Methodology

How we turn raw data into the BallonRank Composite Score. No black boxes — full transparency.

Layer 1: Match Performance Points

Every match generates FPL-style performance points. Points are calculated differently for each position — a goalkeeper is rewarded for saves and clean sheets, while a striker earns more for goals and pressing turnovers.

GK

Saves, clean sheets, penalty saves, distribution

CB / FB

Tackles, interceptions, clearances, aerial duels, CBIT bonus

CM / DM

Pass accuracy, ball recoveries, through balls, CBIRT bonus

AM / W

Key passes, dribbles, chances created, crosses

ST

Goals, shots on target, big chances, pressing turnovers

All positions earn base points for minutes played, captaincy, and man of the match. Penalties apply for yellow/red cards, own goals, and missed penalties. Bonus points for hat-tricks and multi-assist games.

Layer 2: Composite Score (0-100)

The composite score combines five weighted components into a single 0-100 score:

40%

Match Performance

Points per match normalized against the top performer in the same age group and position. Adjusted by data confidence multiplier.

20%

Scout Evaluation

Weighted average of scout evaluations across 6 dimensions. More recent evaluations carry higher weight (0.9x decay per quarter).

15%

Physical Profile

Percentile ranking in sprint, endurance, agility, and vertical jump benchmarked against age-group norms using z-score analysis.

15%

Competition Level

Match performance adjusted by competition tier — from Category 1 Academy (1.0x) to Sunday League (0.45x).

10%

Highlight & Visibility

Quality, engagement, clip count, and recency of uploaded match footage. Incentivizes players to showcase their talent.

Data Confidence Multipliers

Not all data is equal. Stats go through a verification pipeline, and the confidence level affects how much weight they carry:

1.0x

Verified

Cross-checked by verifiers with league records

0.9x

Coach Confirmed

Confirmed by the player's coach

0.7x

Self-Reported

Submitted by the player or parent

0.0x

Disputed

Flagged as inaccurate, excluded from scoring

Star Rating System

The composite score maps to a 5-star rating with +/- modifiers, inspired by 247Sports:

Elite95-100~1%
Outstanding85-94~9%
Above Average70-84~25%
Developing50-69~35%
Emerging0-49~30%

Physical Benchmarking

Physical metrics are compared against age-group norms using z-score percentile calculations. Five metrics are tracked:

10m Sprint

secondsAcceleration

30m Sprint

secondsTop speed

Beep Test

levelEndurance

T-Test

secondsAgility

Vertical Jump

cmExplosive power

Percentiles are calculated per age group (U13-U19) with benchmarks refined from sports science data. Sprint and agility times are inverted (lower = better).

Competition Tier Multipliers

United Kingdom

Category 1 Academy1.00x
Category 2 Academy0.92x
Category 3 Academy0.85x
NLS Step 3-40.78x
NLS Step 5-60.70x
County League0.60x
ESFA / School0.55x
Sunday League0.45x

South Africa

PSL Academy1.00x
NFD Club Youth0.90x
SAFA Second Division0.80x
SAFA Regional League0.70x
Provincial Youth0.60x
School Football0.55x
Local FA League0.45x