing debate and depends on the criteria used (e.g., UEFA coefficient rankings, financial strength, global viewership). While it often features world-class players and exciting matches, it generally sits just outside the top tier alongside the Premier League (England), La Liga (Spain), Serie A (Italy), and the Bundesliga (Germany). However, its influence on the transfer market and its role in developing young talent are undeniable.
What is Ligue 1 McDonald's?
There is no "Ligue 1 McDonald's." Ligue 1 is currently officially known as Ligue 1 Uber Eats due to a sponsorship agreement with the food delivery service Uber Eats. In the past, Ligue 1 has had other title sponsors, but there has never been a sponsorship with McDonald's.
How to watch Ligue 1 in the US?
In the United States, beIN SPORTS holds the broadcast rights for Ligue 1. You can typically watch matches on beIN SPORTS channels (beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect). Some matches may also be streamed online through beIN SPORTS Connect or other streaming platforms that carry beIN SPORTS. Check your local listings or streaming service providers for specific match schedules and availability.
Has anyone won 7 Champions League?
No. In fact, the record for the most European Cup/Champions League titles won by an individual is six. For example, Real Madrid legend Paco Gento won the competition six times during the 1950s and early 1960s, and a few modern Real Madrid players (like Dani Carvajal, Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, and Nacho) have also reached that six‐title mark. No player has managed to win seven.
Is the Champions League on TV UK?
Yes. In the United Kingdom, you can watch live Champions League matches via Now TV. Now TV offers streaming access to TNT Sports channels (which hold the broadcast rights for the Champions League in the UK) as part of their Sports Extra membership. This allows viewers without a traditional pay‑TV subscription to catch all the action online.
Who will host the Champions League final in 2025?
The 2025 UEFA Champions League final is scheduled to be held at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. This venue, which previously hosted the 2012 final, will stage the showpiece match on 31 May 2025.
Has Madrid ever lost a UCL final?
In the current Champions League era (since the competition was rebranded in 1992), Real Madrid have reached eight finals and won them all. Their only losses in a final occurred during the earlier European Cup days—in 1962, 1964, and 1981. So, if you consider the Champions League (post‑1992) specifically, Real Madrid have never lost a final.
What does clean sheet mean?
In football, a clean sheet means a team prevents the opposing team from scoring any goals during the full 90 minutes of a match (plus stoppage time). It’s a sign of strong defending and goalkeeping, credited to the whole team, though the goalkeeper often gets the spotlight. For example, if the score is 0-0 or 1-0, it’s a clean sheet as long as no goals are conceded.
What is a clean sheet in football?
It occurs when a team’s defence and goalkeeper successfully keep the opposition from scoring throughout the entire match—90 minutes plus stoppage time. It doesn’t matter if the game ends in a win (e.g., 2-0) or a draw (0-0), as long as no goals are let in. Own goals count against it, and it’s a team effort, not just the goalkeeper’s achievement. It’s a key stat that highlights defensive organisation, teamwork, and resilience.
What does clean sheet mean in slang?
In slang, "clean sheet" isn’t a widely recognised football term outside its literal meaning, but it can be used metaphorically. Borrowing from its football context, it might mean completing something perfectly without any mistakes or setbacks—like "starting with a clean sheet" (a fresh start) or "keeping a clean sheet" in life (avoiding trouble). However, in football circles, fans might jokingly use it to tease a team that barely scrapes a shutout against weak opposition, implying it wasn’t a big achievement. Its primary meaning remains tied to the sport.
Is 2:1 a clean sheet in football?
No, a 2-1 scoreline is not a one in football. It requires the opposing team to score zero goals during the match (90 minutes plus stoppage time). In a 2-1 game, the team conceding one goal fails to keep a clean sheet, even if they win. For example, a 2-0 or 1-0 result would qualify, but any goal against—like the "1" in 2-1—breaks the clean sheet.
Which goalkeeper has the best saves?
Which goalkeeper has the best saves?
Determining the "best" goalkeeper for saves depends on context—whether it’s career achievements, single-match heroics, or statistical performance. Historically, Lev Yashin, dubbed the "Black Spider," is often cited as the greatest due to his revolutionary athleticism and estimated 150+ penalty saves across his career, a record unmatched in top-tier football. In modern times, Manuel Neuer stands out, with 258 clean sheets in 547 Bundesliga matches (as of March 2025) and a Champions League record of 58 clean sheets in 147 appearances, per UEFA stats. His sweeper-keeper style adds a unique dimension to his save-making ability.
For recent standout performances, Alisson Becker made headlines with 9 saves in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over PSG in the Champions League on March 5, 2025, dubbed “the performance of my life” by Alisson himself and praised as world-class by manager Arne Slot. Statistically, in the 2024-2025 Premier League season (up to February 2025), Kepa Arrizabalaga (on loan at Bournemouth) boasts a high save percentage at 77.1%, per Fbref, though this reflects fewer high-quality shots faced compared to Alisson or Neuer. Ultimately, "best" varies by metric— Yashin for legacy, Neuer for versatility, or Alisson for current form.
What is considered a goalkeeper save?
A goalkeeper save is an action that prevents a shot from resulting in a goal, provided the shot is on target—meaning it would have gone into the net without intervention. As outlined in your article, this includes using hands, arms, or body to catch, deflect, or block the ball. A save is officially recorded only if the shot is heading towards the goal frame (within the posts and under the crossbar) and requires the goalkeeper’s action to stop it. For example, a shot tipped over the bar or caught cleanly counts as a save, but a shot blocked by a defender or one that goes wide does not.
Key distinctions:
- A blocked shot (stopped by an outfield player) isn’t a save unless it’s the goalkeeper’s body making the stop after it’s on target.
- A shot hitting the post or going off target isn’t credited as a save, even if the goalkeeper dives. This aligns with Opta and Premier League definitions, where saves are a core metric of shot-stopping ability.
What is a famous goalkeeper save?
If this question seeks the most famous individual save in football history, Gordon Banks’ save against Pelé in the 1970 World Cup stands out. During England’s group stage match against Brazil on June 7, 1970, Pelé’s powerful downward header seemed destined for the net, but Banks dove low to his right, flicking the ball over the bar with a miraculous stretch. Pelé himself called it “the greatest save I’ve ever seen,” and it’s widely regarded as the benchmark for goalkeeping brilliance, immortalised in football lore.
For a modern example, Emiliano Martínez’s save against Randal Kolo Muani in the 2022 World Cup final (December 18, 2022) is iconic. With seconds left in extra time and the score at 3-3, Martínez used his left leg to deny a close-range shot, preserving Argentina’s lead and paving the way for their penalty shootout victory. This save, followed by his shootout heroics, cemented its fame. Both moments showcase saves that defined matches and captured global attention.
How many saves does a goalkeeper make per game?
The number of saves a goalkeeper makes per game varies widely depending on the team’s defensive strength, opposition quality, and match context. In the 2024-2025 Premier League season, goalkeepers starting at least seven games average:
- Kepa Arrizabalaga (Bournemouth): 3.6 saves per game, with a high save percentage due to fewer high-quality shots faced.
- Alisson Becker (Liverpool): Approximately 2.5 saves per game, reflecting Liverpool’s strong defence limiting shots.
- Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa): Around 2.6 saves per game, despite a dip in form compared to prior seasons.
Historically, standout performances skew these averages:
David De Gea averaged 3.8 saves per game in the 2017-2018 Premier League season, peaking with 14 against Arsenal.
How to increase shot accuracy in soccer?
Improving shot accuracy in football requires a combination of technical, physical, and mental strategies, as outlined in an earlier section. Ways to improve it include practice drills focusing on striking the ball cleanly with different parts of the foot, staying calm under pressure, improving off-ball movement to find better shooting angles, building leg power and core stability through exercises like squats.
How is shot accuracy calculated in football?
Shot accuracy is calculated as the percentage of shots that are on target out of the total shots taken.
Shot accuracy = (Shots on Target / Total Shots) × 100
- Shots on target: These are shots that would have scored without a goalkeeper save or a last-ditch block by a defender on the goal line. A shot hitting the post or going wide isn’t on target.
- Total shots: Includes all attempts—on target, off target (wide/high), or blocked by outfield players before reaching the goal line.
What does first shot accuracy mean?
“First shot accuracy” isn’t a standard football statistic but likely refers to the accuracy of a player’s or team’s initial shot in a specific context—such as the first shot of a match, a possession sequence, or a scoring opportunity. It could mean the percentage of times a player’s first shot in a sequence (e.g., after receiving a pass) is on target. For instance, if Darwin Núñez takes 10 first shots in a match and 4 are on target, his first shot accuracy would be 40%.
Ball possession in football refers to the amount of time a team controls the ball during a match. It's a measure of how long a team maintains control of the ball, either by keeping it in play or by winning it back from the opposition. Ball possession is indicative of a team's control over the game's tempo, their playing style, and can reflect their tactical approach, whether they aim to dominate through intricate passing or rely on quick counter-attacks.
How is football ball possession calculated?
Ball possession is calculated by tracking the time each team has control of the ball throughout the match. This is typically done using:
Manual observation by statisticians who record when a team has possession, from the moment they gain control of the ball until they lose it (either through a turnover, a shot, or the ball going out of play).
Automated systems like optical tracking technology or player tracking devices that measure possession in real-time by following the ball's movement and player interactions. The percentage is then derived by dividing the time a team possesses the ball by the total active play time of the match. It's important to note that different data providers might have slight variations in their methodology, leading to small discrepancies in reported figures.
How important is ball possession in football?
Ball possession is significant in football but not the sole determinant of success. Its importance includes:
Ultimately, while possession can be a useful metric, the outcome of the game (goals scored and conceded) is what determines success, not just possession statistics.
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- Tactical control: High possession often indicates a team's intent to dictate the game's pace, build attacks methodically, and reduce the opponent's scoring chances.
- Style indicator: It reflects a team's playing philosophy, whether they favor a possession-based game or a direct, counter-attacking approach.
- Correlation with success: Teams with higher possession often have more opportunities to score, but there are exceptions where teams with less possession can win through efficiency or defensive solidity.
- Limitations: Possession must be purposeful; "sterile possession" without creating chances can be counterproductive. Also, a team overly focused on possession might be vulnerable to quick counter-attacks.
What are the types of ball possession?
Ball possession can be categorized based on various aspects of a team's play:
- Effective possession: When possession leads to attacking moves, creating chances, or scoring opportunities, usually in the opponent's half.
- Sterile possession: Possession that doesn't result in any significant threat or progression towards the opponent's goal, often in a team's own half or midfield without penetration.
- Possession in different zones: Possession can be analyzed by where it occurs on the pitch - defensive, midfield, or attacking thirds, each offering different strategic insights.
- Possession styles:
- Possession-based play: Emphasizing ball retention, like Tiki-Taka, where the aim is to wear down opponents with successful passes and high passing accuracy.
- Counter-attacking possession: Lower possession but higher efficiency when in possession, focusing on quick transitions from defense to attack.
- Direct play: Using long balls to bypass midfield, leading to brief spells of possession aimed at quick attacks.
- High-pressing possession: Gaining possession through aggressive pressing, often in the opponent's half to regain the ball and attack immediately.
- Defensive possession: Teams might hold onto the ball to manage the game, especially when leading, or to limit the opponent's attacking opportunities.
What is a match analysis?
Match analysis is the process of breaking down a football match using real data to understand what transpired on the pitch. It goes beyond subjective impressions by collecting key statistics—such as player performance, team formations, and in-game events—to identify patterns, trends, and tactical insights. This data-driven approach, as highlighted by Sportmonks, helps coaches, analysts, and teams assess what worked, what didn’t, and how to refine strategies, ultimately turning numbers into actionable decisions that enhance performance and competitiveness.
Analysing a match involves a structured process:
- Collect data: Gather live event data (passes, shots, tackles) using tracking systems, video footage from multiple angles, and scouting reports.
- Process data: Clean and standardise the raw data to ensure accuracy, correcting errors and filling in gaps.
- Analyse data: Use statistical tools (e.g., R, Python) to calculate metrics like pass completion or shot accuracy, visualise trends with tools like Tableau, and combine with video for context. Machine learning can also identify patterns.
- Interpret insights: Apply football expertise to explain the data, focusing on tactical successes, player performance, and areas for improvement.
- Communicate findings: Share results via reports, presentations, or dashboards to inform tactical adjustments and player development.
- Review: Continuously refine analysis based on new matches and opponents, as outlined in the Sportmonks process.
Veo Analytics is a specific match analysis tool provided by Veo, a company offering portable AI-powered cameras for recording football matches. It automatically captures and analyses game footage without the need for a camera operator, using computer vision to track players and the ball. The platform provides post-match insights such as possession percentages, heatmaps of player movement, passing networks, and key event highlights (e.g., goals, shots). It’s designed for teams at various levels to access professional-grade analytics easily, enhancing tactical and performance reviews without extensive manual input.
What happens if you win the Conference League?
Winning the UEFA Europa Conference League grants the champion several benefits:
- Trophy and recognition: The winning team receives the Europa Conference League trophy, a prestigious honour that marks their success in Europe's third-tier club competition.
- Europa league qualification: The champions automatically qualify for the league stage of the following season's UEFA Europa League, provided they have not already qualified for the UEFA Champions League via their domestic league performance. If they qualify for the Champions League, the Europa League spot is reallocated based on UEFA's access list.
- Financial rewards: The winner receives significant prize money, with the 2024 winner earning approximately €5 million for the final alone, in addition to earnings from earlier rounds (e.g., €2.94 million for reaching the group stage, plus performance bonuses).
- Club reputation: Victory enhances the club's reputation, providing increased visibility, sponsorship opportunities, and a platform for player development.
What does 5th place in the Premier League get?
In the Premier League, the team finishing in 5th place typically qualifies for the UEFA Europa League league stage for the following season, provided they aren't domestic cup winners or European competition winners that offer a higher-tier qualification (e.g., Champions League via winning the FA Cup or Europa League). However, due to UEFA's coefficient system, if the Premier League earns an additional Champions League spot based on the performance of English clubs in European competitions, 5th place could potentially qualify for the UEFA Champions League. For the 2024-2025 season, projections suggest a high likelihood (97.9% per Opta Analyst) of the Premier League securing an extra Champions League spot, meaning 5th place would likely qualify for the Champions League instead of the UEFA Europa League.
How does the Conference League work?
The UEFA Conference League operates with a structured format designed to ensure competitive balance and culminate in a thrilling final. Here’s how it works:
- Qualification: Teams qualify via their domestic league positions (typically below Europa League spots), relegation from Europa League qualifying rounds, or winning domestic cup competitions (in some cases). The number of spots depends on the UEFA coefficient ranking of each league.
- Qualifying rounds: Multiple qualifying rounds narrow down the field, involving teams from across Europe, with matches played over two legs.
- League phase: Introduced in the 2024-2025 season, the league stage involves a 36-team league phase. Each team plays eight matches against eight different opponents (four home, four away), determined by a draw.
- Ranking and qualification for knockouts: The top eight teams in the league table automatically advance to the knockout stage. Teams ranked 9th to 24th compete in a play-in round to determine the remaining eight knockout participants, while teams ranked 25th to 36th are eliminated.
- Knockout stage: Starting with the Round of 16, the competition proceeds with two-legged ties (home and away) for the Round of 16, Quarter-finals, and Semi-finals. The final is a single-match event at a neutral venue.
What is the average salary in the Chinese Super League?
Salaries vary significantly based on factors like player experience, nationality, position, and club financial resources. During the "golden era" (mid-2010s to late 2010s), some clubs spent lavishly on international stars, inflating the average. However, recent financial regulations and a focus on sustainability have led to a decrease in spending. While top players can still command substantial salaries, the average is likely more moderate now (around $200k a year), and many domestic players earn considerably less.
Why was Shenzhen FC dissolved?
Shenzhen FC, the inaugural champions of the CSL in 2004, announced its dissolution on January 22, 2024. The club failed to secure a licence for the 2024 season due to unresolved debts, leading to its withdrawal from professional football.
Has there ever been a Chinese Premier League player?
Yes, several Chinese players have competed in the English Premier League. Notably, Sun Jihai played for Manchester City from 2002 to 2008, becoming the first East Asian footballer to score in the Premier League.
Other Chinese players include Li Tie and Li Weifeng, who both had stints with Everton.
Does China have its own professional football league?
Yes, China has its own professional football league system, with the Chinese Super League (CSL) being the top tier. Established in 2004, the CSL operates under the Chinese Football Association and features 16 teams competing annually. In January 2025, the Chinese Professional Football League (CFL) was inaugurated as an independent federation to oversee all levels of China's professional football leagues, aiming to enhance the league system and competitive standards.
What is an API endpoint, and why is it important?
An API endpoint is a specific web address (URI) that serves as the entry point for an Application Programming Interface (API). It’s where your application goes to request data or perform actions with another service. For example, in the Sportmonks API, https://api.sportmonks.com/v3/football/teams/19 is an endpoint that returns data about Arsenal FC. It’s crucial because it defines how software systems communicate, enabling everything from fetching sports stats to integrating third-party services like payment gateways.
How do HTTP methods work with API endpoints?
HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE tell the API what action to take at an endpoint. GET retrieves data without changing anything—for instance, GET /v3/football/leagues fetches a list of leagues from Sportmonks. POST creates new resources, PUT updates them, and DELETE removes them, though Sportmonks focuses on GET for read-only data retrieval. These methods follow HTTP standards, ensuring predictable and repeatable interactions with the server.
How does authentication work with API endpoints like Sportmonks?
Authentication ensures only authorised users access an API endpoint. With Sportmonks, you include an API token either in the request header (e.g., Authorization: Bearer <your-api-token>) or as a query parameter (e.g., https://api.sportmonks.com/v3/football/fixtures?api_token=<your-api-token>). This verifies your identity and tracks usage, keeping the API secure and preventing unauthorised requests.
What happens if I hit the rate limit on an API endpoint?
Rate limiting caps how many requests you can make to an API endpoint in a given time. In Sportmonks, response headers like rate-limit.remaining: 2999 show how many requests you have left. If you exceed this, you’ll get a 429 Too Many Requests error, meaning you’ve hit the limit. You’d need to wait until the limit resets (details are in the rate_limit object) before making more requests, ensuring fair usage and server stability.
How does API documentation support the design and testing phases?
During the design phase, API documentation acts as a blueprint, defining the API’s purpose, endpoints like /teams, and data flows to guide development. In testing, it serves as a benchmark—tools like Postman or Swagger UI use it to verify responses, such as ensuring GET /teams/19 returns the correct data. This keeps the API reliable and aligned with its intended design.
Why is up-to-date documentation crucial during API deployment and onboarding?
At deployment, current documentation informs developers about new endpoints, parameters, and updates (e.g., "v3 introduces /stats"), ensuring smooth adoption. For onboarding, it accelerates integration with quick-start guides and snippets like "Fetch live scores in 5 minutes," helping developers get started fast and increasing the API’s usage.
What role does documentation play in API deprecation and monetisation?
For deprecation, documentation eases transitions with notices like "Deprecated: Use /v3/teams instead of /v2/teams," giving users time (often six months) to migrate. In monetisation, it highlights value with clear pricing, such as "Real-time scores for £10/month," making the API more appealing and marketable to potential customers.
How does documentation help with API support and maintenance?
Clear documentation cuts down on support needs by providing error codes and fixes, like "401 error: Invalid API key," so developers can troubleshoot independently. During maintenance, linking it to version control keeps it current with changes—new features, deprecations, or tweaks—ensuring users always have accurate info as the API evolves.
How did the Serbian Superliga come to be, and who has dominated it?
The Serbian Superliga was established in 2006 after Montenegro’s independence, evolving from the Yugoslav First League and the Serbia and Montenegro SuperLiga. It built on a rich football heritage where Serbian clubs like Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade thrived. Since its inception, these two giants have dominated, with Red Star winning 10 titles and Partizan securing 8 by 2025, their rivalry tracing back decades and intensifying in the Superliga era.
What is the format of the Serbian Superliga, and how do teams qualify for Europe?
The Superliga features 16 clubs playing a 30-match round-robin regular season, with each team facing the others twice. After this, it splits into Championship and Relegation play-offs: the top eight vie for the title and UEFA spots, while the bottom eight fight to avoid relegation. The champion typically enters the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds, while 2nd and 3rd (or the Serbian Cup winner) target the Europa League or Conference League, based on rankings and cup outcomes.
What are some standout moments and rivalries in the Superliga?
The “Eternal Derby” between Red Star and Partizan is a highlight, with fiery clashes like Partizan’s 3-0 win in 2009-2010. Other memorable moments include Čukarički’s 3-2 upset over Partizan in 2024 and Red Star’s 3-2 comeback against Vojvodina in 2017. Beyond the big two, Vojvodina and Čukarički have shone, with the latter’s 2015 Serbian Cup win over Partizan (1-0) marking a historic underdog triumph.
How does the Superliga influence Serbian pop culture and identity?
The Superliga shapes Serbian culture through music, like Red Star’s “Zvezda je šampion” anthem after their 2018 Liverpool win, and media, such as the film “Južni vetar” embedding fan loyalty. It bolsters national identity with Red Star’s 1991 European Cup victory still celebrated widely, and the Eternal Derby reflecting societal divides, as seen in the 2024 2-2 draw. It’s a source of pride and a talent pipeline for stars like Dušan Vlahović.
How is Ligue 2 structured, and how do teams move up or down?
Ligue 2 features 18 clubs playing a 34-match round-robin season, with each team facing the others twice. The top two teams earn automatic promotion to Ligue 1, while the bottom two drop to the Championnat National. The 16th-placed team faces a relegation play-off, and a promotion play-off pits the third-placed team against Ligue 1’s 18th-placed side, with fourth and fifth battling internally first. Points determine standings—three for a win, one for a draw—making every match count.
What are some standout moments or clubs in Ligue 2 history?
Ligue 2 has seen giants like RC Lens (promoted in 2019-2020 with 53 points) and AS Saint-Étienne (10-time Ligue 1 champs, in Ligue 2 post-2021-2022) reclaim top-flight status. Rising stars like Stade de Reims (2017-2018 champs, 88 points) and OGC Nice (2001-2002 promotion) also shone. Memorable moments include the 2020-2021 nail-biter where Clermont Foot pipped Toulouse for second (72 vs. 70 points) and Habib Diallo’s 32 goal contributions for Metz in 2018-2019, driving them to the title.
What role does Ligue 2 play in French football?
Ligue 2 is a vital cog in French football, acting as a talent factory—think Riyad Mahrez (Le Havre, 2013-2014) and N’Golo Kanté (Caen, 2013-2015)—and a stepping stone to Ligue 1. It fuels local pride through derbies like Nancy vs. Metz, supports community passion, and keeps the sport’s ecosystem healthy by bridging elite and lower tiers. It’s where dreams of promotion and unexpected cup runs, like Calais RUFC’s 1999-2000 Coupe de France final, come alive.
What challenges and opportunities does Ligue 2 face?
Financial gaps with Ligue 1, limited media exposure, and aging stadiums challenge Ligue 2, often leading to player losses and slower growth. Yet, it’s a goldmine for youth development—clubs can build academies and sell talent profitably. Strong community ties, smart digital outreach, and the lure of Ligue 1 promotion offer paths to boost fanbases, attract sponsors, and elevate the league’s profile.
What is the Copa América, and why is it a big deal?
