Carrying an immense potential to improve operations, artificial intelligence is increasingly applied in a wide array of industries. Combined with other cutting-edge technologies, such as blockchain and Internet of Things, the technology restructures business operations and opens the door to unprecedented opportunities.
The sports industry is among the primary benefactors of AI and Web3 integration, as it allows for gathering and interpreting large amounts of data, which is crucial for maximum efficiency. SoccerN is a decentralized football intelligence network that works to bring the advantages of AI to the football community.
In this interview, Jack Cheung, co-founder and chief technology officer of SoccerN, discusses the latest technology trends in football, how enthusiasts can enhance their football experience with SoccerN’s AI-integrated offerings and be part of an immersive global ecosystem.
Cointelegraph: What major trends are shaping the future of football, and how do AI and the Internet of Things converge in this transformation?
Jack Cheung: Football is undergoing a profound digital transformation that's shaping its future. The foundation of this evolution rests on three key technological pillars: data-driven analytics, smart wearables and automated decision systems powered by the convergence of AI and IoT.
Data analytics has become fundamental at the professional level, with advanced metrics now informing tactical decisions, player recruitment, performance optimization and biometric monitoring. For example, IoT sensors in wearables track real-time technical and fitness data, while AI algorithms transform this data into actionable intelligence to develop personalized training plans, optimize strategies, mitigate injury risks, etc.
At SoccerN, we’re particularly focused on how these technologies can benefit the broader football community. We’re bringing professional-grade insights to grassroots players through our affordable, cutting-edge AI Tracker wearables and developing football AI models while maximizing the value of football’s big data.
CT: How would decentralization benefit the football world?
JC: Decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePINs) extend Web3 principles beyond finance into the physical world. In football’s digital revolution, the AI-Web3 convergence is reshaping industry economics, distributing data value more equitably among creators and participants.
While AI can elevate football in numerous ways, its training requires vast ongoing data — which DePIN efficiently sources through blockchain token incentives that mobilize global communities to deploy IoT devices, creating a decentralized football data network. This creates a fair system where contributors own and monetize their data, encouraging sustainable quality data sharing.
Furthermore, this wealth of aggregated data fuels innovative applications across the football ecosystem: AI-powered virtual coaches delivering tailored training regimens, AI prediction systems enabling fans to deeply engage in match analysis, the football metaverse offering players immersive interactions based on real data and more. These innovations create new revenue streams while amplifying data value, driving a virtuous cycle of ecosystem growth and engagement.
The SoccerN ecosystem
CT: Could you briefly explain how SoccerN’s decentralized football intelligence network bridges traditional football and emerging technologies?
JC: SoccerN is creating a decentralized football intelligence network merging AI, IoT and blockchain. Our AI Tracker — the world’s first AIoT device connecting football with Web3 — captures every move on the field.
Beyond data capture, we transform everyday football into a gamified experience through dual reward systems: “Play Football and Earn” converts active players’ data into token incentives via global leaderboards, while “Play and Earn” through global digital tournaments engages the broader football community. The aggregated football data fuels our AI models to generate valuable insights for personalized training, skill improvement, predictions, etc.
We also cultivate an open ecosystem where third-party applications can integrate and amplify data value. By democratizing access to advanced analytics and value creation, SoccerN is fostering a more intelligent, engaging and interconnected football ecosystem where passion translates into tangible value, and everyone benefits from football’s digital transformation.
CT: How does your AI Tracker empower grassroots football players with data and analytics that were once exclusive to professionals?
JC: Our AI Tracker utilizes nine-axis inertial sensors combined with sensor fusion algorithms, motion capture and behavior analysis based on deep learning algorithms. This creates a high-precision yet consumer-friendly sports data collection solution. Unlike conventional GPS tracking, it can measure foot-to-ball interactions and works both indoors and outdoors.
When strapped to the player’s dominant ankle, it captures approximately 20 technical and physical performance metrics difficult to measure manually, including dribbling speed, moving distance, agility, passes, shots, sprints, shot power, jumping height, etc. These metrics can evaluate a player’s skill potential, kicking behaviors and strengths and weaknesses, facilitating player development. Beyond just tracking progress, our upcoming AI analysis will offer personalized skill development recommendations.
Wearable AI Tracker. Source: SoccerN
I believe performance data shouldn’t be a luxury; it should be accessible to everyone with a passion for the beautiful game. Somewhere in a village, the next Messi might be playing without understanding their true potential.
CT: How does your platform’s gamification approach enhance user engagement and motivation?
JC: When players wear the AI Tracker during regular football activities and sync data afterward, they unlock more than just performance metrics. The AI analyzes all these metrics to generate a score that places users on global leaderboards with daily token incentives for data contributions. Weekly bonuses are also awarded through specialized leaderboards for shot power, dribbling speed, running distance and calories burned. While traditional football always celebrates goalscorers, our platform rewards both skill and effort on the field.
Players can then transform their performance data into tradable digital cards, with royalties earned from each transaction. These cards power our global digital tournaments, where anyone can purchase them to build dream teams, join competitions and earn token rewards based on real-life data. This creates a unique pathway for amateur players to experience their own “World Cup,” team up with global enthusiasts and potentially compete alongside the pros in the digital realm.
Source: SoccerN
CT: How was SoccerN’s journey so far? What are the key milestones you have achieved since day one?
JC: Before we established SoccerN, we had already successfully developed the AI Tracker and AI visual recognition technology for smart football and smart sports solutions. By integrating Web3 capabilities, we’re transforming our products beyond mere data tools into platforms that make everyday football more engaging and incentivized. The SoccerN AI Tracker has undergone rigorous testing across more than 50 clubs globally, accumulating over 1,000,000 hours of field testing. We have established agent networks in Canada, Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa.
Left hand AI, right hand Crypto - connected through the beautiful game of football ⚽️
— SoccerN (@SoccerN_Global) February 25, 2025
Join SoccerN - from Sunday leagues to Crypto peaks! 🚀#SoccerN #AI #CRYPTO #Web3 #football pic.twitter.com/E7JUDsJrJK
We’ve also launched our Global Partner Program, seeking visionaries who combine market resources with a passion for football to help build our ecosystem. These partners will receive early product access while contributing to promotion and community growth, as well as sharing in long-term regional success. The AI Tracker will be officially available for pre-order in early April, with exclusive benefits for early adopters. We aim to catalyze a “football + AI + Web3” revolution this year.
Disclaimer. Cointelegraph does not endorse any content or product on this page. While we aim at providing you with all important information that we could obtain in this sponsored article, readers should do their own research before taking any actions related to the company and carry full responsibility for their decisions, nor can this article be considered as investment advice.