Personality profiles of youth elite soccer players: sport-specific traits, playing position differences, and coaches’ subjective evaluations

In sport, interest in processes and practices related to talent identification through psychological dimensions is increasing. However, few studies have explored standardized measures of psychological variables, such as personality, in youth elite populations. Moreover, the relationship between these psychological variables and performance criteria remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to examine, using the Big Five model, the personality of a large sample of elite youth soccer players. It also examined whether personality traits varied across playing positions and the potential relationship between national coaches' 'performance' evaluations (players deemed to have potential to become an international player versus no potential to become an international player) and players' personality traits. All 451 players aged 14 to 19 years selected by the federation for its national youth teams were recruited. The Brief Big Five questionnaire was administered. Performance was measured using a subjective rating system developed by coaches. Conscientiousness and emotional stability dimensions distinguished elite soccer players compared to the standard population. Moreover, conscientiousness, extraversion and agreeableness dimensions significantly differed according to playing position. Finally, extraversion was significantly higher in players with potential. These results constitute the initial phase of a longitudinal study of talent identification processes and practices that integrates players' psychological dimensions.