The Copa América is South America’s top men’s national team football tournament, run by CONMEBOL. It’s the oldest competition of its kind, kicking off in 1916, and pits the continent’s 10 nations—like Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay—against each other, sometimes with guest teams from places like North America. It’s a big deal because it’s a showcase of incredible talent, epic rivalries, and a celebration of football passion that fires up entire countries.
How often does the Copa América happen, and why does it seem unpredictable?
Unlike clockwork tournaments like the Euros every four years, the Copa América’s schedule can feel like a rollercoaster. It started as an annual or biennial event, but now it aims for every four years—though it’s had quirks, like 2015, 2016, 2019, and a delayed 2021 edition. Things like politics, hosting switches (e.g., Brazil stepping in for 2021), and special events like the 2016 Centenario shake up the timing, making it less predictable but always exciting.
Why do teams from outside South America join the Copa América?
The tournament sometimes invites teams from beyond CONMEBOL, usually from CONCACAF like Mexico or the USA, to spice things up. It started in 1993 to boost competition and global interest—think 16-team editions in 2016 and 2024. It’s a bit controversial: some fans love the fresh matchups, while others feel it dilutes the South American vibe. Either way, it’s a chance to see unique clashes, like USA vs. Uruguay, blending different football styles.
What makes the Copa América so thrilling to watch?
It’s a wild mix of skill, drama, and raw emotion. You’ve got superstars like Messi and Neymar lighting up the pitch, nail-biting penalty shootouts—like Chile’s 2015 win over Argentina—and fiery rivalries, especially Argentina vs. Brazil, that turn games into showdowns. Toss in unexpected upsets, heated referee disputes, and passionate crowds, and you’ve got a tournament that’s as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.
What is English League Two, and why does it matter?
English League Two is the fourth tier of the English football system, sitting below League One as the lowest division in the English Football League (EFL). With 24 clubs from England and Wales battling it out over 46 matches, it’s a gritty, competitive league where the top three climb to League One, and the bottom two drop to the National League. It matters because it’s a proving ground for clubs, players, and managers—a place where dreams of higher leagues are born and where football’s raw passion shines.
How do teams get promoted from League Two?
Promotion from League Two is a high-stakes affair. The top three teams in the final standings automatically jump to League One—no extra fuss. But spots four through seven get a shot via the play-offs: two-legged semi-finals followed by a do-or-die final at Wembley. It’s a tense setup that’s delivered classics, like Tranmere Rovers’ last-gasp comeback in 2019, showing how League Two keeps the drama alive right to the end.
What’s the vibe like in League Two compared to higher divisions?
League Two is football with the polish stripped away—think smaller stadiums, tighter budgets, and a real community feel. Unlike the Premier League’s glitz, it’s about local pride, packed terraces, and underdog spirit. You’ve got fierce derbies like Exeter vs. Plymouth, and it’s less about superstars, more about players and clubs fighting for a second chance or a big break, making it raw, unpredictable, and full of heart.
Can League Two clubs or players really make it big?
Absolutely—League Two’s a launchpad for talent and ambition. Players like Jamie Vardy went from scoring for Fleetwood Town to Premier League glory with Leicester, while Dele Alli dazzled at MK Dons before starring for Tottenham. Clubs like Luton Town rocketed from League Two in 2018 to the top flight by 2023. It’s a division where hard work and a bit of magic can turn dreams into reality, proving its knack for producing stars and comeback kings.
Which Scottish football team is Catholic?
It's important to understand that Scottish football isn't officially divided along religious lines. While historical and cultural associations exist, and some fans may identify with a club based on their religious or cultural background, no major Scottish football team is exclusively Catholic or Protestant.
However, Celtic is generally perceived to have stronger historical links to the Irish Catholic community in Scotland, while Rangers are traditionally associated with the Protestant community, especially due to their historical support bases and club origins. It's crucial to remember these are complex social and historical connections, and not every fan of these clubs identifies with those specific religious backgrounds. Many fans support their team for other reasons, such as family tradition, location, or simply a love of the club.
Which club has won the most Scottish Premiership titles?
Rangers hold the record for the most Scottish Premiership titles. They have won the league championship 55 times, demonstrating their historical dominance in Scottish football.
Who are the favourites to win the Scottish Premiership?
Historically, Celtic and Rangers are almost always the favorites to win the Scottish Premiership due to their large fanbases, significant resources, and strong squads. For the 2024-2025 season, based on current standings and performance:
Celtic are the current leaders (10 points ahead with a game in hand), having won the last three championships in a row, which makes them the strong favorites as per recent performances.
Rangers are 10 points behind and have played a game more.
How to watch Copa Libertadores in the UK?
In the UK, the Copa Libertadores can be watched through various platforms:
📺 BBC iPlayer and BBC sport website: The BBC has previously broadcast select Copa Libertadores matches, including finals, live on BBC iPlayer and their website. Check their schedule for availability.
📺 Mola TV: This streaming platform has rights to broadcast Copa Libertadores matches in the UK. You can access games live or on-demand through their service.
📺 beIN SPORTS: Occasionally, beIN SPORTS, available through subscription services like Sky or Virgin Media, might cover matches, especially given their focus on international football.
Is the Copa Libertadores prestigious?
Yes, the Copa Libertadores is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious club competitions in world football, particularly in South America. It is considered the equivalent of the UEFA Champions League in Europe, showcasing the best club teams from CONMEBOL nations. The tournament has a rich history since its inception in 1960, featuring legendary clubs like Independiente, Boca Juniors, and Flamengo. Its prestige is further enhanced by intense rivalries, passionate fan bases, and its role in determining qualifiers for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Who has the most winners in the Libertadores?
Independiente from Argentina holds the record for the most Copa Libertadores titles, with 7 wins. Their victories came in 1964, 1965, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, and 1984, making them the most successful club in the competition's history.
Has Colo Colo ever won the Copa Libertadores?
Yes, Colo Colo from Chile has won the Copa Libertadores. They achieved this feat in 1991, defeating Olimpia from Paraguay 3-0 on aggregate in the final (0-0 in the first leg and 3-0 in the second leg), becoming the first and, to date, the only Chilean club to win the competition.
What is passing accuracy?
Passing accuracy is a statistical measure that shows how often a player or team successfully completes their passes. It’s expressed as a percentage and calculated using the formula:
Passing Accuracy = (Completed Passes / Total Passes Attempted) × 100
For example, if a player attempts 50 passes and completes 40, their passing accuracy is (40/50) × 100 = 80%. It’s a key indicator of technical skill and ball retention ability, though it’s best analyzed alongside other metrics like pass difficulty and game context for a fuller picture.
What is England's passing accuracy?
England’s passing accuracy refers to the collective passing success rate of the national football team in a specific match, tournament, or season. As of March 3, 2025, exact figures would depend on their most recent performances (e.g., in friendlies, qualifiers, or tournaments like the 2026 World Cup cycle). Historically, England’s passing accuracy varies by playing style and opponent. For instance, during the 2022 World Cup, England averaged around 86-88% in group stages under Gareth Southgate’s possession-focused tactics, though this dipped in high-pressure knockout games.
What is Messi's passing accuracy?
Lionel Messi’s passing accuracy is a testament to his extraordinary vision and technique. As of March 3, 2025, his exact passing accuracy would reflect his recent performances, likely with Inter Miami or Argentina in competitions like the 2024 Copa América or 2025 club season. Historically, Messi’s passing accuracy has been exceptional—often exceeding 85% in La Liga seasons with Barcelona, peaking at around 87-90% in his prime years (e.g., 2018–19). In the 2019–20 season, alongside 21 assists, he maintained an accuracy above 85%.
How to improve passing accuracy?
Improving passing accuracy requires a mix of technique, awareness, and practice. Here are actionable tips:
- Focus on foot placement, balance, and striking the ball cleanly. Drill short and long passes daily to build consistency.
- Scan the pitch before receiving the ball to spot teammates and opponents, improving decision-making.
- Learn when to play safe, short passes versus riskier, creative ones based on the game situation.
- Use verbal cues and body language to sync with teammates, ensuring they’re ready to receive.
- Practice passing in tight spaces or with time limits to mimic match conditions, enhancing composure.
- Regular drills, coaching feedback, and studying game footage can sharpen these skills over time.
What is countering an attack?
Countering an attack in football refers to a team quickly transitioning from defence to offense right after regaining possession of the ball. It’s about catching the opponent off guard when they’re out of position after their own failed attack. The team uses speed and surprise—often with fast passes or runs—to exploit open spaces and create a scoring chance before the opposition can reorganise defensively.
What is another word for counterattack?
Another word for counter-attack in football is "break" or "fast break," often used to describe a rapid transition from defence to attack. Terms like "counter-offensive" or "quick transition" also apply, though "counter" is the most common shorthand. Coaches might call it a "transition play" when emphasizing the shift in momentum.
What are ball recoveries in football?
Ball recoveries in football refer to the act of regaining possession of the ball after it has been lost by the opposing team. This can happen through interceptions (stealing passes), tackles (taking the ball from an opponent), picking up loose balls (grabbing free balls), or goalkeeper actions (such as catching crosses or stopping shots). They are a key measure of a team’s defensive strength and ability to switch from defence to attack.
What does it mean by "balls recovered"?
"Balls recovered" is a statistic that counts how many times a player or team regains possession of the ball during a match. It includes actions like intercepting passes, winning tackles, or picking up loose balls. This metric shows how effective a player or team is at stopping the opposition and getting the ball back to start their own plays.
What is a recovery ball for?
A recovery ball is used to regain possession for your team, helping to stop the opponent’s attack and create opportunities for your own. It strengthens the defence by disrupting the other team’s plans and allows quick transitions into attack, potentially leading to scoring chances. Recovering the ball also helps control the game’s pace and can boost team morale whilst frustrating opponents.
What is the meaning of ball retrieval?
Ball retrieval means the same as ball recovery: it’s the process of getting the ball back after the opposing team has had possession. This can involve intercepting a pass, tackling an opponent, picking up a loose ball, or a goalkeeper securing the ball. It’s a critical skill that reflects a player’s awareness, anticipation, and ability to turn defence into attack.
What does "expected assists" mean?
"Expected assists" (xA) is a statistical measure of the quality and danger of a pass in football. It quantifies the likelihood that a completed pass will directly lead to a goal-scoring opportunity for the receiver. In simpler terms, it estimates how many assists a player should have based on the quality of the chances they create with their passes, regardless of whether those chances are actually converted into goals.
What is xG and xA in football?
Both xG (Expected Goals) and xA (Expected Assists) are advanced metrics used in football analysis, but they measure different aspects of attacking play:
👉 xG (Expected Goals): Measures the quality of a shot and the likelihood it will result in a goal. It considers factors like shot location, shot type (e.g., header, foot), and the situation surrounding the shot.
👉 xA (Expected Assists): Measures the quality of a pass and the likelihood it will lead to a goal-scoring opportunity (and thus a potential assist). It considers factors like pass type, location, and defensive pressure.
In essence, xG focuses on the finishing aspect of attacking play, while xA focuses on the creation aspect.
What does xA mean in statistics?
While the specific application of xA is unique to sports analytics (primarily football), the underlying statistical concept is related to probability and predictive modeling. In statistics, "expected value" refers to the average outcome of a random event if it were repeated many times. xA applies this concept to passes in football, estimating the average number of assists that would result from similar passes over a large sample.
What xG value counts as a "big chance"?
This is related to xG, not xA, but it's a common question. There isn't one universally agreed-upon threshold for what constitutes a "big chance." However, most data providers consider a shot with an xG value of 0.3 or higher (30% or greater chance of being scored) to be a "big chance." This means that, historically, shots from similar situations are converted into goals around 30% of the time or more. Some analysts may use slightly different thresholds (e.g., 0.25 or 0.35), but 0.3 is a common benchmark.
How does SoFIFA use Sportmonks' data?
SoFIFA pulls player, team, and competition data from Sportmonks to keep its platform accurate, structured, and up-to-date — without manual maintenance.
Does SoFIFA use live match updates from Sportmonks?
No, SoFIFA focuses on historical and structural data (like players, teams, transfers, and standings) rather than real-time match feeds.
Why did SoFIFA choose Sportmonks over other data providers?
Sportmonks offered the best balance between coverage, affordability, data quality, and ease of integration — ideal for an independent platform like SoFIFA.
How often does SoFIFA update its database?
Thanks to Sportmonks’ daily data updates, SoFIFA can refresh its player and team information regularly to stay aligned with real-world football changes.
Which Sportmonks features are most important for SoFIFA?
Verified player profiles, current club affiliations, structured league hierarchies, transfer histories, and stable IDs form the backbone of SoFIFA’s database.
Can other gaming platforms benefit from Sportmonks’ Football API?
Absolutely. Sportmonks’ flexible and developer-friendly API is ideal for gaming apps, fan platforms, scouting tools, and sports analytics startups.
Where can I learn more about Sportmonks' football data solutions?
You can explore the full range of features and start a free trial by visiting the Sportmonks
Football API page.
What supercomputer predicted the Premier League?
Several organisations and companies use supercomputers or advanced AI models to predict Premier League outcomes, but one of the most cited in recent times is the
Opta Supercomputer by Stats Perform. Other notable ones include models by
FiveThirtyEight and various betting companies like Bet365 or Betfair, which use their proprietary algorithms. However, there's no single "official" supercomputer for predicting the Premier League; different models from different sources are used for forecasting.
Are Arsenal rivals with Liverpool?
Yes, Arsenal and Liverpool are considered rivals in the Premier League. While Arsenal's biggest rival is traditionally with Tottenham Hotspur (the North London Derby), the competition between Arsenal and Liverpool has intensified due to both clubs' historical success and recent battles for the Premier League title. Matches between the two often have significant implications for league standings, Champions League and Europa League qualification , or trophies, adding to the rivalry. Liverpool also has a historical rivalry with Manchester United, but Arsenal is certainly seen as a significant competitor
Who will win the EPL 2025 prediction?
Predicting the winner of the 2025 Premier League season is speculative, as the season is still ongoing or has not yet started at the time of writing. However, if we look at data from around late January 2025 or the latest available analysis:
Given this context, Liverpool would be the predicted winner based on the latest form and standings. However, the Premier League is known for its unpredictability, and outcomes can change rapidly.
- Liverpool are 1st on the Premier League table, leading by 7 points, making them the current favourites according to Sportmonks data.
- Arsenal are closely following, only 7 points behind after 25 league games.
- Nottingham Forest are unlikely to go all the way, but are still notable competitors as they sit 3rd on the table and trail Liverpool by 13 points.
What is the Premier League?
The Premier League, established in 1992, is England's top football league with 20 teams, known for its global viewership and competitiveness among the "Big Five" European leagues. It features promotion and relegation with the EFL, crowning a champion each season and relegating the bottom three teams. Traditionally dominated by the "Big Six" - Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur - recent seasons have seen teams like Newcastle United and Aston Villa challenge this hierarchy, while some of the established teams occasionally falter.
What kind of data does a Fantasy Football API provide?
Fantasy Football APIs offer data such as live match updates, player stats, team squads, league standings, match schedules, and historical performance metrics.
How can I integrate Sportmonks Fantasy Football API into my platform?
You can follow the detailed guide available on Sportmonks'
How-to build a fantasy game blog.
Why choose Sportmonks for Fantasy Football APIs?
Sportmonks provides reliable, real-time data with extensive coverage of leagues, teams, and players, making it ideal for fantasy platforms.
Can I customise the API to match my fantasy platform’s scoring system?
Yes, APIs like Sportmonks’ allow for extensive customisation to align with unique game rules.
Where can I find more information about Fantasy Football API?
Check out Sportmonks' Fantasy Football API landing page for more details.
What exactly is an API, and how does it work?
An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of rules and protocols that lets different software applications communicate and exchange data with each other. Think of it as a digital intermediary allowing software to use functionality or access data from other software without needing detailed knowledge of its inner workings.
Why are APIs valuable for businesses?
APIs provide significant business value by enabling faster innovation, creating new revenue opportunities, enhancing customer experiences, and improving internal efficiency. They facilitate easy partnerships by seamlessly integrating third-party services, helping businesses to grow quickly and efficiently.
What are the main types of APIs I might encounter?
You will commonly encounter:
- Web APIs: Accessed over the internet (using HTTP), often returning data in JSON or XML formats (e.g., APIs provided by Facebook or Amazon).
- Library APIs: Embedded within software libraries, allowing developers to reuse functions and classes in their own applications.
- Operating System APIs: Enable applications to interact directly with operating system features, such as file management or hardware access.
How do APIs help developers speed up their work?
APIs significantly speed up development by allowing developers to reuse existing functionality, rather than building every feature from scratch. This modular approach not only saves development time but also allows quicker introduction of new features, facilitating faster and more efficient product releases.
What is an API request, and why is it important?
An API request is a message sent from a client, such as a web browser or mobile app, to a server through an Application Programming Interface (API). It's vital because it allows different software applications to communicate, exchange data, and trigger actions seamlessly across networks, enabling functionalities like data retrieval, account management, and integration with external services.
How can I secure my API requests?
Securing your API requests typically involves authentication methods like API keys or tokens (Bearer tokens). API keys are unique identifiers included in request headers or query parameters, while tokens usually appear in the Authorisation header. Always ensure your credentials remain confidential and avoid exposing them publicly.
What should I do if my application hits an API's rate limit?
If your application exceeds an API's rate limit (often indicated by a 429 Too Many Requests error), you should implement logic to handle these errors gracefully. This might involve waiting briefly before retrying your request, monitoring your application's request volume, or caching data locally when possible to reduce the number of API calls.
How do I choose the right HTTP method for my API request?
Choosing the correct HTTP method depends on the action you want to perform:
- GET for retrieving data.
- POST for creating new resources or submitting data.
- PUT for updating existing resources entirely.
- PATCH for partially updating existing resources.
- DELETE for removing resources. Selecting the right method ensures your API interactions are clear, effective, and align with standard practices.
What exactly is an API token?
An API token is essentially a digital key, a string of characters, that an application uses to prove its identity and authorisation when it's communicating with an Application Programming Interface (API). Think of it as a secure pass that verifies who is making a request and what they're allowed to do within the API's system.
Why are API tokens so important?
API tokens are used for several crucial reasons. They enhance security by being harder to intercept than usernames and passwords and can expire quickly. They also allow for granular permissions, meaning an application only gets access to what it needs. Furthermore, they enable secure delegated authorisation, like when you link an app to a cloud service without sharing your main login. They're also vital for automated machine-to-machine communication and provide the ability to revoke access if needed. Finally, they aid in auditing and tracking API usage and help avoid exposing sensitive login details.
How does the process of using an API token typically work?
The process usually involves the client application first requesting authorisation from the API service. If it involves user data, the user might need to give consent. The server then verifies the application's credentials and the user's permission (if applicable). If everything checks out, the authorisation server issues an API token to the client. The client then includes this token with every request it makes to the API, usually in the 'Authorisation' header. The server validates the token for each request, and if it's valid, it processes the request and sends a response. Once a token expires, the client will need to get a new one, often using a refresh token if provided.
What are some key things to keep in mind when handling API tokens?
For API providers, it's vital to use strong token generation methods, implement token expiration and revocation, always use HTTPS, validate tokens on every request, store them securely, follow the principle of least privilege, rotate secrets regularly, and monitor for unusual activity. For API consumers (clients), it's crucial to store tokens safely (never hardcoding them), always use HTTPS for API requests, avoid exposing tokens in logs or the user interface, only request the necessary permissions (scopes), implement token renewal if applicable, allow users to revoke access, raise awareness within the development team, and review permissions periodically.
What, in essence, is an API rate limit?
It's a cap imposed by an API provider on the number of requests a client can make within a defined time window, crucial for maintaining API stability and preventing misuse.
Why are API rate limits a fundamental aspect of API management?
They are essential for preventing denial-of-service attacks, ensuring equitable resource allocation among users, and maintaining the reliability of the API infrastructure.
How should a client application respond upon encountering a rate limit?
The application must recognise the 429 status code and implement a strategy to pause and retry requests, ideally using exponential backoff with jitter, while also respecting any 'Retry-After' header.
What are the potential repercussions of consistently disregarding API rate limits?
Persistent violations can lead to temporary or permanent blocking of the client's access (via API key or IP address) and, in some cases, financial penalties as per the API's terms of service.
What is Turkey Süper Lig?
The Turkish Süper Lig is Turkey's top professional football league, currently consisting of 19 clubs (as of the 2024-2025 season). It operates in a round-robin format where each team plays every other team twice—once at home and once away—from August to May. Organized by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), the league is renowned for its passionate fans and intense rivalries, making it a vital part of Turkish sports culture. The top teams qualify for UEFA competitions like the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, while the bottom four teams are relegated to the TFF First League. Historically, it began as the Millî Lig in 1959 and was renamed the Süper Lig in 2001-02, growing in popularity both locally and internationally.
Which is the best club in the Turkey league?
Determining the "best" club depends on criteria like titles won or historical dominance. Based on championship titles, Galatasaray is the most successful club in Süper Lig history with 24 titles, the most recent in the 2023-24 season. Alongside Fenerbahçe (19 titles) and Beşiktaş (16 titles), they form the "Big Three," which have dominated the league since its inception in 1959 and never been relegated. However, recent competitiveness from clubs like Trabzonspor (7 titles), Bursaspor (1 title in 2010), and İstanbul Başakşehir (1 title in 2019) shows the league’s growing depth. Galatasaray’s higher title count and consistent success arguably make it the best historically, though fan opinions often favor their own teams due to fierce rivalries.
How many times has Besiktas won the Süper Lig?
Beşiktaş has won the Süper Lig 16 times. This total includes their victories in the Federation Cup in 1956-57 and 1957-58, which are recognized as part of their championship tally. As one of the "Big Three" alongside Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş has been a constant presence in the league since its start in 1959 and has a significant following, bolstered by notable successes under managers like Şenol Güneş and contributions from players like Mario Gomez.
What is Recopa Sudamericana in English?
The Recopa Sudamericana is a football match played between two South American club champions. In English, it’s called the "South American Recopa" or "Recopa Cup." It’s a one-off game where the winner of the Copa Libertadores faces the winner of the Copa Sudamericana to decide the best club in South America.
What is the Copa Libertadores?
The Copa Libertadores is a big football competition in South America. It’s like the Champions League in Europe. The best club teams from South American countries play each other, and the winner is crowned the top club in the continent.
There’s no competition officially called the "Copa Cup." You might mean the "Copa Sudamericana" or another tournament. The Copa Sudamericana is a major football competition for South American clubs, a bit like the Europa League in Europe, where teams compete to win a trophy.
What is the Swiss Super League?
The Swiss Super League is Switzerland's top professional football league. It determines the national champion and which teams qualify for European competitions. It currently consists of 12 teams.
What was the Swiss Super League previously called?
The league started as Swiss Serie A in 1898, then became Nationalliga A in 1933, and was officially renamed the Swiss Super League in the 2003-04 season. It is currently named the Credit Suisse Super League.
How many teams are in the Swiss Super League, and what is the current competition format?
There are 12 teams in the Swiss Super League. The season is divided into two phases. In the first phase, all 12 teams play each other three times. In the second phase, the league splits into a championship group and a relegation group, each with six teams, who then play each other once more.
How does promotion and relegation work in the Swiss Super League?
