Global research trends in youth soccer: A 20-year bibliometric analysis (2005-2025)
Keywords:
Youth, Soccer, Reseacrh trend, Science mappingAbstract
Background: Although previous bibliometric studies have examined specific aspects of youth soccer, such as injury prevention, performance analysis, or talent identification, no study has comprehensively mapped the intellectual evolution of the field over the past two decades. Objectives: This study aimed to provide a comprehensive bibliometric mapping of youth soccer research published between 2005 and 2025 and to identify emerging themes and future research priorities. Methods: Bibliographic data were retrieved from the Scopus database using a predefined Boolean search strategy. Eligible studies were limited to English-language journal articles reporting primary research with a primary focus on youth soccer. Following data cleaning and duplicate removal, bibliometric performance analysis was conducted using Biblioshiny (version 4.5.3), while science mapping and network visualisation were performed using VOSviewer (version 1.6.20). Results: A total of 1,737 articles met the inclusion criteria, showing substantial publication growth after 2018. Clemente FM was identified as the most productive author, while the Journal of Sports Sciences emerged as the leading publication source. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified eight thematic clusters, including talent identification, injury prevention, coaching, physiology, talent development, biomechanics, recovery and mental health, and technology-based monitoring. Character-building research was underrepresented, whereas technology-assisted coaching appeared as an emerging but relatively underdeveloped theme. Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of youth soccer research over two decades by identifying publication trends, collaboration networks, influential contributors, and key research themes. The findings reveal emerging research opportunities, offering valuable directions for future research and evidence-based practice in youth soccer.
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Author Biographies
Ketut Chandra Adinata Kusuma, Department of Sport Coaching Education, Faculty of Sport and Health, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, Singaraja, Indonesia
Ali Md Nadzalan, Department of Coaching Science, Faculty of Sports Science and Coaching, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Perak, Malaysia
Ruben Lagunero Tagare Jr., Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Human Kinetic, University of Soutern Mindanao, Cotabato, Philippines
I Dewa Made Aryananda Wijaya Kusuma, Department of Sport Coaching Education, Faculty of Sports and Health Science, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
I Ketut Ade Meisha Putra, Department of Sport Coaching Education, Faculty of Sport and Health, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, Singaraja, Indonesia
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Accepted 2026-08-02
Published 2026-08-25
