Wunderkinds: Does starting a football career too early lead to burnout/early retirement?

Youngsters in football are prized assets, perhaps the most valuable at most football clubs. Players get thrown into the spotlight and uncertainty of first team football at much younger ages than ever before. Managers are more willing to give first team opportunities to these youngsters. After all, if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. The value of these youngsters has skyrocketed to almost obscene figures with several young players(Under-20) involved in transfers north of a $100 million. Over time, the dynamic amongst clubs has changed. Most clubs now prioritize investments in their academy over huge transfer fees and are now more willing to give these youngsters a chance to express themselves. However, the questions remain, do clubs place too much responsibility on these youngsters too early? Do earlier career starts affect player performances towards the end of their career? Are frequent muscle injuries related to early exposure to high level football? What is the relationship with early career starts and early retirements? We look at some of these questions and possibly make sense of them. <a href="https://medium.com/@ideaballpod/wunderkinds-does-starting-a-football-career-too-early-lead-to-burnout-early-retirement-1544eca149c8">Read More</a>