The bottom team in the relegation group is directly relegated to the Swiss Challenge League. The 11th-placed team plays a two-legged play-off against the second-placed team from the Swiss Challenge League. The Swiss Challenge League champion is automatically promoted.
What is the biggest club in Sweden?
Malmö FF is generally seen as the biggest club, with a record 24 league titles and a standout European run to the 1979 European Cup final. They’ve got a massive fanbase and a knack for success.
What do they call football in Sweden?
They call it "fotboll"
How many teams are in the Allsvenskan?
There are 16 teams, each playing 30 matches in a season that runs from spring to autumn.
What is the Slovenian PrvaLiga?
The Slovenian Prvaliga, officially known as the Prva Slovenska Nogometna Liga (First Slovenian Football League), is the top professional football league in Slovenia. It was established in 1991 following Slovenia's independence from Yugoslavia. The league operates on a promotion and relegation system with the Slovenian Second League (Druga SNL). The winner of the Prvaliga is crowned the Slovenian national champion and typically qualifies for the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds.
How many teams participate in the Slovenian Prvaliga?
Currently, the Slovenian Prvaliga consists of ten teams. Throughout its history, the number of participating clubs has varied, but it has been consistently set at ten for a significant period. During the season, each team plays every other team four times, twice at home and twice away, resulting in a total of 36 matches per team.
Which clubs have been the most successful in the Slovenian Prvaliga?
The two most successful clubs in the history of the Slovenian Prvaliga are NK Maribor and ND Gorica. NK Maribor holds the record for the most league titles. ND Gorica has also won a significant number of championships.
Other notable clubs that have won the Prvaliga title include Olimpija Ljubljana (both the original and the reformed club), and Celje.
How does the Slovenian Prvaliga relate to European club competitions?
The Slovenian Prvaliga determines Slovenia's representatives in UEFA club competitions:
- The league champion typically enters the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Champions League.
- The league runner-up and the winner of the Slovenian Cup (if not already qualified for the Champions League) usually qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
- The teams finishing in other specified positions may also qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League depending on UEFA regulations and Slovenia's coefficient ranking.
When was the Slovak Super Liga founded?
The Slovak Super Liga was founded in 1993, following Slovakia's independence after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia.
Which team has won the most Slovak Super Liga titles?
ŠK Slovan Bratislava is the most successful club in the Slovak Super Liga, having won the league more times than any other club, dominating domestically for many seasons.
How many teams participate in the Slovak Super Liga each season?
The league typically features 12 teams, competing against each other in a system of matches that includes regular season games and a championship or relegation round.
What happens to teams finishing at the bottom of the Slovak Super Liga table?
Teams finishing at the bottom positions face relegation to the Slovak 2. Liga. Usually, the last-placed team is automatically relegated, while the second-to-last team plays a relegation playoff against a team from the second division.
What is the meaning of aggregate statistics?
Aggregate statistics refer to summary measures or values that are derived by combining multiple individual data points. This process of aggregation aims to provide an overall view or a higher-level understanding of a dataset, revealing trends, patterns, or comparisons that might not be apparent from looking at individual data points alone. Examples include sums, averages, medians, and counts calculated across a group of data.
What is meant by aggregated results?
Aggregated results are the outcomes or findings obtained after the process of aggregation has been applied to a set of data. These results represent the summarized information, such as the total sales for a quarter, the average customer satisfaction score, or the total number of goals scored by a team in a season. Aggregated results are used to identify overall trends, make comparisons, and draw conclusions about the data.
What is an aggregated measure?
An aggregated measure is a specific type of aggregated statistic. It's a calculated value that summarizes a particular characteristic or aspect of a dataset by combining individual data points. Examples of aggregated measures include the average height of a group, the total revenue generated by a product line, or the median income of a population. The specific aggregated measure used depends on the analytical question being asked and the nature of the data.
What does it mean to be aggregated?
To be aggregated means that individual data points have been combined or consolidated into a summary form. When data is aggregated, the focus shifts from the individual values to the overall characteristics or trends of the group. For instance, instead of looking at the score of each individual football match, the data might be aggregated to show the total wins for a team across the entire season. The act of being aggregated simplifies the data and allows for analysis at a broader level.
What is historical football data?
Historical football data refers to past statistical information and results collected from football matches, tournaments, and leagues. It usually includes scores, player statistics, team rankings, match events, and historical records.
Where can I access historical football data?
Historical football data can be accessed from various online sources such as Sportmonks, Football-Data.co.uk, RSSSF (Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation), Opta Sports, and official league or association websites. Some databases are freely accessible, while others require subscriptions.
How accurate is historical football data?
The accuracy of historical football data typically depends on the source and methods used for data collection. Official league databases and professional statistical services generally offer highly accurate data, whereas crowd-sourced platforms might be less reliable.
What can historical football data be used for?
Historical football data is widely used for statistical analysis, predictive modelling, betting strategies, performance analysis, journalism, and historical research. Analysts and fans often utilise this data to spot trends, compare team performances, or inform tactical decisions.
What are the best online bookmakers?
Some of the most reputable online bookmakers in the UK include Bet365, William Hill, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, Betfair, and Sky Bet. The best bookmaker for an individual often depends on personal preferences, betting odds, promotions, and user experience.
Who are the bookmakers in football?
Bookmakers in football are companies or individuals who offer betting services on football matches. They set odds based on probabilities, take bets from customers, and pay out winnings based on match results.
Why are they called bookmakers?
They are called bookmakers because historically they would "make a book" by recording bets and odds in a ledger or book. This helped track bets, calculate odds, and manage risk.
Are bookies legal in the UK?
Yes, bookmakers (bookies) are legal and regulated in the UK. All betting operations must be licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission, ensuring fair play, responsible gambling practices, and consumer protection.
What are football data apps?
Football data apps are digital applications designed to provide football enthusiasts with comprehensive information and features related to the sport. These tools offer live updates, detailed statistics, and support various activities such as fantasy football participation and betting.
In what ways do fans commonly utilise these applications?
A significant number of fans employ these apps to monitor live match results, particularly when direct viewing is not possible. Additionally, they are widely used for fantasy football, enabling users to make informed decisions based on real-time player performance data.
Can you suggest one app for live scores and another for detailed stats for beginners?
For live scores, try
Livescore. It's easy to use and quick. For more detailed stats,
Flashscore gives you player ratings and other in-depth info.
Are there APIs for sports betting?
Yes, there are many APIs made for sports betting. They give you real-time data like odds, scores, and events. Some even let you place bets through them.
Betfair does have an API, but it’s not fully free. You can sign up for a basic version for free, but if you want more features or higher usage, you may need to pay a fee.
Bet365 does have an API, but it’s not open to the public. Usually, it’s only available to approved partners or businesses, not everyday users.
Can you place bets via an API?
Yes, some APIs let you place bets directly. Betfair is one example where you can bet through the API, but you’ll need to follow their rules and get access first.
What is a football API and how does it work?
A football API is a tool that delivers live and historical football data such as match scores, player stats, team performance, and betting odds directly to websites, apps, or analytical platforms. It works through API endpoints that provide data in formats like JSON, allowing developers to easily integrate and customise the information they need, whether it's live Premier League scores or detailed team statistics.
Who uses football APIs and for what purposes?
Football APIs are used by fans, developers, analysts, and betting platforms. Fans benefit from real-time updates and enhanced match experiences. Developers use APIs to build apps and websites with features like live scores and fantasy football support. Analysts rely on the data to study tactics, scout players, or assess performance trends. Betting platforms use APIs for live odds, predictions, and match event tracking to keep their services engaging and up to date.
What are the main challenges of using a football API?
Using a football API can present several challenges:
- Data accuracy and speed: Delayed or incorrect data (e.g. mis-attributed goals) can frustrate users and disrupt betting activities.
- Cost: High-quality APIs often involve subscription fees, especially for premium features like real-time betting data or advanced metrics.
- Technical complexity: Integrating an API requires knowledge of programming, handling JSON responses, and managing rate limits and data structures.
What makes the Sportmonks Football API stand out?
The Sportmonks Football API distinguishes itself with:
- Extensive global coverage of over 2,200 leagues.
- Real-time updates and historical data going back over 20 years.
- Advanced betting features, including odds from 145+ bookmakers and machine learning-based match predictions.
- Developer-friendly tools, such as detailed documentation, multiple programming language support, and prebuilt widgets for easy website integration.
What are backend integrations?
Backend integrations involve connecting different systems, services, or databases that run behind the scenes in an application. This allows them to share data and functions smoothly. For example, a mobile app might use backend integration to connect to a payment service, or a website might connect to a content system to manage articles.
What is frontend and backend integration?
Frontend and backend integration means linking the part of the app users see (frontend) with the part that handles data and logic (backend). The frontend includes buttons, forms, and pages, while the backend deals with tasks like storing data or checking logins. This connection ensures that when a user does something on the screen, the backend responds correctly.
The backend is the part of an app that manages things like databases, logins, and main functions. An API (Application Programming Interface) is a tool that lets different programs talk to each other. The API connects the frontend or other systems to the backend safely and efficiently.
What is backend integration testing?
Backend integration testing checks if different backend systems, services, and databases are working well together. It makes sure data moves correctly, APIs give the right answers, and all parts are connected properly. This testing helps catch problems before users notice anything wrong.
A data API is an interface that allows software applications to access and exchange data with a remote database or service. It enables API queries to retrieve, insert, or update structured data over the internet without directly interacting with the database. Data APIs are commonly used to share real-time or historical data between systems, such as weather data, stock prices, or football statistics.
What is the database API?
A database API is a specific type of data API that provides a way for applications to communicate directly with a database system. It allows developers to perform operations like creating records, reading data, updating entries, or deleting information (commonly referred to as CRUD operations). These APIs often use standard query languages like SQL, or expose endpoints that process requests in formats like JSON or XML.
An example of an API is the
Sportmonks football API, which delivers football data like live scores, fixtures, and player stats to sports apps and websites.
What is the difference between a data API and a REST API?
A data API refers to any API that enables access to data, regardless of how it is structured or delivered. A REST API (Representational State Transfer API), on the other hand, is a specific architectural style used to design networked applications. REST APIs use standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) and often deliver data in formats like JSON. In essence, a REST API can be a data API if it is used to access and manipulate data, but not all data APIs are necessarily RESTful.
What is a live football data API?
A live football data API is an interface that provides real-time football match data to developers, allowing them to integrate up-to-date information into websites, apps, and platforms. This includes live scores, match events (goals, cards, substitutions), team and player statistics, fixtures, league standings, and historical results. These APIs deliver data in formats like JSON, making it easy for developers to use in real-time applications.
What features does the Sportmonks football API offer?
The Sportmonks Football API offers comprehensive and flexible features including:
- Live data: Goals, cards, substitutions, and VAR decisions updated within seconds.
- Match information: Fixtures, historical results, team line-ups, and formations.
- Statistics: Player goals, assists, fouls, and possession stats.
- Betting tools: Live and pre-match odds, along with match predictions.
- Add-ons: Widgets, News API, and a Prediction API.
- Coverage: Over 2,200 leagues worldwide, including top competitions like the Premier League and Champions League. It’s developer-friendly with full documentation, Postman collections, and supports filtering and sorting of data by league, match, or event.
How do you use the Sportmonks API to get live football data?
To use the Sportmonks API:
- Sign up at MySportmonks to get your API token.
- Authenticate each request using the Authorization header.
- Choose your endpoint, such as /livescores/inplay to get current match updates.
- Use filters to request specific data (e.g., events like goals or cards).
- Integrate with tools like Postman for testing and debugging. Data is returned in JSON format and updated in near real-time, typically within 15 seconds. Rate limits apply, with up to 3,000 calls per hour depending on your subscription plan.
What pricing plans are available for the Sportmonks Football API?
Sportmonks offers several pricing tiers:
- Free plan: Covers selected leagues like the Danish Superliga and Scottish Premiership.
- European plan: €39/month (€34 if billed yearly), for major European competitions.
- Worldwide plan: €129/month (€112 if billed yearly), with access to global leagues.
- Enterprise plan: Custom pricing for larger-scale or high-volume needs. All plans offer high uptime and are monitored closely during live match times. Developers benefit from strong support and detailed documentation, ensuring smooth integration.
What sports do clients use Sportmonks for?
Most of our clients use Sportmonks for football projects — from live score apps to fantasy platforms. We also support Cricket and Formula 1 for niche use cases.
See our Football API
How do clients use our data during live matches?
Clients rely on our real-time updates for betting apps, live tickers, mobile alerts, and more. With updates every few seconds, they deliver accurate, engaging experiences to their users.
Want to see it in action?
Request a free demo
Can clients tailor the data to fit their product?
Yes — most clients choose specific leagues or data levels that match their business goals. Whether you need full stats or just scores, you only pay for what you use.
Check coverage options
How easy is integration for new clients?
Developers love how fast and smooth integration is. Many clients are up and running within days, thanks to our clean API and helpful documentation.
View API docs
What kind of support do clients receive?
From onboarding to scaling, clients value our responsive and friendly support. We help solve issues quickly and guide you toward best practices.
Support & help center
Can clients switch plans or grow over time?
Absolutely. Clients often start small and expand their plans as their product grows. Our pricing model makes it easy to scale when the time is right.
Explore our European Plan
What are in-game stats in football?
In-game stats are data points collected during a live football match that track the performance of players, teams, and the overall game. They provide a real-time breakdown of key events and actions as they happen on the pitch.
How do in-game stats differ from pre-match analysis or post-match summaries?
Unlike pre-match analysis, which involves predictions and expectations before a game, and post-match summaries, which offer an overview after the final whistle, in-game stats provide a dynamic, real-time view of the game's unfolding events.
Who benefits from having access to in-game stats during a football match?
In-game stats are valuable for various stakeholders, including coaches for making tactical adjustments, commentators for providing insightful analysis, and fans for gaining a deeper understanding of the game and individual player contributions.
What kind of information do in-game stats typically include?
In-game stats range from basic metrics like goals, shots, and fouls to more advanced analytics such as expected goals (xG) and player ratings. They cover various aspects of the game, including attacking, defending, possession, discipline, goalkeeping, and set pieces.
Which bookmakers give the best odds?
It's tricky to say definitively which bookmaker always gives the best odds, as odds are constantly changing and vary significantly between different events and markets. What might be the best odds for a football match on one site could be less competitive for a horse race.
Generally, several bookmakers have a reputation for offering strong odds across a range of sports. These often include:
- Bet365: Widely regarded for competitive odds, especially in football and racing.
- William Hill: A long-standing bookmaker often offering good value.
- Paddy Power: Known for their unique promotions and sometimes boosted odds, as well as competitive standard odds.
- Betfair Exchange: While not a traditional bookmaker, the exchange model allows users to 'back' and 'lay' outcomes against each other, often resulting in better odds than a traditional bookmaker's fixed odds, though a commission is usually charged on winnings.
- Ladbrokes: Another major player with a good range of odds.
Paddy Power is a large Irish bookmaker, now part of the Flutter Entertainment group (which also includes Betfair and Sky Bet). They are well-known in the UK and Ireland for their often humorous and sometimes controversial marketing campaigns, as well as their comprehensive sportsbook and online casino offerings. They are a popular choice for sports betting, particularly horse racing and football, and are recognised for their frequent promotions and 'money-back specials'.
What are fixed odds in horse racing?
Fixed odds in horse racing refer to the odds you agree to at the time you place your bet. Once you've placed your bet at a certain price (e.g., 5/1), that price is "fixed" regardless of whether the horse's odds shorten or drift out before the race begins. This is in contrast to the 'Starting Price' (SP), which is the official odds of a horse at the moment the race begins
How to know the winning odds?
"Winning odds" isn't a direct concept in betting. Odds represent the probability assigned to an outcome by the bookmaker, and the potential payout if your bet wins. There's no such thing as "winning odds" in the sense of odds that guarantee a win. All bets carry risk.
What is ball pressure in football?
Ball pressure is a defensive tactic where a player or group of players quickly close down an opponent who has the ball, applying intense pressure to reduce their time and space.
What is the main goal or purpose of applying ball pressure?
The primary goal of ball pressure is to force the ball carrier to make a quick decision, potentially leading to a mistake, a poor pass, or losing possession, thereby disrupting the opponent's attack and aiming to win the ball back.
Is ball pressure only about tackling the opponent?
No, ball pressure is not just about tackling. It involves a mix of quick closing down, controlled intensity, strategic body shape and angle of approach to force the opponent into less dangerous areas or actions, and careful timing of challenges.
How is the pressure index measured in football matches?
The pressure index, developed by Sportmonks, measures the level of pressure a team exerts during a football match. It is calculated using a combination of in-game statistics, including attacks, possession time, shots attempted, successful tackles, and cards received, with each factor weighted based on its importance. The index updates in real-time, reflecting changes in team dominance, such as increased pressure from sustained possession or reduced pressure after a red card.
Sportmonks offers a free API plan which provides limited access to their sports data, including football, cricket, and F1. This free plan allows developers to test out their API and includes basic data features. They also offer a 14-day free trial for their paid plans, giving users full access to all features for a limited time before requiring a subscription. Beyond these free options, Sportmonks operates on a tiered pricing model with various paid plans depending on the sport, league coverage, and the volume of API calls needed.
Yes, Opta (which is part of Stats Perform) offers robust APIs and data feeds. Opta is a leading provider of sports data and is widely recognised for its deep, accurate, and real-time statistics across many sports, including football. Their data powers various applications, from live broadcasts and media platforms to betting and fantasy sports products. They provide solutions like "Match Centre APIs" for raw data and "Opta Stream" for AI-driven commentary and insights, which can be integrated into platforms.
A "match API" (Application Programming Interface) in sports refers to a set of rules and protocols that allows software applications to access real-time and historical data specifically related to sports matches. This data can include live scores, detailed statistics for players and teams, match events (like goals, substitutions, cards), schedules, lineups, odds, and even live text commentary. Developers use match APIs to integrate this comprehensive sports information into websites, mobile apps, fantasy games, betting platforms, and analytical tools.
A "cricket API" is a specialised type of sports data API that provides access to comprehensive live and historical data specifically for cricket matches. This can include real-time scores, fixture schedules, detailed scorecards, player statistics (like batting and bowling averages), team standings, match events (wickets, boundaries), and more. Developers use cricket APIs to build applications for cricket fans, fantasy cricket games, news websites, and sports betting platforms focused on the sport.
Error handling in software development is the method of managing unexpected issues that come up during a program’s execution, such as invalid input, network problems, or missing files. It helps to ensure that the program doesn't crash or behave unpredictably when something goes wrong.
Why is error handling so important?
Error handling is crucial for several important reasons: it ensures the system is reliable and stable, improves user experience by providing clear feedback, prevents data corruption and loss, helps with debugging and maintenance, improves security by preventing sensitive information from leaking, and is necessary to meet business requirements for continuous availability and accuracy.
What are the goals of error handling?
The goals of error handling are to make the program more reliable and stable, allow it to respond properly (recover, provide feedback, or avoid data loss), ensure graceful degradation instead of crashing, provide clear and informative messages (for both users and developers), enable effective logging for debugging and monitoring, and facilitate recovery or correction of issues to minimize disruption.
What is API error handling?
API error handling is the process of managing errors that occur when a software application interacts with an external API (Application Programming Interface). It involves the API returning specific information, often through standard HTTP status codes and custom error codes in its responses, to help the calling application understand what went wrong (e.g., unauthorized access, bad request, rate limit exceeded) and respond appropriately.
When and where will the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 take place?
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is scheduled to run from June 14 to July 13, 2025, in the United States, across iconic venues like MetLife Stadium.
What is unique about the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 compared to previous editions?
This edition marks a historic milestone due to its expanded 32-team format and a staggering $1 billion prize pool, making it a significantly larger and more lucrative tournament than before.
What criteria were used to select the top players to watch at the tournament?
Top players were selected based on a thorough evaluation of their recent performances and consistency in domestic/international matches (e.g., goals, assists), individual accolades and recognition (e.g., Golden Boot, Ballon d’Or), and their key contributions to their respective teams’ success (e.g., winning continental titles).
Which confederations are represented in the tournament, and how many teams qualify from each?
The tournament includes teams from every continent: 12 from Europe, 6 from South America, 4 from North America, 4 from Asia, and 1 from Oceania. Africa also has 4 formidable teams participating.
What do you mean by data integration?
Data integration is the process of combining data from different sources into a single, consistent, and useful view. It solves the problem of information being stored in many separate systems, databases, applications, and formats, making it easier to access and use for business tasks, reporting, and analysis.
What is an example of data integration?
An example of data integration could be combining customer data from a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system, sales data from an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system, and website analytics from another platform. This integration provides a full, clear picture of customer behavior and operational performance that would be impossible to get from the individual systems alone. Another example is an e-commerce website automatically updating inventory levels in a warehouse management system immediately after an order is placed.
What is data integration vs ETL?
Data integration is the broader concept of combining data from various sources into a unified view. ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) is a specific strategy or method within data integration, particularly used for data warehousing. In ETL, data is extracted from sources, transformed (cleaned, standardised, organised), and then loaded into a target system like a data warehouse. So, while ETL is a common way to achieve data integration, data integration encompasses other strategies too, such as real-time integration, data virtualisation, and EAI.
Is data integration a skill?
Yes, data integration is indeed a skill. Managing data integration projects requires specialised skills in areas such as data modeling, understanding and implementing ETL processes, API development, and familiarity with various cloud platforms and integration tools. It's a complex field that demands both technical knowledge and an understanding of business needs.
What is a live football data API?
A live football data API is an interface that provides real-time football match data to developers, allowing them to integrate up-to-date information into websites, apps, and platforms. This includes live scores, match events (goals, cards, substitutions), team and player statistics, fixtures, league standings, and historical results. These APIs deliver data in formats like JSON, making it easy for developers to use in real-time applications.
What features does the Sportmonks football API offer?
The Sportmonks Football API offers comprehensive and flexible features including:
- Live data: Goals, cards, substitutions, and VAR decisions updated within seconds.
- Match information: Fixtures, historical results, team line-ups, and formations.
- Statistics: Player goals, assists, fouls, and possession stats.
- Betting tools: Live and pre-match odds, along with match predictions.
- Add-ons: Widgets, News API, and a Prediction API.
- Coverage: Over 2,200 leagues worldwide, including top competitions like the Premier League and Champions League. It’s developer-friendly with full documentation, Postman collections, and supports filtering and sorting of data by league, match, or event.
How do you use the Sportmonks API to get live football data?
To use the Sportmonks API:
- Sign up at MySportmonks to get your API token.
- Authenticate each request using the Authorization header.
- Choose your endpoint, such as /livescores/inplay to get current match updates.
- Use filters to request specific data (e.g., events like goals or cards).
- Integrate with tools like Postman for testing and debugging. Data is returned in JSON format and updated in near real-time, typically within 15 seconds. Rate limits apply, with up to 3,000 calls per hour depending on your subscription plan.
What pricing plans are available for the Sportmonks Football API?
Sportmonks offers several pricing tiers:
- Free plan: Covers selected leagues like the Danish Superliga and Scottish Premiership.
- European plan: €39/month (€34 if billed yearly), for major European competitions.
- Worldwide plan: €129/month (€112 if billed yearly), with access to global leagues.
- Enterprise plan: Custom pricing for larger-scale or high-volume needs. All plans offer high uptime and are monitored closely during live match times. Developers benefit from strong support and detailed documentation, ensuring smooth integration.
