Could A.I. Find Brazil’s Next Pelé?
AI is being used to identify young soccer talent in Brazil, with apps such as Cuju and Footbao analyzing videos of players’ skills, speed, and ball control to generate performance scores and connect promising athletes with major soccer clubs. Supporters say the technology can expand opportunities for players in remote or underserved regions by supplementing traditional scouting, while critics warn AI may overlook unconventional talent, favor certain physical traits, and disadvantage athletes without access to relevant devices or Internet.