A data API is an interface that allows software applications to access and exchange data with a remote database or service. It enables API queries to retrieve, insert, or update structured data over the internet without directly interacting with the database. Data APIs are commonly used to share real-time or historical data between systems, such as weather data, stock prices, or football statistics.
What is the database API?
A database API is a specific type of data API that provides a way for applications to communicate directly with a database system. It allows developers to perform operations like creating records, reading data, updating entries, or deleting information (commonly referred to as CRUD operations). These APIs often use standard query languages like SQL, or expose endpoints that process requests in formats like JSON or XML.
An example of an API is the Sportmonks football API, which delivers football data like live scores, fixtures, and player stats to sports apps and websites.
What is the difference between a data API and a REST API?
A data API refers to any API that enables access to data, regardless of how it is structured or delivered. A REST API (Representational State Transfer API), on the other hand, is a specific architectural style used to design networked applications. REST APIs use standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) and often deliver data in formats like JSON. In essence, a REST API can be a data API if it is used to access and manipulate data, but not all data APIs are necessarily RESTful.
Are there any sports widgets?
Football widgets are a prime example of sports widgets. Beyond football, you can find widgets for various other sports, such as basketball (NBA scores, standings), cricket (live scores, match schedules), tennis (tournament draws, player rankings), and more. These widgets are designed to provide real-time or updated sports data directly on websites, blogs, or digital platforms, enhancing user engagement and content.
Are there trackers in football?
- Wearable GPS trackers: Players often wear small GPS devices (typically in a vest worn under their jersey) during training and matches. These trackers collect data on physical metrics like distance covered, top speed, acceleration, deceleration, player load, and heart rate.
- Optical tracking systems: Many top leagues and stadiums use camera-based systems that track the movement of every player and the ball on the field. These systems generate highly accurate positional data, allowing for advanced insights like heatmaps, tactical formations, and spatial coverage.
- In-ball sensors: Some footballs now contain embedded sensors (e.g., KINEXON Sports technology validated by FIFA) that track ball speed, spin rate, strike force, trajectory, and contact point. This data is used for semi-automated offside technology and deeper analytical insights.
Which app is best for live streaming football?
The "best" app for live streaming football depends heavily on your location, preferred leagues, and whether you're looking for free or paid options.
Paid options (Often with subscription):
- Official league/Broadcaster apps: In many regions, the best experience comes from official broadcasters like Sky Sports, TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) in the UK, ESPN+ in the US, beIN SPORTS in the Middle East/North Africa, or official league apps like the Premier League app. These typically offer high-quality streams and reliable access to licensed content.
- Sports streaming services: Services like fuboTV, Hulu Live TV, DirecTV Stream, or Sling TV in the US bundle various sports channels that carry football.
Free options (Often with Ads or limited features):
- There are numerous free apps available, particularly for Android, that claim to offer live football streaming. Examples include Live Football TV Stream HD, RedFoot: Live Football, SportEM - Stream Live Football, and Football Rocker.
Caution: While these apps might offer free access, it's important to be aware that their legality, stream quality, reliability, and security can vary greatly. Many rely on unofficial sources and may contain intrusive ads or pose privacy risks. Always exercise caution and understand the terms of use.
What is the best football analysis site?
There isn't one single "best" football analysis site, as different sites excel in different areas and cater to various needs.
How much do football data analysts get paid?
Salaries for football data analysts can vary significantly based on location, experience, the level of the club/organisation, and specific responsibilities.
In the United States, as of May 2025, the average annual pay for a Football data analyst is around $75,000 to $82,640
What should I focus on when watching football?
To enhance your understanding beyond just watching the ball, focus on:
- Off-ball movement: Observe what players are doing when they don't have the ball – their positioning, runs, and how they create or deny space.
- Team shape and formation: Notice how teams maintain their defensive and attacking structures and how they shift as the ball moves.
- Player roles and responsibilities: Pay attention to a specific player for a period to understand their tasks both with and without the ball. This can reveal how they contribute to the team's tactics.
- Tactical battles: Look for key matchups between individual players (e.g., a fast winger against a slow full-back) or how one team's strategy counters another's.
- Space: Identify where space is created by attacking players and how defenders try to close it down.
- Pressing and defending: Observe how teams apply pressure on the ball carrier, how they recover their defensive shape, and how they deal with counter-attacks.
- Turning off commentary: Sometimes, muting the commentary can help you focus on your own observations and tactical understanding without external influence.
What is football understanding?
Football understanding goes beyond simply knowing the rules of the game. It encompasses a deeper appreciation of:
- Tactical principles: Understanding the attacking principles (like penetration, creating space, movement, support, creativity) and defending principles (like delaying, compactness, cover and balance, pressing, control and restraint).
- Player roles and responsibilities: Knowing what is expected of players in different positions and how their individual actions contribute to the team's overall strategy.
- Game flow and momentum: Recognising when a team is dominating, when tactics are shifting, and how substitutions or in-game events impact the match.
- Decision-making: Appreciating the split-second decisions players and managers make under pressure.
- Underlying data: Understanding how statistics and data can reflect performance and influence outcomes, even if not directly visible on the pitch.
How to calculate team form?
Calculating team form goes beyond simply looking at wins and losses. A comprehensive approach involves:
- Recent results: The most basic method is to track the last 5-10 matches, noting wins (W), draws (D), and losses (L). Often, points gained (3 for a win, 1 for a draw) are used.
- Goals scored and conceded: Analyzing how many goals a team scores (attacking prowess) and concedes (defensive solidity) in recent games.
- Home vs. away performance: Teams often perform differently at home compared to away, so distinguishing between these results is important.
- Strength of opposition: A winning streak against weaker teams is less impressive than a mixed record against top opponents. Analysts consider the quality of the teams played.
- Underlying performance metrics: Advanced methods use metrics like: * Expected Goals (xG): Measures the quality of chances created and conceded, giving insight into how a team should have performed.
- Expected points (xP): Estimates the points a team deserved based on xG outcomes.
- Possession and passing accuracy: Indicates a team's dominance and control.
- Injuries and suspensions: Key player absences can significantly impact form.
- Psychological factors: Momentum, confidence, or even internal team issues can influence performance.
- Weighted systems: More sophisticated calculations might assign more weight to recent games or to matches against stronger opponents. Some systems calculate "points above expectation" based on pre-match probabilities.
Form analytics, within sports analytics, is the application of statistical data and quantitative methods to assess the current and recent performance level of a team or individual player. Its purpose is to provide insights into consistency, momentum, and potential vulnerabilities. By analyzing past match results, goals scored and conceded, underlying statistical metrics (like xG), and contextual factors (like opponent strength, injuries, home/away advantage), form analytics helps to:
- Predict future performance: A team in good form is generally expected to perform well. * Inform betting decisions: Bettors use form to gauge probabilities for match outcomes, goal markets, and handicaps.
- Guide coaching decisions: Managers might adjust tactics or lineups based on their team's or the opponent's recent form.
Evaluate player contributions: Understanding how individual form impacts overall team performance.
Who is the most in-form team in Europe at the moment?
As of late May 2025, based on league matches and recent performance data, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is often cited as one of the most in-form teams in Europe. According to Transfermarkt data from mid-April 2025, they were leading with an average of 2.83 points per game in 2025 league matches. Barcelona was also highly rated, averaging 2.67 points per game. Other teams mentioned for strong recent form include AS Roma, Bayern Munich, and Strasbourg. It's important to note that "form" can be subjective and vary depending on the specific period or metrics used for calculation.
How does the World Cup for clubs work?
The FIFA Club World Cup is a tournament where champions from six continental confederations (UEFA, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, AFC, CAF, OFC) compete to determine the world's best club. In 2025, 32 teams play in a group stage followed by knockouts, hosted in the U.S. from June 15 to July 13.
Why is Al Nassr not in the Club World Cup?
Al Nassr did not qualify for the 2025 Club World Cup as they did not win the AFC Champions League from 2021-2024 or rank among the top four AFC teams, with slots taken by Al Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds, Ulsan HD, and Al Ain.
How did Red Bull Salzburg qualify for the Club World Cup?
Red Bull Salzburg qualified through UEFA’s ranking pathway, earning a spot based on their strong performance in UEFA competitions (e.g., Champions League group stages) from 2021-2024, accumulating high club coefficient points.
What is the format for the Club World Cup 2025?
The 2025 Club World Cup features 32 teams in eight groups of four, with each team playing three matches. The top two teams per group advance to a single-elimination knockout phase (round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, final) from June 15 to July 13, with no third-place match.
What is the difference between the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup?
- UEFA Champions League: An annual European club competition featuring top teams from UEFA member associations
- FIFA Club World Cup: A global tournament held every four years, involving 32 clubs from all six FIFA confederations, including recent continental champions and top-ranked teams.
Is the Champions League bigger than the World Cup?
In terms of global viewership and cultural impact, the FIFA World Cup (for national teams) surpasses the Champions League. For instance, the 2018 World Cup final attracted over 1 billion viewers, compared to 400 million for the 2022 Champions League final.
Is the FIFA Club World Cup important?
Yes, its importance is growing. The 2025 edition features 32 teams and offers a total prize pool of $1 billion, with the winner earning up to $125 million. This expansion aims to elevate its prestige and provide a platform for clubs worldwide to compete at the highest level
What happens if you win the FIFA Club World Cup?
The winning club is crowned the world champion and receives significant financial rewards, up to $125 million in 2025. Additionally, the victory enhances the club's global reputation and can boost its commercial and sporting prospects.
Why is Liverpool not in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
Liverpool did not qualify for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup due to FIFA's regulation that limits participation to a maximum of two clubs per country, unless multiple clubs have won continental titles in the last four years. For England, Chelsea and Manchester City secured their spots by winning the UEFA Champions League in 2021 and 2023, respectively. Consequently, Liverpool, despite their strong performances, were excluded from the tournament.
Why is Al Nassr not in the Club World Cup?
Al Nassr failed to qualify for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup because they did not win the AFC Champions League during the qualification period. Despite the presence of star player Cristiano Ronaldo, the club was eliminated in the semifinals by Al Hilal in 2021. Al Hilal secured their spot in the tournament by winning the AFC Champions League, representing Saudi Arabia in the competition.
What is the new format of FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup introduces an expanded format featuring 32 teams from six confederations. The tournament will be held in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025. The competition structure includes:
- Group stage: Eight groups of four teams each, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage
- Knockout stage: Single-elimination matches starting from the Round of 16, culminating in the final.
This revamped format aims to enhance global representation and competitiveness, making the Club World Cup a more inclusive and prestigious tournament.
Why is FC Barcelona not in the FIFA Club World Cup?
FC Barcelona did not qualify for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup due to a combination of factors:
- Lack of recent European titles: Barcelona did not win the UEFA Champions League between 2021 and 2024, which is a primary qualification criterion.
- UEFA's country quota: FIFA's rules permit a maximum of two clubs per country in the tournament, unless multiple clubs have won continental titles in the last four years. For Spain, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid secured their spots through superior performances and rankings, leaving Barcelona out.
Which club is the richest in the world in 2025?
As of 2025, Real Madrid holds the title of the richest football club globally. According to Forbes, the club boasts a valuation of $6.75 billion and generated $1.13 billion in revenue during the 2023–24 season, marking the first time a football club has surpassed the $1 billion revenue threshold in a single year . This financial success is attributed to their on-field achievements, including a UEFA Champions League title, and substantial commercial revenues from sponsorships and a renovated Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
How much money do you get for winning the FIFA Club World Cup?
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup offers unprecedented financial rewards. The total prize pool for the tournament is $1 billion, distributed among the 32 participating clubs. The breakdown includes
- Participation payments: Each club receives a guaranteed amount based on their confederation, ranging from $3.58 million (Oceania) to $38.19 million (Europe) .
- Performance-based rewards:
- Group stage: $2 million per win, $1 million per draw.
- Round of 16: $7.5 million.
- Quarterfinals: $13.125 million.
- Semifinals: $21 million.
- Runner-up: $30 million.
- Champion: $40 million
Combining participation and performance earnings, the tournament winner can accumulate up to $125 million
Which football club is the poorest in the Club World Cup 2025?
While specific financial details of all participating clubs aren't publicly disclosed, clubs from smaller confederations typically have lower valuations. For instance, Auckland City FC from New Zealand, representing the Oceania Football Confederation, is often considered one of the less wealthy clubs in the tournament. Despite limited financial resources, such clubs have the opportunity to compete on the world stage, and FIFA's distribution model ensures they receive financial support, including a participation payment of $3.58 million
What exactly is the transfer window in football?
The transfer window is a designated period during the year when football clubs are allowed to officially register new players. This includes signing players permanently, on loan, or through free transfers, as well as selling players.
Why does football have transfer windows?
Transfer windows exist to maintain squad stability throughout the season, prevent constant team changes that could affect competition fairness, and coordinate player transfers worldwide. This system helps clubs plan their squads and ensures a more organized movement of players.
How many main transfer windows are there each year, and when do they typically occur?
There are two main transfer windows each year: a longer summer window (lasting up to 12 weeks during the off-season) and a shorter winter window (lasting up to 4 weeks in the middle of the season).
What makes the summer transfer window of 2025 particularly noteworthy?
The summer transfer window of 2025 is significant due to clubs reshaping their squads for the upcoming 2025-26 season and the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which takes place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States.
What is "big data" in the context of football analytics?
Big data in football analytics refers to the massive volume, high velocity, and wide variety of data collected from matches, training, and player performance, which is too complex for traditional processing methods.
How has big data changed traditional football analysis?
Big data has moved football analysis beyond simple stats, enabling deeper insights into player movement, tactical patterns, player performance trends, and injury prediction that were previously impossible.
What types of data are used in big data football analytics?
Types of data include event data (passes, shots, tackles), tracking data (player and ball positions), biometric data (heart rate, fatigue), and external data (weather, opponent historical performance).
What are the key benefits of using big data for football clubs?
Key benefits include enhanced player recruitment, optimized training regimes, improved tactical choices, better injury prevention, and more effective opposition analysis.
What exactly are UEFA coefficients?
They're stats that rank how well clubs and national teams perform in UEFA competitions like the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.
How do UEFA coefficients affect club tournament draws?
Higher coefficients mean better seeding for clubs, so they're less likely to face other strong teams early on in tournaments.
Why are national UEFA coefficient rankings important for countries?
These rankings decide how many teams each country can send to UEFA competitions and at what stage they enter.
Do UEFA coefficients influence the money clubs earn in Europe?
Yes, club coefficients, especially over the longer term, help determine how much prize money UEFA gives to clubs.
What are Sportmonks' components?
Sportmonks' components are interactive, visual tools on our MySportmonks platform. They are designed to help developers understand how to retrieve sports data using the Sportmonks API by visually demonstrating API endpoints and 'includes' and displaying the corresponding JSON output.
How do Sportmonks' components help developers?
These components serve as an educational interface that allows developers to interact with visual elements (like teams or matches) to see the exact API request URL and JSON response. This interactive process makes it easier to understand data structures, select correct parameters, and seamlessly integrate data into applications like betting or fantasy football apps, saving development time and reducing errors.
What kind of data can I explore using Sportmonks' components?
You can explore various types of football data, including Standings, Head to head statistics, Odds comparison, Livescores, Player profiles, Team statistics, Schedules and results, Event timelines, Pressure index, and Expected Goals (xG) match analysis.
How do I use a Sportmonks component to get API data?
To use a component, you log into my.sportmonks.com, navigate to the components section, select the desired component (e.g., Livescore), and then interact with its visual interface (e.g., click on a match). The component will then display the corresponding API request URL and JSON response, which you can copy and use in your application.
What is the Sportmonks fixture API?
The Sportmonks fixture API is part of their football API, allowing developers to access detailed data about football matches. This includes information on upcoming games, past results, and details such as match ID, league, season, start time, result, venue, and the teams involved.
What kind of fixture data can I get from the Sportmonks API?
You can get various types of fixture data, including:
- All fixtures available in your subscription.
- Information about a single fixture using its unique ID.
- Multiple fixtures using a list of IDs.
- Fixtures within a specific date range or for a particular date.
- Fixtures for a specific team within a date range.
- Head-to-head fixtures between two teams.
- Fixtures that match a search term by name.
- Fixtures that have been recently updated.
Does the fixture API provide live scores or in-play data?
The Fixture API provides details about fixtures, but for live scores and real-time in-play data (like goals, cards, and substitutions), you need to use Sportmonks' dedicated Livescores endpoint. The Fixture API is mainly for pre-match and historical fixture information.
Why is analysing referee performance important in football?
Analysing referee performance is important because referees are the primary enforcers of rules, ensuring fairness and safety. Their officiating style (e.g., how strict they are with cards or fouls) can provide valuable insights for match previews, betting odds models, and even influence team strategies.
What kind of referee data does Sportmonks' football API offer?
Sportmonks' football API offers detailed data on referees, including their profiles (name, country), comprehensive match statistics (total matches officiated, yellow/red cards given, penalties awarded), and details about their latest officiated fixtures.
What is Clojure, and why is it recommended for API integrations like this?
Clojure is a modern, functional programming language that runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It's recommended for API integrations due to its powerful data handling capabilities (JSON responses map easily to Clojure's data structures), concise and expressive syntax, and a rich ecosystem of libraries for making HTTP requests and handling JSON.
What are "team fixtures" in football app development?
In football app development, team fixtures refer to the scheduled matches for a specific team across a league, tournament, or season. They provide a roadmap of when and where a team plays, including details like match date and time, home and away teams, venue, league info, and match status.
Why is it important to include fixture data in football apps?
Including fixture data is essential for apps because it allows them to: display upcoming and past matches, send matchday notifications, prepare logic for fantasy or prediction games, show form trends, and feed live scores and event updates to users, thereby improving user experience and engagement.
What is Swift, and why is it a good choice for integrating football APIs?
Swift is a modern, powerful, and easy-to-learn programming language developed by Apple, primarily used for building iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS applications. It's a good choice for API integrations due to its rich networking capabilities (via URLSession), simple JSON decoding with Codable, and its native mobile experience for Apple platforms.
Why would I want to create detailed player profiles on my football website or app?
Creating detailed player profiles boosts user interest and engagement by providing rich information about a player's technical ability, tactical intelligence, disciplinary records, and career achievements. This helps users understand a player's story beyond just basic stats.
What kind of player data does Sportmonks' football API provide for creating profiles?
The Sportmonks football API offers a powerful players endpoint that returns comprehensive data including biographical details (name, birth date, height, nationality), career team history, detailed match statistics by season, real-time stats from latest fixtures, trophies won, and position information.
What is WordPress, and why is it a good platform for integrating football APIs and player profiles?
WordPress is the world’s most popular Content Management System (CMS). It's a good fit for football platforms because it's flexible for both editors and developers, ideal for dynamic content (like live player stats), perfect for fan engagement, and scalable for various site sizes.
What is a good goal conversion rate for a football player?
A good goal conversion rate for a football player typically falls between 15% and 20%. Elite strikers often achieve rates closer to or above 20%, while average players might be in the 10-15% range. This percentage indicates how efficient they are at scoring from their shots.
How is goal conversion rate different from expected goals (xG)?
Goal conversion rate (GCR) is a backward-looking metric that shows how many actual goals were scored compared to actual shots taken. Expected Goals (xG), on the other hand, is a forward-looking metric that quantifies the quality of a shot by estimating the probability it should result in a goal based on pre-shot factors. GCR tells you about finishing efficiency, while xG tells you about chance quality.
Why might a team have a high goal conversion rate but low expected goals (xG)?
A team with a high goal conversion rate but low xG might be considered "lucky" or highly clinical. It suggests they are scoring from low-quality chances more often than statistically expected, or their finishers are performing exceptionally well (overperforming their xG). This trend might not be sustainable over a long period.
Can goal conversion rate predict future performance?
While a high or low goal conversion rate in the short term can indicate current form, it's not always a strong long-term predictor on its own. It's best used in conjunction with Expected Goals (xG). If a player/team consistently overperforms or underperforms their xG (i.e., their GCR is significantly higher or lower than their xG would suggest), "regression to the mean" often occurs, meaning their GCR is likely to move closer to their xG over time.
How are expected points calculated?
Expected Points (xP) are calculated by taking the Expected Goal (xG) values for each shot in a match and converting them into a probability of winning, drawing, or losing. This is typically done through a simulation process. For every shot taken by a team, the xG value (probability of that shot being a goal) is used to determine the likelihood of scoring a certain number of goals. These probabilities are then aggregated for both teams to determine the most probable final scorelines, and each scoreline is assigned a point value (3 for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss). The sum of these point values multiplied by their probabilities gives the expected points for a team in a given match. Essentially, it estimates how many points a team should have earned based on the quality of chances they created and conceded.
Yes, Expected Goals (xG) is generally considered a very good predictor, especially over a larger sample size of games. While it doesn't perfectly predict the outcome of a single match (due to luck, goalkeeping heroics, or individual brilliance), xG is a strong indicator of underlying team performance. Over a season, teams with consistently higher xG differences (xG for minus xG against) tend to climb the league table, as it reflects their ability to create good scoring opportunities and limit their opponents'. It's a more stable and reliable measure of offensive and defensive quality than raw goals scored or conceded, which can be heavily influenced by variance.
What does "expected points added" mean?
"Expected Points Added" (xPA) is a concept more commonly found in American sports analytics (like football or basketball) and refers to the change in a team's expected probability of winning, drawing, or losing based on a specific play or event. In soccer, while the term "xPA" isn't as widely used as xG or xP, the underlying idea can be applied. For example, a high-quality shot (high xG) would "add" to a team's expected points for that match, as it significantly increases their chances of scoring and thus winning or drawing. Conversely, a defensive error leading to a clear-cut chance for the opponent would "subtract" from a team's expected points. It quantifies the impact of individual actions on a team's overall expected outcome.
How do you calculate expected goals?
Expected Goals (xG) are calculated using historical data of thousands of shots and a variety of factors related to the shot's context. A machine learning model (often a logistic regression or similar) is trained on this data to assign a probability of a shot resulting in a goal. Key factors that go into calculating xG include:
- Shot location: Distance from goal and angle to goal are crucial.
- Body part: Headed shots typically have lower xG than shots with feet.
- Type of assist: Through balls, crosses, cutbacks, and rebounds all influence xG differently.
- Defensive pressure: Number of defenders between the shooter and the goal, and how close they are.
- Game state: Open play, set piece, counter-attack, etc.
- Goalkeeper position: Though this is harder to model consistently.
Each shot is assigned an xG value between 0 and 1, representing the likelihood (e.g., an xG of 0.5 means there's a 50% chance that shot will result in a goal based on historical data of similar shots).
What is Sportmonks' top scorers API used for?
Sportmonks' Top Scorers API is used to quickly retrieve leaderboards for key player statistics in football, such as goals, assists, and cards, making it easy to display real-time player performance in apps and websites.
What types of player statistics can I get from this API?
You can retrieve data for top players based on their total goals, assists, and cards (where red cards count as 2 points and yellow as 1).
How many players are returned in each API request?
Each request from the Top Scorers API returns the top 25 players for the selected statistic type, providing a concise and easy-to-read leaderboard.
Can I get top scorer data for a whole season or just specific parts of it?
Yes, the API offers two ways to access data: by season ID (to get statistics across all stages of a full season) or by stage ID (to focus on top performers within a specific part of a competition, like a group stage or knockout round)
What are the 10 tiers of English football?
The English football league system is a pyramid with 10 main tiers, bound by promotion and relegation.
- Tier 1: Premier League
- Tier 2: EFL Championship
- Tier 3: EFL League One
- Tier 4: EFL League Two
- Tier 5 (Step 1): National League
- Tier 6 (Step 2): National League North / National League South (two parallel leagues)
- Tier 7 (Step 3): Northern Premier League Premier Division, Southern Football League Premier Central, Southern Football League Premier South, Isthmian League Premier Division (four parallel leagues)
- Tier 8 (Step 4): Multiple parallel divisions (e.g., Northern Premier League Division One East/Midlands/West, Southern League Division One East/West, Isthmian League Division One North/South Central/South East)
- Tier 9 (Step 5): Multiple parallel regional leagues (e.g., Northern League Division One, Hellenic League Premier Division)
- Tier 10 (Step 6): Multiple parallel regional leagues (e.g., Northern League Division Two, Combined Counties League Division One) The system continues below Tier 10 with even more localised leagues.
Which teams will be promoted to the Premier League in 2026?
For the 2025/26 Premier League season, the teams that gained promotion from the Championship are Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland. Leeds United and Burnley secured automatic promotion, while Sunderland won the play-off final. These teams will be playing in the Premier League for the 2025/26 season. (As of June 30, 2025, the 2025/26 season fixtures have already been released, confirming these promoted teams).
A league table in football is a tabular display that ranks the teams within a specific league or competition. It typically includes details such as:
- Team names
- Matches played (P or MP)
- Wins (W), Draws (D), Losses (L)
- Goals For (GF), Goals Against (GA)
- Goal Difference (GD), which is GF minus GA
- Points (PTS), calculated as 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss. Teams are ranked primarily by the number of points they have, with goal difference and then goals scored often used as tie-breakers. League tables are crucial for understanding a team's current standing, form, and their position in relation to promotion, relegation, or qualification for other competitions.
What are pre-match predictions in football?
Pre-match predictions aim to forecast outcomes like who will win, the final score, or if both teams will score, based on various data points such as team form, player injuries, and past performance.
What are some key forecasting methods used for pre-match predictions?
Key methods include:
- GAP ratings: Predicts stats like shots or corners based on weighted recent team performance and home/away effects.
- Bivariate Poisson model: Predicts goals for both teams while accounting for their relationship.
- Machine learning models: Techniques like Logistic Regression and Gradient Boosting Machines (GBMs) find patterns in complex data, with some achieving high accuracy.
- Deep learning models: Advanced AI models like CNN-BiLSTM with attention analyse time-based data and focus on key factors.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP): Analyses text data from match previews, news, and social media to gain insights on non-numerical factors like morale or lineup changes.
How do betting odds contribute to improving football predictions?
Betting odds are valuable because they reflect market and bookmaker expectations. Strategies like odds comparison tools (to find best odds), value betting (finding higher odds than true chance), and monitoring odds drift (watching changes over time) can boost prediction accuracy and identify profitable opportunities.
What statistics are used in football?
Football uses a wide range of statistics to understand performance, from basic ones like goals scored, shots, and possession, to advanced metrics such as Expected Goals (xG), Expected Assists (xA), progressive passes, and ball recoveries. These are tracked for both individual players and entire teams.
What are the 4 key moments in football?
They are:
- Pressing styles: How teams apply defensive pressure.
- Transitions: How teams react immediately after winning or losing possession (e.g., Gegenpress).
- Spatial play: How teams control and use different areas of the pitch, including aspects like pitch control and Expected Possession Value (EPV).
- Overall attack/defence: Measured by final-third involvement, big chances created, goals scored/conceded.
What are key passes in football?
Key passes are an advanced attacking metric for individual players. They refer to a pass that directly leads to a goal-scoring opportunity for a teammate, even if the shot isn't converted into a goal. They highlight a player's creativity and ability to set up chances.
What are the most important stats in football?
The "most important" stats depend on what you're trying to analyse.
- For overall performance and chance quality: Expected Goals (xG) and Expected Points (xP) are highly valued as they show underlying performance beyond just scores.
- For attacking players: Goals, assists, and Expected Assists (xA) remain crucial, along with progressive passes and dribbles.
- For defensive players: Tackles, interceptions, clearances, and ball recoveries are key.
- For team strategy: Possession, passing accuracy, pitch control, and pressing intensity (like PPDA) provide tactical insights.
Top betting tips in football
Focus on value bets rather than just favourites, explore alternative markets like Over/Under goals or both teams to score, and always research form, injuries, and head-to-heads while comparing odds across different bookies.
Can I bet on goals scored?
Yes, most bookmakers offer popular goal-based markets such as Over/Under totals, both teams to score, and first or anytime goalscorer bets.
What competition is ongoing right now to bet on?
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is currently underway in the U.S., featuring top clubs like Real Madrid, PSG, and Inter Miami, with a wide range of betting options available.
Why is comparing historical football matches important?
It deepens understanding of how the sport has evolved, highlights tactical shifts, shows player development, and provides context for modern analysis.
How have football tactics changed over time?
Tactics have evolved from early attacking formations like the 2-3-5, through balanced systems such as the WM and Metodo, to modern fluid, high-pressing, and possession-based styles like Total Football, Tiki-taka, and Gegenpressing.
What methods are used to analyse historical football matches?
Both qualitative analysis (e.g., match reports, interviews, video) and quantitative analysis (e.g., statistical metrics, event data, tracking data) are used, often enhanced by techn
What challenges exist in comparing matches across different eras?
Challenges include limited and inconsistent historical data, changes in rules, variations in player conditioning, shifts in tactical philosophies, and the subjective influence of nostalgia.
What are fixtures in football?
In football, "fixtures" refer to the scheduled matches that teams are set to play during a season or tournament. Each fixture specifies the date, time, and venue of the match, providing a structured timetable for teams, broadcasters, and fans. The term is predominantly used in British English and is synonymous with "scheduled matches."
What football games are on today?
To find out which football matches are scheduled for today, you can:
- Check official league websites: Leagues like the Premier League or La Liga provide daily match schedules.
- Use sports news platforms: Websites such as BBC Sport or ESPN list daily fixtures across various leagues.
- Use mobile apps: Applications like LiveScore or OneFootball offer real-time updates on ongoing and upcoming matches.
- Refer to Sportmonks' Football API: For developers and businesses, Sportmonks provides real-time fixture data across over 2,500 leagues worldwide, ensuring up-to-date information for integration into platforms.
How do you time a football match?
A standard football match consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, totaling 90 minutes of regular play. Additional time, known as "stoppage time" or "injury time," is added at the end of each half to compensate for interruptions during the game. In knockout stages or cup competitions, if the match ends in a draw, extra time (two 15-minute halves) may be played, followed by a penalty shootout if necessary.
How many matches are there in English football?
The number of matches in English football varies across different leagues and competitions:
- Premier League: Comprises 20 teams, each playing 38 matches (19 home and 19 away), totaling 380 matches per season.
- English Football League (EFL):
- Championship: 24 teams, each playing 46 matches, totaling 552 matches.
- League One: 24 teams, 46 matches each, totaling 552 matches.
- League Two: 24 teams, 46 matches each, totaling 552 matches.
- Domestic Cup Competitions:
- FA Cup: Features teams from various levels, with the number of matches depending on the number of entrants and progression.
- EFL Cup (Carabao Cup): Involves 92 clubs from the Premier League and EFL, with the number of matches varying each season.
In total, considering league and cup competitions, thousands of matches are played across English football each season.
Are there 11 positions in football?
A football team has 11 players on the pitch at a time, but the specific positions can vary depending on the formation. The players are generally categorised into a goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, and forwards.
What is the typical football lineup?
There is no single "typical" lineup, as formations vary widely. Common formations mentioned in the article include 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, and 4-4-2, which refer to the number of players in defence, midfield, and attack, respectively. The lineup also includes substitutes and the manager.
What is a 4-3-2-1 lineup?
A 4-3-2-1 lineup, often called the "Christmas tree formation", consists of four defenders, three central midfielders, two attacking midfielders (or "number 10s"), and one lone striker. This formation focuses on a strong central midfield presence and is good for dominating possession.
What is the 4-4-2 lineup in football?
The 4-4-2 is a classic, balanced formation with four defenders, four midfielders, and two strikers. It's known for its strong defensive structure and has two clear lines of four, with the midfielders often playing across the pitch
How does VAR communicate with the referee?
VAR officials maintain constant communication with the on-field referee through a secure audio system. The VAR can listen to all conversations among match officials but can only speak to the referee by pressing a button, ensuring that the referee is not distracted by background discussions. When a potential error is identified, the VAR recommends a review. The referee then decides whether to accept the VAR's advice or conduct an On-Field Review (OFR) by consulting the pitch-side monitor, known as the Referee Review Area (RRA). After reviewing, the referee makes the final decision and signals it by drawing a rectangle in the air to indicate a video review.
How much do VAR assistants get paid?
In the Premier League, assistant referees and VAR officials receive a match fee of approximately £850 per game. Additionally, full-time VAR assistant referees may have an annual retainer of around £30,000. These figures can vary based on experience and the number of matches officiated.
How accurate is the video assistant referee?
The implementation of VAR has significantly improved the accuracy of officiating decisions. Before VAR, the accuracy rate of key decisions was around 82%. With VAR, this has increased to approximately 96%. In some studies, the accuracy after VAR intervention has been reported as high as 98.8%.
In what year did the Premier League start using VAR video assistant referees?
The Premier League introduced the VAR system in the 2019/20 season. The decision followed extensive testing during the 2018/19 season and a unanimous vote by Premier League clubs in November 2018 to implement VAR for the following season.
How many saves did Manchester United's goalkeeper make in the 2024/2025 season?
André Onana, Manchester United's primary goalkeeper, made 90 saves during the 2024/2025 Premier League season.
How many goals did La Liga teams concede in the 2024/2025 season?
In the 2024/2025 La Liga season:
- Real Valladolid conceded the most goals, with 90 goals allowed.
- UD Las Palmas conceded 61 goals
- Girona FC conceded 60 goals.
- Real Madrid CF had one of the best defensive records, conceding only 38 goals.
Who had the most saves in the Premier League?
Mark Flekken of Brentford recorded the highest number of saves in the Premier League during the 2024/2025 season, with a total of 153 saves.
How are expected assists (xA) calculated?
Expected assists (xA) is a metric that estimates the likelihood that a given pass will become a goal assist. The calculation considers several factors:
- Pass location and angle: Where on the pitch the pass is made and its angle relative to the goal.
- Type of pass: Whether it's a cross, through-ball, cut-back, etc.
- Play context: Whether the pass is made during open play or a set piece
- Defensive pressure: The amount of pressure on the shooter at the time of the pass
By analysing these factors, xA provides a more nuanced understanding of a player's creative contribution, independent of whether the resulting shot leads to a goal.
What is expected goals (xG) in football?
Expected Goals (xG) is a statistical metric that estimates the likelihood of a shot resulting in a goal, based on factors like shot location, angle, type of assist, and defensive pressure. Each shot is assigned a value between 0 (unlikely to score) and 1 (almost certain to score).
How does xG differ from actual goals scored?
While actual goals indicate outcomes, xG assesses the quality of scoring opportunities. Comparing xG to actual goals helps identify overperformance (scoring more than expected) or underperformance (scoring less than expected), offering insights into finishing efficiency and potential regression to the mean.
What factors influence a shot's xG value?
What factors influence a shot's xG value?
Several elements affect xG calculations:
- Shot location: Closer shots have higher xG.
- Shot angle: Wider angles reduce xG.
- Type of assist: Through balls may increase xG compared to crosses.
- Defensive pressure: More pressure lowers xG.
- Body part used: Shots with the foot typically have higher xG than headers.
What makes Sportmonks different from other prediction platforms?
Sportmonks combines real-time data, personalised insights, and global league coverage to give you accurate, easy-to-understand predictions. It’s designed for all betting styles, from casual punters to seasoned strategists.
How does Sportmonks personalise predictions to my betting style?
You can customise your preferences by selecting bet types (like match outcomes, clean sheets, or goal scorers), favourite leagues, and risk levels. Sportmonks adapts your data feed to match your strategy.
Does Sportmonks cover smaller or less popular leagues?
Yes. Unlike many platforms that focus only on top competitions, Sportmonks includes in-depth data and predictions for leagues across the world, perfect for spotting hidden value and softer odds.
Can I use Sportmonks for in-play or live betting?
Absolutely. Sportmonks delivers instant updates on goals, substitutions, red cards, and tactical changes so you can adjust your bets in real time as the match unfolds.
What are the types of data in football?
Football data comes in many forms, each helping us understand the game better. Event data logs every action like passes and shots, while tracking data captures player movement and speed across the pitch. We also use physical data for fitness, tactical data for team strategies, and even psychological data to understand mental aspects, all providing deep insights into how football is played.
What are the most important stats in football?
In football, key statistics help us understand both what happens and why it happens. Basic stats like goals, assists, passing accuracy, and possession show a player's output and a team's control. More advanced metrics such as expected goals (xG), expected assists (xA), and expected threat (xT) dive deeper into the quality of chances and ball progression. Defensively, passes allowed per defensive action (PPDA) and field tilt reveal how teams press and dominate territory.
What is an example of data analytics in football?
Football data analytics has real-world power, famously shown by Leicester City's 2015-2016 Premier League win. They used data to find undervalued players like N'Golo Kanté, proving that smart recruitment and tactics can beat wealthier rivals. Liverpool FC also highlights this, using analytics for scouting, injury prevention, and match prep, leading to major trophies like the Premier League and Champions League.
What is a live score widget?
A live score widget is an embeddable tool that displays real-time football scores, match events, and statistics on websites or apps. It fetches data from reliable sources, like Sportmonks' football API, and presents it in an interactive format for users.
How do live score widgets work?
These widgets connect to football data providers to retrieve live or historical match data. Once embedded, they automatically update to reflect ongoing match details, such as goals, cards, substitutions, and other key events.
Do I need an API token to use Sportmonks' widgets?
No, an API token isn't required for using the widgets. Once you've configured and embedded them, they function independently, fetching data as needed.
Are the widgets mobile-responsive?
Absolutely. Sportmonks' widgets are designed to be responsive, ensuring optimal display and functionality across various devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Can I try the API before committing?
Yes, we offer a full-featured 14-day trial so you can test everything (every league, every feature) before deciding.
How is pricing calculated?
We base it on your expected API usage, based on the use case, and league coverage. No guessing. You get a clear quote upfront.
What if I want to change plans later?
Easy, your account manager helps you adjust, remove, or upgrade as needed. Changing your subscription will result in a new billing cycle, which will be calculated pro rato.
Is the data really real-time?
Yes. In fact, our clients say we're faster than live TV broadcasting.
What is included in the Enterprise Plan?
There are over 2350 leagues included in the Enterprise Plan. The difference between the three options (basic, standard, advanced) is that there are extra data features.
What is an injury report?
An injury report is a formal document that records the details of an incident resulting in injury. In football, such reports are essential for tracking player injuries, informing team strategies, and ensuring player safety. They typically include information about the nature of the injury, how it occurred, the affected body part, and the expected recovery timeline. These reports are vital for coaches, medical staff, and analysts to make informed decisions regarding player availability and team performance.
How do you regain confidence after an injury?
Regaining confidence post-injury involves both physical rehabilitation and psychological resilience. Here are some strategies:
- Set realistic goals: Establish achievable milestones to track progress and maintain motivation.
- Positive visualisation: Regularly visualise successful performance to rebuild self-belief.
- Mental preparation: Engage in mental training techniques, such as mindfulness and stress management, to enhance focus and reduce anxiety.
- Seek support: Work with sports psychologists or counselors to address fears and build mental strength.
- Gradual return: Ease back into training and competition to rebuild trust in your body's capabilities.
How do you write an injury report?
Writing an effective injury report involves the following steps:
- Immediate action: Ensure the injured individual receives appropriate medical attention.
- Collect information: Gather details about the incident, including date, time, location, and witnesses.
- Describe the incident: Provide a clear and concise account of what happened, including the sequence of events leading to the injury.
- Detail the injury: Specify the nature of the injury, affected body part, and any initial treatment administered.
- Identify causes: Analyse potential factors that contributed to the incident, such as equipment failure or environmental conditions.
- Recommend preventive measures: Suggest actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
- Review and submit: Ensure the report is accurate, complete, and submitted to the appropriate authority or department.
Who should report injuries to RIDDOR?
Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) in the UK, the responsibility to report certain work-related incidents lies with:
- Employers: Must report work-related deaths, major injuries, and incidents resulting in over seven days of absence.
- Self-employed individuals: Required to report incidents that occur while working on their own premises or elsewhere.
- Persons in control of premises: Obligated to report injuries to members of the public or self-employed individuals occurring on their premises.
What is a heat map in football?
It is a visual representation that illustrates where a player or team spends the most time on the pitch during a match. It uses a color gradient, typically from cool (blue/green) to warm (yellow/red), to indicate areas of low to high activity.
How to check player heat map?
You can view through various platforms and tools:
- Analytics platforms: Websites like SofaScore and PlayerData offer heat maps for individual players.
- Club software: Professional teams use software such as Catapult OpenField to generate and analyse heat maps.
- Custom tools: For personal analysis, tools like Python's mplsoccer library allow you to create heat maps using tracking data
How to make a football heat map?
It involves:
- Data collection: Gather positional data using GPS trackers, wearable sensors, or optical tracking systems.
- Data processing: Process the collected data to map player movements and positions on the pitch.
- Visualisation: Use visualisation tools like Python's mplsoccer, Seaborn, or software like Power BI and Excel to create the heat map.
What does a heat map indicate?
It indicates the frequency and intensity of a player's or team's activity in different areas of the pitch. Warmer colors (e.g., red) show zones with higher activity, while cooler colors (e.g., blue) represent areas with less involvement. This visualisation helps in understanding tactical behavior, player roles, and areas of strength or vulnerability.
Which football odds are likely to win?
Odds with lower payouts (e.g., 1.50) typically indicate favorites and higher chances of winning, but they offer smaller returns.
How to calculate probability in football?
Convert decimal odds to implied probability using the formula:
Implied Probability (%) = (1 / Decimal Odds) × 100
For example, odds of 2.00 equate to a 50% chance of winning
How to know the winning odds in football?
Use the implied probability formula above to assess the likelihood of an outcome based on the given odds.
What is the probability model in football?
It's a statistical approach, such as the Poisson distribution, that estimates match outcomes by analysing factors like team strength, historical performance, and scoring patterns.
Who has the best dribble success rate in football?
Eden Hazard boasts one of the highest dribble success rates, completing 75% of his attempted dribbles, surpassing both Neymar and Lionel Messi, who each have a success rate of 62%
What is Messi's dribble success rate?
Lionel Messi has a dribble success rate of 62% in domestic league matches.
Who has the most successful dribbles in 24/25?
Lamine Yamal leads Europe's top five leagues in the 2024–25 season with 145 successful dribbles in La Liga.
What are defensive actions in football?
Defensive actions are deliberate moves by players to prevent the opposing team from advancing or scoring. These include tackling, intercepting passes, blocking shots, marking opponents, and maintaining a solid defensive structure.
What are the defensive techniques in football?
Defensive techniques encompass specific methods used to stop attacks, such as standing tackles, slide tackles, interceptions, and blocking. They also involve positioning strategies like jockeying and using body orientation to guide opponents away from goal.
What are defensive skills in football?
Defensive skills refer to the abilities that enable players to execute defensive actions effectively. These include anticipation, timing, positioning, communication, and physical attributes like strength and agility.
What are defensive tactics in football?
Defensive tactics are the strategies a team employs to prevent the opposition from scoring. These can range from man-to-man marking and zonal marking to formations like low blocks or high pressing systems. The choice of tactic depends on the team's philosophy and the specific match situation.
What is event data in football?
Event data refers to the detailed recording of every on-ball action during a football match, such as passes, shots, tackles, and dribbles. Each event is logged with specific information, including the time it occurred, the players involved, the location on the pitch, and the outcome of the action. This data is crucial for analysing player performance, team tactics, and match dynamics.
What are the different types of data in football?
Football analytics typically involves three main types of data:
- Match sheet data: Basic information like team line-ups, goals, substitutions, and disciplinary actions.
- Event data: Detailed logs of on-ball actions, including passes, shots, and tackles, with contextual information.
- Tracking data: Continuous positional data capturing the movements of all players and the ball throughout the match, often collected via GPS or camera systems.
What is tracking data in football?
Tracking data involves the continuous monitoring of players' and the ball's positions during a match. It provides insights into player movements, speed, distance covered, and team formations. This data is essential for understanding off-the-ball activities and overall team dynamics.
What is an example of data analysis in football?
An example is the use of Expected Goals (xG) metrics, which assess the quality of scoring opportunities based on factors like shot location and type. Clubs use xG analysis to evaluate attacking efficiency and inform tactical decisions.
What is fan engagement in football?
Fan engagement refers to the various ways football clubs interact with and involve their fans. This includes activities like social media interactions, fan events, and even involving fans in club decisions. The goal is to create a sense of community and belonging among fans.
How has fan engagement evolved over time?
Traditionally, fan engagement was limited to in-person experiences like attending matches and participating in chants. With technological advancements, clubs now engage fans through digital platforms such as social media, mobile apps, and virtual experiences, allowing for real-time and global interaction.
Why is fan engagement important for football clubs?
Engaged fans are crucial for a club's success. They contribute to the club's identity, enhance the matchday atmosphere, and provide financial support through merchandise purchases and ticket sales. Strong fan engagement also fosters loyalty, turning casual supporters into lifelong fans.
How do clubs measure and monetise fan engagement?
Clubs use key performance indicators (KPIs) like social media metrics, conversion rates, and attendance figures to assess fan engagement. Monetization strategies include digital content subscriptions, e-commerce integration, sponsorships, and personalised marketing, all aimed at enhancing fan experiences and generating revenue.
A corner kick is awarded when the ball goes out of play over the goal line, last touched by a defending player, without a goal being scored. The kick is taken from the corner arc nearest to where the ball went out. The ball must be placed inside the corner area, be stationary, and is kicked by a player of the attacking team. The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves; it does not need to leave the corner area. Opponents must remain at least 10 yards from the ball until it is in play.
How many corners has Saka taken this season?
As of May 8, 2025, Bukayo Saka has taken 55 corners in the 2024-2025 Premier League season.
Who takes Nottingham Forest corners?
Anthony Elanga is the primary corner taker for Nottingham Forest, having taken 72 corners in the 2024-2025 Premier League season.
How many corners has Palmer taken?
As of May 8, 2025, Cole Palmer has taken 71 corners in the 2024-2025 Premier League season.
Is crossing effective in football?
Is crossing effective in football?
Crossing can be an effective way to create scoring opportunities in football, especially when delivered accurately into dangerous areas. However, research suggests its direct success rate is low, with studies indicating it takes about 45 crosses to produce a goal when considering both direct goals and indirect effects like second balls or set-pieces. The effectiveness depends on team tactics and player abilities, and some analyses argue it's less efficient compared to other strategies like direct play.
Does a cross count as a pass?
No, in football statistics, a cross does not count as a pass. It is categorised separately, as per data providers like Opta, which define passes as open play passes, goal kicks, corners, and free kicks played as passes, explicitly excluding crosses, keeper throws, and throw-ins.
What does crossing mean in football ?
Crossing in football means delivering the ball from a wide position, typically from the wings, into the central area near the opponent's goal, usually the penalty box, to create a scoring opportunity for teammates to head or shoot.
Who has the most crosses in Premier League history?
What does your jersey number mean?
In football, a jersey number is primarily for identification. It helps referees, commentators, and supporters easily tell the players apart on the pitch. However, for the players themselves, and sometimes for the fans, a shirt number can hold personal significance.
How do I choose a jersey number?
Choosing a shirt number is often a personal decision, but here are a few things to consider:
- Availability: In team football, the first and foremost factor is whether the number you want is already taken by another player. You'll likely need to provide a few options.
- Personal significance: Have you got a lucky number? A birthday? An anniversary? A number associated with a positive memory or role model?
- Role models: Is there a famous player you admire who wore a particular number?
- Position: Historically, certain shirt numbers were associated with specific positions. For example, the number 1 was traditionally for the goalkeeper, numbers 2 and 3 for full-backs, 4 and 5 for centre-backs, and so on, up to the attacking players wearing 7, 9, 10, and 11. While this is less rigid now, some players might still have a preference based on their role.
- Aesthetics: Do you simply like the way a particular number looks on a shirt?
- Club culture: Sometimes, clubs have traditions or retired numbers that influence the available choices.
What does the number 7 jersey mean?
The number 7 shirt carries a fair bit of historical weight and prestige in football, often associated with skill, creativity, and sometimes leadership.
- It's traditionally worn by wingers, attacking midfielders, or second strikers known for their flair, pace, and goal-scoring ability. Think of legendary players like George Best, Kenny Dalglish, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo (though he's worn other numbers too).
- The number 7 often signifies a key attacking threat for the team, someone who can create chances and make a difference in the final third of the pitch.
- Due to the calibre of players who have donned it, the number 7 shirt often carries an expectation of high performance and attacking prowess in the minds of many supporters.
Does kickoff happen in extra time?
Yes, kickoffs happen at the start of each half of extra time, similar to regular match halves, ensuring a fair restart.
How does kickoff affect betting strategy / football bets?
Kickoffs likely have little impact on betting strategies, as the initial possession doesn't provide a significant advantage, with most bets focusing on match outcomes rather than the start.
Why is it called kick off?
It's called "kick off" because it starts the game with a kick, a term used since 1857, combining "kick" and "off" for beginning play.
What changes in the laws of football have affected kickoffs?
Key changes include allowing the ball to be kicked in any direction since 2016, removing the forward-only rule, and earlier adjustments like ball movement requirements from 1997, affecting how kickoffs are taken.
What is an example of substitution?
In football, a substitution means swapping one player for another during a match, often to change tactics or replace an injured player. For example, in 1999, Ole Gunnar Solskjær came on as a substitute for Manchester United and scored four goals against Nottingham Forest, showing how impactful substitutions can be.
Can I start using Sportmonks for free?
Yes. We offer a free plan covering live data and stats for the Danish Superliga and Scottish Premiership. Plus, all their plans come with a 14‑day free trial, and API tokens never expire.
How does Sportmonks’ league coverage compare to major providers?
Sportmonks covers over 2,500 global leagues, including lower-tier and niche tournaments. In contrast, providers like Sportradar and Opta primarily focus on elite competitions, with fewer lower‑tier options.
Which provider is best for enterprise use?
If you need official data feeds, live odds, fraud detection, and SLA-backed support, Sportradar or Opta/Stats Perform are ideal choices. However, these come at a much higher cost, often over US $500–1,000/month, whereas Sportmonks offers a more affordable, developer-friendly alternative.
How reliable are these predicted line‑ups?
Predictions rely on historical data, squad availability, injuries and suspensions. They offer an early approximation but aren’t infallible—last‑minute changes may still occur. It’s best practice to clearly distinguish predicted vs confirmed line‑ups in your UI.
Which endpoint should I choose, fixture or Premium Expected Lineups?
Use the fixture endpoint to access line‑ups alongside live match data (scores, events, official confirmation). Choose Premium Expected Lineups endpoints when you need scalable, filtered access to predicted line‑ups across a whole team or player profile, ideal for dashboards, widgets, and analytics tools.
What is the accuracy of Sportmonks expected lineups?
Sportmonks' Premium Expected Lineups offer impressive accuracy across various major European leagues:
- Bundesliga: 87%
- Serie A: 87%
- Eredivisie: 88%
- Champions League: 84%
- English Premier League (EPL): 84%
- La Liga: 75%
What exactly are transfer rumours?
Transfer rumours refer to unverified speculation reported by media or insiders. They're informal and often incomplete, many never result in actual transfers.
What causes surges in transfer fees?
The transfer market is inflationary, record-breaking fees have become commonplace since Neymar's 2017 move for €222m . As such, rumours may contain huge figures; ensure your app handles large integers and currency consistency.
When does the 2025 transfer market open and close?
Premier League & EFL
- Early mini‑window: 1 June → 10 June 2025, allowing squad adjustments ahead of the Club World Cup.
- Paused: 11–15 June
- Main window: 16 June → 1 September 2025, closing at 7 pm BST (4 hours earlier than previous years).
La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1
- Generally align with the 16 June → 1 September 2025 timeframe, also ending at 7 pm BST
- Historically common to open around 1 July and close at 7 pm BST on 1 September
Winter window (mid-season, Europe)
Typically runs from 1 January → early February, for example, 1 Jan to 2 Feb 2026 in England
How easy was it for Packball to start with Sportmonks?
Packball found the onboarding process extremely straightforward. Comprehensive documentation, clear code samples, and intuitive API endpoints meant the team was up and running in days, not weeks.
What is Packball’s favorite aspect of the API?
The Statistics endpoint stands out due to its depth of historical and live player metrics, which power Packball’s advanced analytics and predictive models.
How did Sportmonks help Packball reach their goals?
By supplying reliable, real-time data across hundreds of leagues and modular pricing, Sportmonks freed Packball to focus on feature development and user experience, accelerating their roadmap and driving user growth.
Did Packball encounter any challenges while using Sportmonks’ API?
Only occasional, minor data inconsistencies surfaced. In each case, Sportmonks’ support team responded swiftly to resolve the issue and continuously improve feed stability.
How would Packball rate Sportmonks’ customer support?
Packball praises Sportmonks’ support as highly responsive and knowledgeable—ensuring questions are answered quickly and that any disruptions are addressed without delay.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 8/10
JSON responses are HTTP replies whose body is encoded in JavaScript Object Notation, with the Content-Type header set to application/json. They convey structured data as key–value pairs and arrays, enabling efficient and language-independent data interchange between servers and clients.
How to fix JSON response?
To resolve invalid JSON responses, first validate the payload’s syntax, check for missing commas, stray quotes or brackets using tools like JSONLint. Next, ensure the server emits well-formed JSON and includes the correct application/json header. For web-platform issues (such as mixed-content errors in WordPress), verify all assets load over HTTPS and adjust firewall or plugin settings that might block JSON exchanges.
JSON is a lightweight, text-based format used to store and exchange data. It is ubiquitous in web APIs for client-server communication, common in configuration files (.json), favoured for data storage in NoSQL databases, and widely adopted for file interchange because of its readability and ease of parsing.
How to return a response in JSON format?
- Node.js/Express: call res.json(yourObject) to serialise an object to JSON and automatically set Content-Type: application/json Stack Overflow
- Python/Flask: use jsonify(yourData) to produce a JSON response with the correct headers, or manually json.dumps() your data and return it with mimetype='application/json'
What’s the difference between active and passive query parameters?
Active parameters such as ?page=2 or ?sort=price_asc directly affects the content returned (e.g., filtering, pagination).
Passive parameters like UTM tags (?utm_source=twitter) or session IDs don’t alter displayed content but are used for tracking or analytics.
How does Sportmonks use query parameters in its API?
Sportmonks APIs rely on several parameters for flexible data retrieval:
- api_token for authentication,
- page and per_page for pagination,
- filters= for advanced filtering (e.g., filters=eventTypes:18,14),
- include= to request related resources (e.g., include=events;statistics.type)
Why is parameter encoding important?
Encoding query values ensures special characters (like spaces, &, ;) don’t corrupt the URL. For example, "Haaland & Messi" becomes Haaland+%26+Messi. This prevents parsing errors and guards against injection attacks.
How do you prevent SEO issues with excessive query parameters?
Use:
- Canonical tags to mark a primary URL version,
- robots.txt or meta-robots to block non-essential parameter combinations,
- SearchConsole’s parameter tool to specify which parameters have no effect on content. This reduces duplicate URLs, conserves crawl budget, and consolidates ranking signals.
What is an example of pagination?
On an e‑commerce site, instead of loading all products at once, items are displayed in pages (e.g., 20 per page). Users navigate through pages using numbered links like "1, 2, 3…", plus “Previous/Next” buttons. This breaks content into manageable chunks.
What is pagination in coding?
In coding, pagination is a design pattern that divides large datasets into numbered pages or segments to improve user experience and performance. Developers add UI controls ("Prev/Next", page numbers) to switch between these subsets.
What is pagination in API?
In APIs, pagination chunks large sets of data (e.g., list of users) into smaller responses. Common methods include:
- Offset/limit (e.g., ?page=2&limit=20)
- Cursor-based (using a token to fetch next entries).
This reduces server load and improves response times.
What is pagination in SQL?
In SQL, pagination uses LIMIT/OFFSET (or OFFSET/FETCH in SQL Server) to retrieve specific portions of query results. For example:
SELECT columns
FROM table
ORDER BY id
LIMIT 10 OFFSET 20;
This fetches 10 rows starting from the 21st record
What are webhooks used for?
Webhooks are used to automatically notify other applications when a specific event happens, such as a payment processing, new order placement, form submission, or code push. They enable real-time, event-driven communication, eliminating the need for repetitive polling and thereby saving resources and improving responsiveness.
What is a webhook vs an API?
- A webhook is an event-triggered HTTP callback that pushes data automatically when something happens, it’s like a "reverse API".
- An API is a request-driven interface where your system asks another for data or actions, often supporting two-way communication. Webhooks, by contrast, are one-way, event-based notifications.
What is an example of a webhook?
A common example is Stripe sending a POST request to your server when a payment succeeds, enabling immediate order confirmation or email alerts. Another is GitHub notifying your CI/CD system via webhook when new code is pushed.
Not exactly. A webhook does require a URL endpoint, but it's more than just the address. It's the entire mechanism: subscribing to events, receiving the HTTP request at that URL, verifying it (e.g., checking signatures), and saving or processing the payload. The URL is simply where those event notifications are sent.
What’s the difference between static and dynamic filters?
Static filters are endpoint-specific and always behave the same (e.g. filtering fixtures by todayDate, venues, or leagues).
Dynamic filters let you filter based on entity IDs, such as eventTypes:18 to retrieve only goals, which can be used on both base entities and includes.
How do nested includes work?
Sportmonks supports nested includes via dot notation. For example:
?include=events.player.country
This returns events and enriches them with each player’s country details.
Why should I use includes & filters together?
Using both lets you fetch precisely the data you need:
- Includes: Load related data (e.g. events, teams).
- Filters: Limit results (e.g. only goals).
- Field selectors: Strip any unnecessary details.
The result? Lean, performant API responses with minimal bandwidth usage.
How does caching work in API?
Caching temporarily stores API responses closer to the requester, whether on the client, server, or intermediary, to avoid repeated calls to the original data source. When an API request is made, the system first checks the cache:
- Cache hit: Returns stored data instantly.
- Cache miss: Fetches from the source, stores it in the cache, then returns it.
What are the 5 caching strategies?
The most common five strategies are:
- Cache-Aside (Lazy loading)
- Read-Through
- Write-Through
- Write-Back (Write-Behind)
- Write-Around
How to test caching in API?
To test API caching:
- Track hit/miss rates via cache metrics or headers.
- Use conditional requests (e.g., ETag, Last‑Modified) to verify validation logic.
- Conduct timing tests: compare response times on first vs repeated requests.
- Simulate expiry and invalidation: adjust TTLs or purge cache to ensure fresh data is fetched when expected.
What is the purpose of caching?
Caching aims to:
- Boost performance: Reduce latency from seconds to milliseconds by serving stored data.
- Improve reliability: Continue serving data even if the main service or database is temporarily down.
- Enhance scalability and reduce costs: Lessen load on back-end systems, allowing APIs to serve more users without extra infras
What is the difference between an SDK and a wrapper?
An SDK is a full development toolkit, it includes libraries, tools, documentation, and sample code tailored for building complete applications. A wrapper, by contrast, is just a lightweight abstraction over an API's raw endpoints, offering simpler function calls without the broader tooling. SDKs are robust but heavier, whereas wrappers are minimal and focused.
What is the difference between an API and an API wrapper?
An API is the interface itself, it defines how software systems communicate via endpoints, methods, and payloads. An API wrapper is a code library that sits on top of that interface, translating raw HTTP calls into more intuitive, language‑specific functions, often with added features like error handling or input validation.
What is the difference between an SDK and an API?
An API defines the rules and endpoints for how systems interact. An SDK includes an API (or several), plus tools, libraries, and resources that help developers build apps more efficiently. In essence, an SDK is a superset of an API, not just an interface, but the entire toolkit around it.
A wrap API (or wrapper API) isn’t a new type of API, it's an approach where you create a simplified API layer on top of another one. This "wrapper" hides complexity and may combine multiple calls into a single endpoint, providing cleaner, more abstracted access to the original API.
What is the environment variable in API?
An environment variable in an API is a named key‑value pair stored outside your code, used at runtime to configure behaviour, such as authentication tokens, database connections, or API endpoints. They help separate secret or environment-specific data from the codebase, improving security and flexibility.
What is an example of an environment variable?
Common examples include:
- API_KEY – holds the secret key to access a third-party service.
- DATABASE_URL – stores a database connection string.
- NODE_ENV – indicates the current environment, such as development or production.
What are the different types of environments in API?
APIs typically run in several distinct environments:
- Development: Local machine for coding and testing.
- Staging (test/pre‑production): Mirrors production to catch issues before release.
- Production: Live, user-facing environment.
Some teams also use integration or quality‑assurance (QA) stages in between.
What are the variables in the API?
In API contexts, “variables” generally refer to:
- Environment variables: Define runtime configuration across environments.
- Path or query variables: Used within API endpoints (e.g., /users/{id}).
Where can I find Sportmonks football base URL?
The base URL for the Football API v3 is:
https://api.sportmonks.com/v3/football
How many APIs do Sportmonks have?
Sportmonks provides separate APIs for different sports, each with its own versioned base URL. Examples include:
- Football API v3: https://api.sportmonks.com/v3/football
- Cricket API v2: https://cricket.sportmonks.com/api/v2.0
- Formula 1 API v1: https://f1.sportmonks.com/api/v1.0
Can I store my base URL as a variable?
Yes. It's best practice to assign the base URL to a variable or configuration setting rather than hardcoding it. This approach allows you to easily switch between environments, development, staging, production, without modifying endpoint logic.
What are the 5 methods of API?
The five most essential HTTP methods commonly used in RESTful APIs are GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, and DELETE. Each corresponds to a CRUD operation (Create, Read, Update, Delete): GET reads data, POST creates new resources, PUT replaces resources, PATCH updates partly, and DELETE removes resources.
What are the 4 methods of HTTP?
When referring to the core REST methods, people often simplify to GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. These four cover the most fundamental CRUD operations, though technically there are more like PATCH, HEAD, OPTIONS, etc.
What are the 4 types of REST API?
REST APIs aren't classified by HTTP methods but often by audience:
- Public/Open APIs – available to any developer
- Partner APIs – shared with specific third-party partners
- Internal/Private APIs – used within an organisation
- Composite APIs – combine multiple services into one endpoint
- Optimise network: Use CDNs, persistent TCP/TLS connections, and active queue management to reduce travel and handshake delays.
- Trim payloads: Request only needed fields, compress responses, and use efficient formats like JSON/Protobuf.
- Optimise servers: Cache repeatedly-used data, tune database queries, index tables, use connection pools, and employ asynchronous handling.
- Streamline gateways: Enable HTTP/2 or HTTP/3, reduce middleware layers, and route authentication or transformations closer to the edge.
What is a good latency for API calls?
Targets vary, but in general:
- < 100 ms is perceived as instant.
- 100–300 ms is still smooth.
- Above 300 ms, users begin to notice lag; 800 ms+ can feel slow.
For real-time systems, aim for sub-10 ms or even microseconds
Latency in HTTP refers to the time taken for a request to travel from client to server and for the first byte of the response to return, this includes DNS, TCP handshakes, TLS setup, and network delay.
What is the delay time for an API?
The delay time (total API response time) is the sum of:
- Queue time (waiting before processing),
- Service/processing time,
- Network delay (round‑trip).
Latency measures until the first byte arrives, while full delay continues until the last byte is received. Ideal TTFB is < 200 ms, depending on use case.
How to track API changes?
Tracking API changes effectively involves a multi-pronged approach:
- Source control & diffing tools: Manage your API schema (e.g., OpenAPI/Swagger specification) in a version control system like Git. Use pull requests (PRs) for code reviews and employ specialised tools like OpenAPI-diff to automatically surface breaking changes between different versions of your schema.
- Changelog subscriptions: Subscribe to changelog feeds or release notes, often provided via RSS feeds or dedicated developer dashboards, to stay informed of updates from API providers.
- Monitoring tools: Implement API monitoring tools, such as API response watchers, to detect unexpected changes in API responses that might indicate undocumented updates or issues.
What should be in an API changelog?
A comprehensive API changelog should contain structured and user-focused information:
- Version and date: Clearly state the version number (e.g., 1.2.0) and an ISO-standard date (e.g., YYYY-MM-DD) for each release.
- Categorised entries: Organise changes under distinct headings to improve readability and clarity. Common categories include:
- Added: For new features or functionalities.
- Changed: For modifications to existing features.
- Deprecated: For features that are still available but are planned for removal in future versions.
- Removed: For features that have been eliminated.
- Fixed: For bug fixes.
- Security: For security-related updates or patches.
- User-focused descriptions: Provide concise, actionable descriptions of each change, highlighting its impact on consumers and outlining any necessary next steps they need to take.
- Contextual information: Include relevant links for migration guides, mention the author, specify sunset dates for deprecated features, and optionally include internal tracking IDs for reference.
What does API versioning do?
API versioning is the practice of labeling different iterations of an API (e.g., v1, v2). Its primary purpose is to allow the introduction of new features, functionalities, or breaking changes without disrupting existing applications that rely on older versions of the API. It enables incremental evolution of the API, preserves backward compatibility for clients, and provides a clear, structured framework for managing the lifecycle of breaking changes over time.
How to make changes in an API?
Making changes to an API involves a systematic process to minimise disruption:
- Determine versioning impact: Decide whether the change requires a new major version (for breaking changes), a minor version (for new features that are backward-compatible), or a patch version (for bug fixes).
- Update API specification: Update your OpenAPI (or equivalent) specification to reflect the changes. Generate diffs to clearly identify what has been altered.
- Document in changelog: Document all changes in a structured changelog using the categories and format described above. Ensure details are precise and easy to understand.
- Communicate broadly: Announce changes through multiple channels, including release notes, RSS feeds, email newsletters, and banners on developer dashboards.
- Provide guidance & test: Offer clear migration guidance for breaking changes. Thoroughly test new API versions before release, and monitor their usage and gather feedback from consumers.
What is a data model in API?
A data model in an API is an abstract framework that defines the structure of the data exchanged, typically in JSON or XML. It specifies which fields are present, their data types (e.g. text, number, date), how they relate to each other, and the constraints for validating values. This model forms the contract that ensures consistent communication between systems.
The API model refers to the structured representation of data objects and their relationships as exposed via the API. It acts as the blueprint for request and response formats, guiding both how data is exchanged over the wire and how tools like documentation, validation, and code generation operate.
What data structure is used in an API?
Most modern APIs use structured formats like JSON or XML. Schemas (e.g. JSON Schema, OpenAPI Schema) are used to define these structures: specifying object types, nested arrays, enumerations, required fields, and validation rules.
What are the four different types of data models?
The most commonly recognised types are:
- Conceptual model – A high-level, business-oriented view that defines entities and their relationships abstractly.
- Logical model – A more detailed, tech-agnostic design mapping entities to named attributes (e.g. tables and columns).
- Physical model – A concrete model tailored to a specific database, with precise column types, indexes, partitions, and constraints.
[Optional] Specialized models – such as hierarchical, network, object-oriented, and entity–attribute–value (EAV) models used in specific storage context.
Who is Sodens Ltd and what is Bf Bot Manager?
Sodens Ltd is a UK-based software company in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, specialising in automated betting tools. Their signature product, Bf Bot Manager, automates betting across exchanges like Betfair, Betdaq, and Matchbook using custom rules and live data.
How do they use football data?
They use Sportmonks’ Football API to power automated betting strategies. Features like live scores, in-play statistics, history, standings, H2H trends and odds help the bots to trigger bets based on user-defined rules in real time.
Why did Sodens choose Sportmonks over other providers?
Sportmonks stood out as a reliable, cost-effective solution with broad data coverage and clean, developer-friendly API documentation. It offered everything Sodens needed without stretching their budget, especially important for a small UK-based team.
Was the integration process straightforward?
Yes. Developers at Sodens praised Sportmonks for its structured JSON responses, clear guides, and stability even across API updates which made onboarding and ongoing integration smooth.
Are there any collaboration opportunities between Sodens and Sportmonks?
Sodens proposed featuring Sportmonks in their newsletter, which reaches over 34,000 registered users from Betfair, Betdaq, and Matchbook, a valuable promotional opportunity for both.
Who is the best Eredivisie team of all time?
It is almost unanimously agreed that Ajax Amsterdam is the greatest team in Dutch football history. Their record includes 36 league titles, a record 20 KNVB Cups, four European Cups (Champions League), and two Intercontinental Cups. Their "Total Football" era in the late 1960s and early 1970s, under Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff, changed the game of football around the world. Global governing bodies and statisticians consistently rank Ajax among the top ten European clubs of the 20th century.
Which club has the most Eredivisie titles?
Ajax holds this honour, having won 36 Eredivisie titles as of the end of the 2024/25 season. They have a comfortable lead over PSV Eindhoven (26 titles) and Feyenoord Rotterdam (16 titles).
Which Dutch club was the most successful in the 21st century ?
Since the year 2000 (i.e. the 21st century), PSV Eindhoven has been the most successful Eredivisie club in terms of league titles: they’ve won 11 Dutch championships since the 2000‑01 season, more than any other team in that period.
By comparison, Ajax has nine Eredivisie titles from the same span: two in the 2000s and seven in the 2010s through early 2020s (i.e. titles in 2001‑02, 2003‑04, and then four straight between 2010–11 to 2013–14, plus 2018‑19, 2020‑21, 2021‑22).
So, PSV outpaces Ajax as the most successful Eredivisie club of the 21st century.
What extra value does expected goals (xG) bring compared to traditional goals scored?
Unlike raw goal counts, xG measures the quality of scoring opportunities, factoring in location, shot type, and context. It helps assess whether a team’s performance was efficient or perhaps unlucky, providing deeper insight into match dynamics.
How does the Sportmonks Livescore API enhance real-time match tracking?
Sportmonks’ Livescore API delivers ultra-fast, reliable updates, often even before live e. It's ideal for powering dynamic scoreboards and live match narratives.
What advanced metrics related to expected goals does Sportmonks provide, and how soon are they available?
Sportmonks offers a range of expected metrics, including xG, xG on Target (xGoT), and Expected Points (xPTS). Access depends on your subscription level—Basic (12-hour delay), Standard (immediate post-match), and Advanced (real-time availability).
How can developers leverage Sportmonks’ Football API to enrich match storytelling?
Our API supports robust features like live scores, match events, lineups, player stats, xG metrics, standings, and even predictive tools. It's developer-friendly, scalable, and covers over 2,500 leagues, perfect for crafting detailed, data-driven content.
How many yellow cards in football before a ban?
It depends on the competition.
- Premier League: 5 by your team’s 19th PL match = 1-game ban; 10 by the 32nd = 2 games; 15 before season end = 3 games. PL yellows apply to PL only.
- UEFA club competitions (UCL/UEL/UECL): from the league phase, a suspension follows 3 cautions, then again after the 5th, 7th, etc.; cautions are wiped after the quarter-finals.
- EURO final tournament: suspension after 2 cautions (then again after the 4th); cautions are wiped after the quarter-finals.
How long do yellow cards last?
- Within a match: a yellow is a caution for the rest of that match; two cautions in the same match = red and dismissal.
- Between matches: they last only within the competition under its rules. Example: PL yellows do not carry to FA Cup/EFL Cup; in UEFA club competitions cautions carry between rounds but are wiped after the quarter-finals and at season end.
What happens after 3 yellow cards?
- Premier League: nothing automatic (thresholds are 5, 10, 15).
- UEFA club competitions: 1-match suspension at 3 cautions from the league phase.
- EURO final tournament: the trigger is 2, not 3.
What is a green card in football?
- Not part of the official Laws of the Game. Only yellow and red cards exist in IFAB’s laws.
- There have been niche uses: Serie B once issued green cards as a post-match fair-play recognition, not a sanction, and CONIFA used a green card requiring the player to be substituted immediately. These were competition-specific experiments.
Who is favored to win the Premier League 2025?
Liverpool are the clear favorites heading into the 2025/26 Premier League season, following back-to-back dominant performances. Multiple bookmakers and betting platforms, including covers.com, Flashscore, and Sportsbook Review, place Liverpool as odds-on favorites, with teams like Arsenal and Manchester City trailing behind.
How many Ligue 1 has PSG won?
As of the end of the 2024/25 season, Paris Saint-Germain have claimed a record 13 Ligue 1 titles, including their most recent triumph confirmed on April 5, 2025.
Which team is favourite to win the championship?
- In Ligue 1: PSG remain the undisputed favorites to win the championship in 2025/26, based on both their domestic dominance and preseason market expectations.
- In the Premier League: Liverpool are the favorites to defend their title, with Arsenal and Manchester City seen as their main challengers.
Who's favored to win the UEFA Champions League 2025?
- MightyTips list Barcelona as the slight favorites to win the 2025 Champions League.
- According to TheSportsGeek, favorites are closely contested between PSG and Inter Milan.
-
Sportsbook Review indicates that PSG and Liverpool share co-favorite status, both priced at around +600 in early Champions League betting markets.
Who are the favourites to win the Bundesliga?
Bayern Munich are odds-on favourites for 2025/26, with Leverkusen, Dortmund and RB Leipzig next in the market.
Which club won the Bundesliga in 2025?
Bayern Munich won the 2024/25 Bundesliga, clinching the title on 4 May 2025.
What is the biggest win in Bundesliga history?
Who is the current Bundesliga champion?
Bayern Munich (2024/25).
Barcelona won the 2024/25 title after a 2–0 derby win at Espanyol on 15 May.
Which team is most likely to win La Liga?
Markets: Real Madrid are narrow favourites heading into 2025/26.
Models: Opta’s supercomputer slightly favours Barcelona (~46.5%) over Madrid
Has any team got 100 points in La Liga?
Yes — two: Real Madrid (2011/12) and Barcelona (2012/13).
Who has more La Liga titles, Real or Barça?
Real Madrid (36) lead Barcelona (28) all-time.
How many matches are there in total each season?
There are 552 regular-season league matches in the Championship. Promotion is then completed via the play-offs, which consist of two two-legged semi-finals and a one-off final.
How many matches does each team play?
Each club plays 46 league matches every season, meeting the other 23 teams home and away. The EFL schedules 46 rounds across the campaign.
Which team has won the Championship the most?
It depends how you define “Championship”:
- Since the 2004 rebrand (EFL Championship era): the record is two titles, jointly held by Burnley, Leicester City, Newcastle United, Norwich City, Reading, Sunderland and Wolves.
- All-time at the second tier (since 1892): Leicester City have the most with 8 second-tier championships.
What do yellow and red cards mean?
Yellow card: This is a caution given by the referee for misconduct, such as unsporting behaviour, arguing with the referee, time-wasting, or repeated fouling. A player who receives a yellow card can continue to play but is warned about the consequences of their actions.
Red card: This is a more severe punishment that results in a player being immediately sent off, and their team must play with one fewer player for the rest of the match. It is shown for serious offences like violent conduct, denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity, or receiving a second yellow card in the same game.
How long is the ban for 2 yellow cards?
Receiving two yellow cards in a single match results in a red card and an automatic one-match suspension in most competitions, including the Premier League. However, some rules are specific to each league. In the Premier League, for example, a player gets a one-match ban for accumulating five yellow cards before the 19th game of the season.
The ban for being sent off for a second yellow card is typically one match, which might avoid a longer ban from accumulating cards over multiple games.
Do professional footballers get fined for yellow cards?
Yes. In English football, there are typically fines. Yellow card offences often carry a fine (e.g., £10 per card), with additional charges for accumulating a certain number of cards. Red cards have higher fines (e.g., £15 or more), depending on the severity of the offence. Additionally, clubs, not just players, often face fines if six or more of their players receive yellow cards in a single match or over a short period.
What do sidemen yellow and red cards mean?
The term "sidemen yellow and red cards" is not a standard part of official football rules. It likely refers to a system used by the online entertainment group, the Sidemen. Their system is a form of internal punishment or accountability for members. For example, a yellow card might be given for being late to a video shoot, and two yellow cards would result in a red card, leading to a financial penalty or losing credit for a video. This system is specific to the group and not part of the official game.
What do you mean by youth league?
A youth league is an organised competitive football structure for young players, typically categorized by age (e.g., Under‑17, U‑19). Its primary purpose is to provide regular match exposure, support player development, and serve as a pathway into senior-level football.
What are the top 4 leagues in England?
The top four professional tiers in the English football league system are:
- Premier League
- Championship
- League One
- League Two
What is the best youth football academy in the UK?
While opinions vary, Southampton FC Academy frequently receives high praise for its consistent production of first-team and professional-level talent.
How good is the Surrey youth league?
The Surrey Youth League (SYL), established in 1966, is a respected regional youth competition that supports a wide range of age groups in Surrey, providing structured play for tens of thousands of young individuals.
What is a 3 way handicap bet?
A 3-way handicap bet, also known as a European handicap, is a type of football betting where one team is given a virtual advantage or disadvantage, such as +1 or -1. The bet is settled on one of three outcomes: home win, draw, or away win, after applying the handicap to the final score.
What is an example of a 3 way bet?
Liverpool has a -1 handicap against Everton, which means Everton gets a +1 handicap. If the actual score is 2–1 in favor of Liverpool, the adjusted score becomes 1–1. This would result in a draw outcome for betting purposes.
In this scenario, if you bet on the draw with the handicap, your bet would win because the adjusted score is 1–1.
What does +3 handicap mean in football?
A +3 handicap means the team you bet on is given a virtual three-goal head start before the match begins. For your bet to win, that team must not lose by more than two goals. They can win, draw, or lose by one or two goals.
What does 3 way mean on bet365?
On bet365, a 3-way market is a bet with three possible outcomes: home win, draw, or away win. It is the same as the European handicap, with all three possible results kept in the betting.
What does 1X2 mean in betting?
A 1X2 bet, often called the three-way or match result market, involves choosing one of three possible outcomes in a football match:
- 1 = Home team win
- X = Draw
2 = Away team win
The result is determined at the end of regular time (90 minutes plus injury time), excluding extra time or penalties.
To win, simply predict the correct outcome, home win, draw, or away win, based on the full-time result. If the match ends as you predicted within regular time, your bet wins.
What does 2nd half 1X2 mean?
A 2nd Half 1X2 bet focuses only on the outcome of the second half. The first half score is ignored, your bet wins if your prediction (1, X, or 2) matches what happens in that period.
No, 1X2 requires you to pick one outcome. By contrast, Double Chance allows you to cover two outcomes in one bet:
- 1X (Home win or Draw)
- X2 (Draw or Away win)
- 12 (Home win or Away win – i.e., no draw)
This increases your chance of winning but typically at lower odds.
How does the 3-4-3 formation work?
The 3-4-3 formation is structured with three central defenders, a double pivot in midfield (two deep-lying central midfielders), two wing‑backs providing width, and a front three,often a central striker supported by two inside forwards or No. 10s. This setup offers defensive stability via the triple‑backline and midfield cover, while the wing‑backs stretch play and the front three enable various attacking options.
What are the disadvantages of the 4-3-3 formation?
The 4‑3‑3 can be vulnerable defensively if full‑backs push high, since it can leave space behind them, particularly susceptible to quick counter‑attacks or teams exploiting a high defensive line. Additionally, it demands extremely high stamina and positional intelligence from full‑backs and central midfielders, and can over‑rely on key players like the holding midfielder.
What is Rúben Amorim's best formation?
Rúben Amorim’s preferred and most effective formation is the 3‑4‑3, sometimes tweaked to a 3‑4‑2‑1. This system combines a solid back‑three with dynamic wing‑backs and central midfielders who both protect the defense and drive forward. It delivers defensive compactness, high pressing, and fluid attacking transitions.
How does the 4-2-3-1 formation work?
- It consists of four defenders, a double pivot (two defensive midfielders), an attacking midfield trio, and a lone striker.
- The double pivot shields the defense, orchestrates ball progression, and supports pressing when possession is lost.
- The attacking midfield three provide creativity and depth, with the central “number 10” operating between the lines and the wide players adding width or penetrating centrally.
What are the weaknesses of the 4-2-3-1 formation?
- The striker can become isolated, especially if support from the midfield is limited or the opponent neutralises the creative hub.
- Lack of attacking width can make it difficult to break down compact defensive blocks unless full-backs or wide attackers are competent and disciplined.
- Highly reliant on disciplined defensive midfielders; any positional errors or lapses can expose spaces in front of the defense.
- Midfield congestion can hinder forward movement, especially against teams that press narrowly or overload central areas.
What is the best formation against the 4-2-3-1?
- A 4-3-3 is widely considered effective in countering the 4‑2‑3‑1. It forces the opponent’s full-backs to stay disciplined defensively, while the attacking trio can launch forward in numbers.
- Tactically, teams can use patience and wide play, waiting for full-backs to commit forward then exploiting those flanks behind the three midfielders.
- Another effective counter is deploying three central defenders with two defensive midfielders, which crowds and locks down central space, while enabling quick counter-attacks.
What is the weakness of the 4-3-3?
The 4‑3‑3 can be vulnerable to counterattacks, especially when full-backs push high, leaving exposed spaces on the flanks. Its success also relies heavily on high fitness and disciplined pressing as teams lacking these can struggle, particularly late in matches
How to use a 4-3-3 formation?
Use it by structuring play around a balanced spine, four defenders, three midfielders, three attackers. Emphasise:
- Midfield dominance through triangle passing and positional overloads.
- High pressing led by the front three to recover possession quickly.
Width from wingers and overlapping full-backs, supported by mobile midfielders to maintain shape and exploit space.
This formation thrives with technical, disciplined players who can sustain high work rates.
It’s widely favored because it blends defensive solidity, midfield control, and attacking flexibility. The formation naturally creates triangle passing shapes and central overloads, enabling possession-based strategies and fluid movement.
The 4‑4‑2 has become less common at the highest levels because:
- It often gets outnumbered in midfield by systems using three central midfielders, making it harder to dominate possession and control the game
- Modern tactics favor flexibility and numerical advantage, which formations like 4‑2‑3‑1 or 4‑3‑3 offer more readily.
What time is the Carabao Cup 2nd round draw?
Wednesday 13 August 2025, at about 7.20 pm BST on Sky Sports Football, during the build-up to Birmingham City vs Sheffield United.
What’s the difference between the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup?
FA Cup: run by The FA, open to hundreds of clubs across the pyramid (747 in 2025–26), now played on exclusive weekend slots with replays removed.
Carabao Cup: run by the EFL, only 92 clubs, starts in August, seven rounds with two-legged semi-finals and no replays.
What exactly is the Carabao Cup?
The EFL’s national knockout competition featuring all 92 Premier League and EFL clubs, played from August and concluding with a Wembley final.
Does the winner of the Carabao Cup qualify for Europe?
Yes. The winners enter the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round. If they have already qualified for Europe, the place passes to the next-highest Premier League team not yet qualified, not to the runners-up.
How many yellow cards in football before a ban?
It depends on the competition.
- Premier League: 5 by your team’s 19th PL match = 1-game ban; 10 by the 32nd = 2 games; 15 before season end = 3 games. PL yellows apply to PL only.
- UEFA club competitions (UCL/UEL/UECL): from the league phase, a suspension follows 3 cautions, then again after the 5th, 7th, etc.; cautions are wiped after the quarter-finals.
- EURO final tournament: suspension after 2 cautions (then again after the 4th); cautions are wiped after the quarter-finals.
How long do yellow cards last?
- Within a match: a yellow is a caution for the rest of that match; two cautions in the same match = red and dismissal.
- Between matches: they last only within the competition under its rules. Example: PL yellows do not carry to FA Cup/EFL Cup; in UEFA club competitions cautions carry between rounds but are wiped after the quarter-finals and at season end.
What happens after 3 yellow cards?
- Premier League: nothing automatic (thresholds are 5, 10, 15).
- UEFA club competitions: 1-match suspension at 3 cautions from the league phase.
- EURO final tournament: the trigger is 2, not 3.
What is a green card in football?
- Not part of the official Laws of the Game. Only yellow and red cards exist in IFAB’s laws.
- There have been niche uses: Serie B once issued green cards as a post-match fair-play recognition, not a sanction, and CONIFA used a green card requiring the player to be substituted immediately. These were competition-specific experiments.
What extra value does expected goals (xG) bring compared to traditional goals scored?
Unlike raw goal counts, xG measures the quality of scoring opportunities, factoring in location, shot type, and context. It helps assess whether a team’s performance was efficient or perhaps unlucky, providing deeper insight into match dynamics.
How does the Sportmonks Livescore API enhance real-time match tracking?
Sportmonks’ Livescore API delivers ultra-fast, reliable updates, often even before live streams. It's ideal for powering dynamic scoreboards and live match narratives.
What advanced metrics related to expected goals does Sportmonks provide, and how soon are they available?
Sportmonks offers a range of expected metrics, including xG, xG on Target (xGoT), and Expected Points (xPTS). Access depends on your subscription level—Basic (12-hour delay), Standard (immediate post-match), and Advanced (real-time availability).
How can developers leverage Sportmonks’ Football API to enrich match storytelling?
Our API supports robust features like live scores, match events, lineups, player stats, xG metrics, standings, and even predictive tools. It's developer-friendly, scalable, and covers over 2,500 leagues, perfect for crafting detailed, data-driven content.
How does the 4-4-2 formation work?
The 4-4-2 system aligns four defenders, four midfielders, and two forwards in distinct lines. One central midfielder typically plays a holding role while the other supports attacks; full-backs and wide midfielders provide width.
What is the weakness of the 4-4-2 formation?
- Midfield outnumbered: With only two central midfielders, it's vulnerable to opposition systems using three or more, leading to loss of possession.
- Heavy reliance on wide players: Wingers must both attack and defend; if they fail, the formation loses cohesion and width.
- Predictability & Inflexibility: Its rigid structure can become predictable against modern, fluid tactics.
- High physical demands: Midfielders and wide players cover extensive ground in both phases, increasing fatigue risk.
How do you attack in the 4-4-2 formation?
Attacking in a 4-4-2 relies on structured partnerships and width:
- Dual strikers: One striker often holds the ball up to link with midfielders or wide players, while the other exploits space behind defenders. They also occupy central defenders to create space.
- Wide play and overlaps: Wingers stretch the opposition, deliver crosses, or cut inside. Full-backs overlap to double up on the wings.
- Midfield support: One central midfielder joins attacks while the other covers defensively. This ensures balance and forward momentum.
- Pressing from the front: The two forwards press defenders early, helping create turnovers and launch quick attacks.
Who are 2025 Serie A champions?
Napoli were the champions of the 2024-2025 season, securing their fourth title with 82 points from 38 matches.
Who was promoted to Serie A in 2025?
The teams promoted to Serie A for the 2025-2026 season are:
- Sassuolo: Returned to Serie A after one year away
- Pisa: Made their return to Italy's top league after a 34-year absence
- Cremonese: Returned to the top flight after a two-year absence
How many Serie A has Juventus won?
Juventus has won the Serie A title 36 times, making them the most successful team in Italian football history.
What is the difference between API rate limiting and throttling?
Rate limiting imposes a strict cap on how many requests a client can make in a fixed time window (e.g. 100 requests per minute). Excess is immediately rejected with an HTTP 429 response.
Throttling, by contrast, slows or queues requests during high load, allowing them to complete later rather than outright rejecting them.
What is rate limiting in API security?
Rate limiting is a security control that restricts the number of API requests a client can make within a given timeframe. It helps prevent misuse such as brute-force attacks, scraping, or DDoS attempts and ensures fair access to system resources. Once the limit is reached, further requests are blocked until the time window resets.
What is the difference between throttle and rate based ban?
A rate-based ban is essentially enforced via rate limiting: once a client exceeds its allowed request rate, its access is blocked outright until the limit resets.
Throttling, on the other hand, doesn't ban a client, it will continue to accept requests but progressively delay them when under stress. Throttling allows service continuity, whereas banning via rate limit provides strict enforcement.
What is throttling vs debounce vs rate limit?
- Rate limiting enforces a cap on the total number of requests allowed in a defined period, rejecting further calls after the limit is reached.
- Throttling controls the rate at which requests are processed by delaying or queuing excess traffic rather than rejecting it.
- Debouncing is a client-side pattern, commonly used in UI events where a function executes only after a defined period of inactivity (e.g. after the user stops typing), ensuring a single action per burst of triggers.
How do I get a Sportmonks API token
Log in (or register) on MySportmonks. Navigate to API Tokens in your dashboard, give the token a name, click Create, and copy the token immediately, it will not be shown again.
How to use Sportmonks API token
You can include your token in API requests either as:
- A query parameter: ?api_token=YOUR_TOKEN
- An HTTP header: Authorization: YOUR_TOKEN
Both methods count towards the same rate‑limit and are interchangeable
GET https://api.sportmonks.com/v3/football/fixtures?api_token=YOUR_TOKEN
or with a header
GET https://api.sportmonks.com/v3/football/fixtures
Authorization: YOUR_TOKEN
How to use API tokens in a development environment
Store the token securely, avoid hard‑coding it in source code. Use environment variables (e.g. .env) or configuration files kept out of version control. In Postman, set a global variable named api_token to automatically inject it into requests.
API deprecation occurs when a formal notice is issued that a part of an API, such as a field, endpoint, data type or version is no longer recommended for use. Although the deprecated API continues functioning temporarily, users are strongly encouraged to migrate to a newer alternative.
What is a deprecation notice?
A deprecation notice formally communicates that an API component is being phased out. It states the date the deprecation begins, provides the planned sunset (end-of-life) date, explains why the change is made, and offers guidance on migrating to the replacement API.
How to mark API as deprecated?
You can mark an API as deprecated by:
- Clearly labelling it in documentation and OpenAPI specs (e.g., using deprecated: true).
- Including machine-readable HTTP headers like Deprecation during the transition and Sunset when discontinuing.
- Adding Link headers with rel="deprecation" to guide users to migration documentation.
Why should you depreciate an API?
Deprecating an API is important to:
- Provide developers with advance notice so they can plan updates and avoid service outages during production periods.
- Maintain trust and transparency by keeping users informed of upcoming changes.
- Reduce technical debt and security risk by phasing out legacy or insecure components and focusing maintenance on modern, efficient code.
How does staging fit into the API lifecycle?
Staging is the final checkpoint before production deployment, sitting between testing and production environments.
What happens in staging that doesn’t happen in testing?
Staging supports full end-to-end scenarios with real data sets, third-party integrations, and realistic load behavior, allowing stakeholders to preview API behavior.
What are best practices for API staging environments?
Best practices include mirroring production closely, using automation and CI/CD, managing data securely, designing for multiple staging setups, and enabling stakeholder feedback.
How can Sportmonks help with staging?
Sportmonks provides thorough documentation, interactive guides, and preview tools to help test Football API integrations safely in a staging environment before deploying to production.
What is data accuracy in APIs?
Data accuracy in APIs refers to how closely the data matches the true, correct values it represents, ensuring reliable decisions and user experiences.
Why are data accuracy thresholds important?
Data accuracy thresholds maintain trust in downstream decisions, govern data reliability, and support accountability and SLA compliance.
What are best practices for implementing validation and verification techniques?
Best practices include schema enforcement, business rule validation, data verification, automated pipelines, and governance framework support.
What challenges can affect data accuracy thresholds?
Challenges include monitoring and detection limitations, integration complexity, testing and pipeline maintenance issues, security threats, and data errors and integrity issues.
When to use batch requests?
Use batch requests for large data uploads or updates, mobile or client sync scenarios, dashboard and workflow loading, high-volume processing, and rate limit sensitive environments.
What are design considerations for batch requests?
Considerations include supported batch size limits, atomicity and dependencies, performance and server load, REST principles and API style, and error and partial-failure handling.
How to handle errors in batch requests?
Error handling can include using HTTP 207 Multi-Status, returning a single error code with detailed information, or supporting transactional batches that roll back if any part fails.
What are the best practices for batch requests?
Best practices include checking API documentation for batch size limits, balancing batch size with performance, and monitoring server load to ensure safe and efficient processing.
What are common use cases for web sockets?
Common use cases include live chat and messaging systems, online multiplayer games, collaborative editing tools, live sports scores, and IoT applications.
How do you implement web sockets in JavaScript?
You can implement web sockets in JavaScript using the web socket object, handling events like onopen, onmessage, onerror, and onclose.
What are some best practices for using web sockets?
Best practices include using secure connections (wss://), implementing error handling and reconnect logic, tuning heartbeat and keep-alive mechanisms, and planning for scalability and connection management.
How can web sockets improve real-time applications?
Web sockets can improve real-time applications by providing instant updates, reducing latency, and enabling efficient communication between clients and servers.
Has anyone got 100 points in the Premier League?
Manchester City holds the record for the highest points total in a single Premier League season. They achieved exactly 100 points during the 2017-18 season, becoming the first and only team to reach the century mark. The second-highest total is held by Liverpool, who finished with 99 points in the 2019-20 season.
Who will win the Premier League in 2026?
Based on pre-season predictions and early-season form, a few teams are considered the main contenders:
- Liverpool: Coming off their 2024-25 title win, Liverpool is a strong favorite to defend their crown. They have a settled squad and the tactical continuity under manager Arne Slot.
- Manchester City: Despite losing the title last season, Pep Guardiola's Manchester City is always a formidable force. They have a history of bouncing back and a highly talented squad capable of winning the league.
- Arsenal: Mikel Arteta's young team has been steadily improving and is seen as a serious threat. Their ongoing development and cohesion make them a strong contender to end their long wait for a title.
Who was the most unlikely EPL champion?
Without a doubt, the most unlikely Premier League champion was Leicester City in the 2015-16 season. The club had narrowly avoided relegation the previous season and started the campaign with astronomical odds of 5000/1 to win the title.
Who has won the most Champions League titles?
Real Madrid is the most successful club in the history of the UEFA Champions League, with 15 titles. The club's dominance includes winning the first five tournaments from 1955 to 1960. AC Milan is second on the list with seven titles, followed by Bayern Munich and Liverpool, who both have six.
Who are the all-time top scorers in the Champions League?
The top three all-time scorers in the UEFA Champions League are:
- Cristiano Ronaldo: With 140 goals, Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals in the competition.
- Lionel Messi: With 129 goals, Messi is in second place.
- Robert Lewandowski: With 105 goals, he is the only other player to have scored more than 100 goals in the competition.
Who will win the Champions League in 2026?
Predicting the winner of the 2025-26 Champions League is challenging, but based on current form and expert analysis, several teams are considered strong contenders:
- Paris Saint-Germain (PSG): As the reigning champions, PSG has a strong claim to the title. Their 5-0 final win in 2025 showcased their potential, and with key players like Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué, they are a formidable force.
- Liverpool & Barcelona: Both are joint favorites by many bookmakers, with odds as short as 11/2. They are seen as having the squad depth and tactical quality to challenge for the title.
- Real Madrid: Despite being eliminated in the quarter-finals last season, Real Madrid's rich history and recent strategic signings make them a perennial threat.
Who are the favorites to win the Europa League?
As of early-to-mid September 2025, betting markets place Aston Villa at the top, with odds around 6/1. They are closely followed by:
- AS Roma at 9/1.
- Real Betis and FC Porto at 10/1.
- Nottingham Forest at around 11/1.
- Bologna also at 10/1.
Where is the Europa League 2026 final?
The 2025–26 UEFA Europa League final is scheduled for 20 May 2026 at Beşiktaş Park in Istanbul, Turkey. The stadium, which has a seating capacity of around 42,000, previously hosted the 2019 UEFA Super Cup.
Can Tottenham win the Europa League this season?
No, Tottenham will not participate in the 2025–26 Europa League and therefore cannot defend their title. As the reigning Europa League champions, they automatically qualified for the UEFA Champions League. Under the updated format, no team can drop down from the Champions League into the Europa League during the league phase.
What are the big 5 European football leagues?
The "big five" refers to the top professional football leagues in Europe, based on their global prestige, financial power, and performance in international competitions. They are:
- Premier League (England)
- La Liga (Spain)
- Serie A (Italy)
- Bundesliga (Germany)
- Ligue 1 (France)
These leagues consistently attract the top talent, have valuable broadcasting deals, and their best teams compete at the highest level in international competitions like the UEFA Champions League.
Who were the winners in the top 5 leagues last season?
Here are the champions of the major European leagues for the 2024–25 season:
- Premier League: Liverpool were crowned champions, winning their second Premier League title.
- La Liga: Barcelona secured the title, completing a dominant campaign with two games to spare.
- Serie A: Napoli claimed their fourth Serie A title, narrowly beating Inter Milan.
- Bundesliga: Bayern Munich won the league, their 33rd title, under Vincent Kompany’s leadership.
- Ligue 1: Paris Saint-Germain lifted the title for the third consecutive season, completing an outstanding season.
Who won the European Golden boot last season?
The prestigious European Golden Boot, awarded to the top goalscorer across European leagues, was claimed by Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid. He finished the 2024–25 campaign with 31 goals in La Liga, which gave him 62 points under the scoring coefficient system. He edged out Viktor Gyökeres (58.5 points) and Mohamed Salah (58 points) to win the award for the first time.
Who will be in the Conference League 2025-26?
The 2025-26 UEFA Conference League has a new league phase with 36 teams. These teams are made up of 24 winners from the Conference League play-off round and 12 losers from the Europa League play-off round. The draw for the league phase was held on 29 August 2025 in Monaco.
Some clubs are making their historic debut in a UEFA competition group or league phase this season. These include Crystal Palace, Rayo Vallecano, Mainz 05, Strasbourg, and Ħamrun Spartans from Malta, who are the first Maltese club to ever appear in a major UEFA group or league phase competition.
Here are some of the clubs in the 36-team league phase, grouped by their seeding pots:
- Pot 1: Fiorentina, AZ Alkmaar, Shakhtar Donetsk, Slovan Bratislava, Rapid Wien, Legia Warsaw.|
- Pot 2: Sparta Prague, Dynamo Kyiv, Crystal Palace, Lech Poznań, Rayo Vallecano, Shamrock Rovers.
- Pot 3: Omonia, Mainz 05, Strasbourg, Jagiellonia Białystok, Celje, Rijeka.
- Pot 4: Zrinjski Mostar, Lincoln Red Imps, KuPS, AEK Athens, Aberdeen, Drita.
- Pot 5: Breiðablik, Sigma Olomouc, Samsunspor, Raków Częstochowa, AEK Larnaca, Shkëndija.
- Pot 6: BK Häcken, Lausanne-Sport, Universitatea Craiova, Hamrun Spartans, Noah, Shelbourne.
Top 10 all-time goal scorers in the UEFA Conference League
Based on data from UEFA.com and Transfermarkt as of early September 2025, here are the top all-time goal scorers in Conference League history:
- Vangelis Pavlidis: 12 goals.
- Eran Zahavi: 12 goals.
- Arthur Cabral: 12 goals.
- Ayoub El Kaabi: 11 goals.
- Cyriel Dessers: 10 goals.
- Gift Orban: 10 goals.
- Aleksandar Čavrić: 9 goals.
- Hugo Cuypers: 9 goals.
- Tammy Abraham: 9 goals.
- Afimico Pululu: 8 goals.
What is the biggest transfer fee ever paid?
The biggest transfer fee ever paid in football history was the €222 million (approximately $239 million) paid by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to acquire Neymar from Barcelona in 2017. This fee remains the highest ever paid, significantly higher than the second-most expensive transfer, which was Kylian Mbappé's €180 million move to PSG in the same year.
Which team has spent the most on transfer fees all time?
Chelsea FC has spent the most on transfer fees all-time, with a total expenditure of €1,815 million as of July 2025.
Is there any repercussion for overspending in a transfer window?
Yes, clubs that overspend in a transfer window face repercussions, including financial penalties from leagues and governing bodies (like UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules), damage to their reputation and brand, difficulty in attracting further talent, and a negative impact on long-term sustainability and overall competitive balance, as they might rely too heavily on owner investment rather than sustainable revenue streams.
Who is hosting the Africa Cup of Nations 2025?
Morocco is hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. This will be the country's second time hosting the tournament, with the first being in 1988.
Why is AFCON every 2 years?
The Africa Cup of Nations is held every two years to provide more competitive games for African national teams and to give greater visibility to African players. This also helps CAF generate regular revenue from broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and tourism.
When and where is the next AFCON?
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. The tournament will feature 24 teams competing in nine stadiums across six cities.
- Rabat: Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah, Stade Al Barid, Stade Olympique Annexe Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah, Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay EL Hassan
- Casablanca: Complexe Sportif Mohammed V
- Agadir: Grand Stade d’Agadir
- Marrakech: Grand Stade de Marrakech
- Fes: Complexe Sportif de Fès
- Tangier: Grand Stade de Tanger
What is the average salary for an Allsvenskan player?
The average monthly salary for a player in Allsvenskan is about 141,000 SEK, according to a recent Swedish Football Association report.
Who is the champion of the Allsvenskan in Sweden?
The most recent completed season (2024) was won by Malmö FF, securing their 24th Swedish championship title.
How many games are in Allsvenskan?
Allsvenskan consists of 16 teams, each playing every other team twice(home and away) resulting in 30 matches per team and a total of 240 league matches per season.
What is the best football league in Sweden?
By consensus, Allsvenskan is acknowledged as the top-tier, highest-level football league in Sweden.
What is the Austria league called?
The top professional football league in Austria is called the Austrian Football Bundesliga, commonly referred to as the Austrian Bundesliga.
ÖFB (Austrian Football Association) is the governing body for football in Austria, overseeing various aspects of the sport, including national teams and competitions.
What is the Ö Bundesliga?
Ö. Bundesliga (Austrian Bundesliga) is the top-tier professional football league in Austria, featuring teams like Red Bull Salzburg, Sturm Graz, and Rapid Vienna. The "Ö" denotes "Österreich," meaning Austria in German.
What is the Belarusian Premier League?
The Belarusian Premier League, also known as Vyšejšaja Liha, is the top professional football league in Belarus, featuring 16 teams competing for the championship title.
How does promotion and relegation work in the league?
The two teams at the bottom of the league are automatically relegated to the Belarusian First League, while the third-from-bottom team plays a playoff against the third-placed First League team. The top two First League teams earn automatic promotion.
Which teams have been the most successful in the league?
FC BATE Borisov is the most successful team with 15 league titles, followed by Dinamo Minsk with 9 titles. Other notable teams include Shakhtyor Soligorsk and Dinamo Brest.
Do Belarusian Premier League teams compete in European competitions?
Yes, the league champion qualifies for the UEFA Champions League, while the runner-up and Belarusian Cup winner qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League.
What is the Belgian Pro League?
The Belgian Pro League, officially called the Jupiler Pro League for sponsorship reasons, is the top-tier professional football league in Belgium. Founded in 1895, it operates a system of promotion and relegation with the Challenger Pro League and will feature 16 teams from the 2023–24 season, expanding to 18 teams from 2026–27.
Which Jupiler Pro League club has won the most titles?
R.S.C. Anderlecht holds the record for the most Belgian Pro League championships, having secured 34 league titles to date.
What is the average salary in the Belgian league?
For players aged 25–32 (“prime age”), the average annual salary is approximately €457,887.
Younger players (aged 20–29) earn around €216,517 per year on average footystats.org.
Players aged 30 and above have a higher average, at €531,695 per year.
What are the top football clubs in Belgium?
Some of the most prominent and successful clubs in Belgian football include:
- R.S.C. Anderlecht – Most all-time league titles (34).
- Club Brugge – Regular title contender; titles in recent years
- Union Saint‑Gilloise – Historic club with a recent resurgence, winning their 12th title in 2025 after a 90-year drought.
- Standard Liège, Royal Antwerp – Also among the top Belgian clubs, noted for their historical titles and consistent presence in the Pro League.
What is Brazil's Serie A and where is it ranked in the world?
Brazil's Série A is the highest-ranked non-European football league globally. According to Opta’s Power Rankings, it sits at 9th place overall, leading all other leagues outside of Europe.
How to watch brasileirao in the UK?
In the UK, you can watch Brazilian Série A fixtures on streaming platforms such as:
- Fanatiz
- MLS Season Pass
- YouTube Sports
- OneFootball
- K League TV
- Apple TV+
- Premier Sports
- DAZN
The Campeonato Brasileiro Série B is the second division in Brazil’s football league system, managed by the CBF.
- Established in 1971, it currently features 20 clubs competing in a double round-robin format over 38 matches each
- At season’s end, the top four teams are promoted to Série A, while the bottom four are relegated to Série C.
What is the Chilean Primera División?
The Chilean Primera División is the top professional football league in Chile, representing the highest tier of the Chilean football league system.
How is the league structured?
The league features 16 teams that play each other twice in a single, calendar-year tournament, with the bottom teams relegated to the second tier, Primera B.
How do teams qualify for international competitions?
The league champion and runners-up typically qualify for the Copa Libertadores, while other high-ranking teams may qualify for the Copa Sudamericana.
What is the Categoría Primera A?
The Categoría Primera A, officially known as Liga BetPlay Dimayor, is Colombia’s top-tier professional football league. It was founded on 15 August 1948 and is organized by DIMAYOR, the governing body for Colombia’s professional football. The league consists of 20 clubs and operates at the highest level of the Colombian football pyramid.
What is the best football club in Colombia?
Atlético Nacional is widely considered the most successful and top-ranked football club in Colombia. It holds a record 18 league titles, 7 Copa Colombia wins, and 4 Superliga Colombiana trophies, making it the most decorated team domestically. Internationally, Nacional has won the Copa Libertadores twice (1989 and 2016), along with other regional titles, making it Colombia’s most successful club on the continental stage.
What is the best Czech football team?
The most historically successful Czech club is AC Sparta Prague, having won a record 38 domestic league titles (spanning both Czechoslovak and Czech eras) plus numerous cup competitions.
Is the Czech First League good?
Yes. The Czech First League (Fortuna Liga) is competitive and has steadily risen in UEFA rankings, typically positioned around 9th or 10th among European domestic leagues, which grants its clubs consistent access to Champions League and Europa League qualifiers.
How much do Czech league players get paid?
Player salaries in the Czech First League vary widely:
- The highest-paid player, Jan Kuchta, earns approximately £32,000 per week (about £1.66 million per year).
- Broad averages are less well documented, but general salary survey data indicates that a
senior-level football player in the Czech Republic (across all levels) earns around 594,801 CZK annually (~£20k-25k).
What is the most successful club in Estonia?
The most successful club in Meistriliiga history is FC Flora (Flora Tallinn). They've won the league 15 titles, the most of any club.
How much do Estonian football players get paid?
- The highest paid player in Meistriliiga earns around £1,000 per week (≈ £52,000 per year).
- More generally, average salaries are much lower, many players in the top Estonian league earn well below national averages for income in larger European leagues.
Who is the Estonian football player for Arsenal?
The Estonian player associated with Arsenal is Karl Jakob Hein, a goalkeeper who is under contract with Arsenal but has recently been on loan.
Is Premium Liiga popular in Estonia?
Yes, while it's not among the biggest leagues globally, Meistriliiga has a solid following in Estonia:
- Clubs like Flora Tallinn play in stadiums with established fan bases.
- Matches are covered by domestic broadcasters (e.g. ETV2, ETV+), and data on viewer/attendance suggests consistent engagement.
- Because there are only 10 clubs and each plays each other multiple times, rivalries are frequent and each game tends to “matter,” which helps interest.
How does Greece Super League 1 work?
There are 14 teams in the league. The season runs from August to May. In the regular season, each team plays every other team twice (home and away) = 26 matches.
After the regular season there are play-off rounds:
- Top 4 teams go into a “championship round” to decide the champion and European qualification spots.
- Teams ranked 5-8 enter “Europe play-offs” to compete for remaining European places, depending on domestic cup results.
- The bottom teams enter “play-outs” to decide relegation to Super League 2.
What is the most successful football club in Greece?
- Olympiacos is the most successful club.
- They have won 48 league titles as of the 2024-25 season.
How many foreign players are allowed in Greece league?
- Clubs may include as many EU players in their squads as they wish.
- The limit for non-EU players is seven per squad.
Do any Greek islands have football teams?
- Yes. For example, OFI Crete is based on the island of Crete and plays in the Super League.
- There have also been clubs from islands like Rhodes, Lesbos, and Corfu represented historically in the top division.
What is the history of the 1. Deild?
Deild karla was founded in 1955, originally under the name 2. deild karla. Over time, the league expanded: it operated with 10 teams for many years, then increased to 12 teams in 2007.It has since been the second tier of the Icelandic men’s football league system.
What is the top tier football in Iceland?
The top tier is Besta deild karla, formerly known as Úrvalsdeild. It is the highest level in Icelandic men’s football, organized by KSÍ.
Where can I find Besta deild karla standings?
You can find them on sources such as Flashscore, Sofascore, and Livesport. Also on Wikipedia’s page for Besta deild karla.
What is the first football league in Iceland?
The first organised championship was the Icelandic Championship (Úrvalsdeild), founded in 1912. The inaugural competition featured KR, Fram, and ÍBV, with KR winning the first title.
When was the modern national league in Iraq first established for clubs only (excluding institutional teams)?
The modern club-only national league was officially founded in 1974, with the first season under that format being 1974-75, starting with ten clubs.
What major change occurred in 2023 for the Iraq Stars League?
In 2023 the league was rebranded as the Iraq Stars League and made fully professional. Along with that, a new governing body (the Iraqi Pro League Association) was established, and a partnership was formed with La Liga to help with professionalisation.
How is the match season structured under the current format?
There are 20 clubs, each plays every other club twice (home and away) in a double round-robin format. That means 38 matches per club and a total of 380 matches in the season. The season generally runs from September through to mid-year (around May/June or thereabouts).
What is the average salary in the J1 League?
- As of 2025, the average annual salary in the J1 League is about ¥31.88 million per player.
- For players aged over 30, the average is significantly higher (e.g. ~€585,000).
There is also a minimum salary requirement being introduced from the 2026/27 season: 4.8 million yen (before tax) for professional contract players in J1.
How many foreigners can play in the J-League?
- There is no limit on the number of foreign players a club can register in J1. However, only five foreign players are allowed in the matchday squad (i.e., can be selected for a particular game).
- In past years there were partner-nation exceptions (players from certain Asian countries) that were treated differently, but many of those special “Asia / partner nation” quotas have been removed or altered.
- JFA stands for Japan Football Association (日本サッカー協会, Nihon Sakkā Kyōkai).
- It is the governing body for football (soccer), futsal, beach soccer, and e-sports football in Japan.
- Responsibilities include organizing national teams, setting rules/regulations, overseeing referees/coaching, youth development, and domestic competitions.
What level is the J League?
- The J1 League is the highest division in the Japanese football league system.
- In the Asian continental hierarchy, it is considered one of the stronger leagues given its performance in AFC competitions. It often ranks among Asia’s top leagues in league strength metric.
What is the best team in the MLS?
The “best” team changes each season. In 2024, Inter Miami won the Supporters’ Shield (best regular season record) and are widely considered top due to strong signings like Lionel Messi.
What is the worst team in the MLS?
There isn’t an official “worst” team, standings change every year. The lowest-ranked clubs in recent seasons have included San Jose Earthquakes and New England Revolution.
Which MLS team does Messi play for?
Lionel Messi plays for Inter Miami CF, having joined the club in 2023.
Liga MX is the top professional football (soccer) league in Mexico, governed by the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF). It was founded (professionally) in 1943 as Liga Mayor, later became Primera División de México, and since 2012 is branded Liga MX.
How many teams compete in Liga MX?
There are 18 teams in the top flight.
What is the season format?
The season is divided into two short tournaments per year:
- Apertura (from around July/August to December)
- Clausura (from January to May)
Each tournament has its regular phase followed by playoffs (the Liguilla) to crown a champion.
Is the Premier League shown in Russia?
Are Russian teams banned from the Champions League?
Will Russia join the AFC?
As of now, no. Though there has been speculation and discussion (especially after Russia’s exclusion from UEFA), the Russian Football Union has not formally completed a move to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Cymru Premier is the top tier of Welsh men’s football, founded in 1992.
What happens if you win the Cymru Premier?
The champion qualifies for the early rounds of the UEFA Champions League.
Why are Welsh teams allowed in the prem?
Some Welsh clubs (e.g. Cardiff City, Swansea City, Wrexham, Newport County) historically participated in the English football league system and are permitted under longstanding arrangements.
How many teams get relegated from Cymru Premier?
Currently, two clubs (the bottom two) are relegated each season from the Cymru Premier.
How much do Lithuanian football players get paid?
A Lyga player's pay tends to be modest compared to Western European leagues, with many players supplementing income through bonuses, local sponsorships, or secondary jobs.
How many teams are in A Lyga?
- The A Lyga currently consists of 10 teams competing each season.
- Historically, the league size has varied (e.g. 8, 10, 12), but in recent years it has stabilised around 10 teams.
Does the A Lyga have a playoff system?
A Lyga does not use playoffs for determining the champion. The title goes to the team that finishes first after the regular season’s round-robin matches.
How does the Australian A-League work?
- The A-League Men operates a regular season + finals series model: clubs play each other (some twice, some three times) in a round-robin format, earning 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw.
- After the regular season, the top teams advance to knockout finals (elimination finals, semi-finals, and a Grand Final) to determine the Champion.
- The team finishing first in the regular season is awarded the Premiership (Premiers), distinct from the Champion title.
Where can I watch the A-League in Australia?
- Paramount+ is the primary streaming platform: it provides live and on-demand coverage of every A-League match in Australia.
- Network 10 broadcasts a limited number of matches free-to-air, often on 10 Drama or via 10 Play, particularly on Saturdays.
Will the A-League have relegation?
Currently, the A-League operates under a closed licence/franchise model—there is no relegation to lower divisions.
Which teams currently compete in the Kategoria Superiore?
As of the 2025–26 season, the following 10 clubs compete in Kategoria Superiore: Bylis, Dinamo City, Egnatia, Elbasani, Flamurtari, Partizani, Teuta, Tirana, Vora, Vllazni.
What are the major achievements and records in Kategoria Superiore history?
- Most titles by a club: KF Tirana holds 26 league championships.
- All-time top goalscorer: Vioresin Sinani is listed as the league’s top scorer across careers, with ~207 goals.
- Single-season scoring record: Refik Resmja scored 59 goals in one season, a record for the league.
Other notable records:
• Most points in a season: 84, by KF Tirana (2004–05)
• Some seasons were not played or abandoned (1935, 1938–44, 1949, 1962) or had no champion awarded (1968–69).
Which players have been notable top scorers in recent Kategoria Superiore seasons?
- In 2024–25, Bekim Balaj was the league top scorer with 19 goals.
- In 2023–24, Bekim Balaj again led with 18 goals.
Other recent top scorers include:
• Florent Hasani: 16 goals in 2022–23
• Saliou Guindo: 20 goals in 2021–22 season
Which club has won the most Bosnian Premier League titles?
HŠK Zrinjski Mostar holds the record with 9 Bosnian Premier League championships.
How does the Bosnian Premier League compare to other football leagues in the Balkan region?
- In UEFA’s ranking / coefficient system, Bosnia & Herzegovina is mid-to-lower among Balkan associations, meaning its clubs enter earlier qualifying rounds in European competitions and have fewer berths.
- Compared with stronger Balkan leagues (Croatia’s HNL, Serbia’s SuperLiga, Greece’s Super League), the Bosnian league typically has lower budgets, less media revenue, and less international performance.
- However, it remains competitive domestically, with multiple clubs contesting for the title each season.
What are the key challenges faced by the Bosnian Premier League in terms of finances and infrastructure?
- Limited revenue streams: Smaller TV deals, sponsorships, and matchday income constrain club budgets.
- Poor or aging stadium infrastructure: Some grounds lack modern facilities or fail licensing standards.
- Uneven regional development: Economic disparities between regions and entities limit investment in certain clubs/areas.
- Financial instability / weak financial controls: Clubs may struggle with debt, delayed payments, or weak fiscal governance.
- Infrastructure legacy of conflict: Some stadiums, roads, and transport networks still bear damage or underdevelopment from war era and post-war reconstruction.
- Low UEFA coefficient / poor European performance: Because clubs often exit early in European qualifiers, it limits prize money and exposure, perpetuating the cycle of constrained finances.