The football business is being transformed by AI and Web3
Jack Cheung, co-founder of SoccerN, talks about how Web3, IoT, and AI could transform grassroots football in this interview.
With its enormous potential to enhance operations, artificial intelligence is being used more and more across a variety of sectors. It transforms corporate processes and creates previously unheard-of opportunities when paired with other cutting-edge technologies like blockchain and the Internet of Things.
One of the biggest beneficiaries of AI and Web3 integration is the sports sector, as it makes it possible to collect and analyze vast quantities of data, which is essential for optimal productivity. A decentralized football intelligence network called SoccerN aims to benefit the football community by utilizing artificial intelligence.
In this interview, SoccerN co-founder and chief technology officer Jack Cheung talks about the newest developments in football technology, how fans can improve their game with SoccerN’s AI-enabled products, and how they can become a part of an immersive global ecosystem.
Cointelegraph: Which key themes will influence football in the future, and how will AI and the Internet of Things work together to bring about this change?
Jack Cheung: Football’s future is being shaped by a significant digital shift. Three major technological pillars form the basis of this evolution: 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 the football industry profit from decentralization?
JC: Web3 concepts are applied outside of banking to the physical world through decentralized physical infrastructure networks, or DePINs. The convergence of AI and Web3 in football’s digital revolution is changing the economics of the sector and allocating data value more fairly to participants and creators.
While there are many ways AI might improve football, its training necessitates a large amount of continuous data, which DePIN effectively gathers using blockchain token incentives that encourage the deployment of IoT devices by international communities, establishing a decentralized football data network. This promotes long-term, high-quality data sharing by establishing an equitable system where contributors own and profit from their data.
Additionally, this abundance of collected data drives creative applications throughout the football ecosystem, such as AI-powered virtual coaches that provide customized training plans, AI prediction systems that let fans analyze games in-depth, the football metaverse that gives players immersive interactions based on actual data, and more. By increasing the value of data and generating new revenue streams, these innovations promote ecosystem expansion and participation in a positive feedback loop.
CT: Could you briefly describe the ways in which SoccerN’s decentralized football intelligence network connects cutting-edge technologies with traditional football?
JC: By combining blockchain, IoT, and AI, SoccerN is developing a decentralized football intelligence network. Every action made on the pitch is recorded by our AI Tracker, the first AIoT gadget in the world to integrate football with Web3.
all leaderboards, but “Play and Earn” involves the larger football community through worldwide digital competitions. Our AI models are powered by the collective football data, which produces insightful results for skill development, individualized training, forecasting, etc.
We also foster an open ecosystem that allows apps from other parties to integrate and enhance the value of data. Through democratizing access to value generation and advanced analytics, SoccerN is promoting a more intelligent, dynamic, and connected football ecosystem where everyone gains from the digital revolution of football and passion becomes real value.
CT: In what ways does your AI Tracker provide amateur football players access to data and analytics that were previously only available to professionals?
JC: Our AI Tracker makes use of motion capture, deep learning-based behavior analysis, and nine-axis inertial sensors in conjunction with sensor fusion techniques. This results in a sports data gathering system that is both highly accurate and user-friendly. It functions both indoors and outdoors and, in contrast to traditional GPS monitoring, can capture foot-to-ball contacts.
About 20 technical and physical performance parameters, including as dribbling speed, agility, passing distance, shots, sprints, shot power, leaping height, etc., are captured when tied to the player’s dominant ankle.
By assessing a player’s talent potential, kicking habits, and strengths and weaknesses, these measurements can aid in player development. Our next AI study will provide tailored skill improvement recommendations in addition to progress tracking.
I think everyone who is passionate about the beautiful game should have access to performance statistics; it shouldn’t be a luxury. The next Messi may be playing in a hamlet somewhere without realizing their full ability.
CT: In what ways does the gamification strategy of your platform improve user motivation and engagement?
JC: Players may access more than just performance stats when they wear the AI Tracker during normal football activities and sync data afterwards. After analyzing each of these parameters, the AI produces a score that puts users on international leaderboards and offers daily token rewards for contributing data.
Specialized leaderboards for shot power, dribbling speed, jogging distance, and calories burned are also used to offer weekly incentives. Our platform honors both skill and effort on the pitch, whereas traditional football always honors goal scorers.
After that, players may turn their performance data into digital cards that can be traded, with royalties collected from each sale. Our worldwide digital tournaments are powered by these cards, which anybody can buy to create their ideal teams, compete, and get token awards based on actual facts. This gives amateur gamers a special opportunity to participate in their own “World Cup,” connect with fans across the world, and even face off against the pros in the virtual world.
CT: How has SoccerN’s path been thus far? Which significant accomplishments have you made since day one?
JC: We had previously effectively created the AI Tracker and AI visual recognition technologies for smart football and smart sports solutions prior to starting SoccerN. We’re turning our goods into platforms that make regular football more interesting and motivating by using Web3 features, going beyond simple statistics tools. More than 50 teams worldwide have conducted extensive testing on the SoccerN AI Tracker, which has amassed more than 1,000,000 hours of field testing. In Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Canada, we have set up agent networks.
“AI on the left and cryptocurrency on the right, linked via the lovely game of football ♽️
From Sunday leagues to Crypto peaks, join SoccerN! 🚀 #Football #SoccerN #AI #CRYPTO #Web3 tweet.com/E7JUDsJrJK
— February 25, 2025, SoccerN (@SoccerN_Global).
In order to contribute to the development of our ecosystem, we have also started our Global Partner Program, which is looking for visionaries that combine market resources with a love of football. These partners will share in long-term regional success, promote and build the community, and have early access to products. Early in April, the AI Tracker will formally go on sale for pre-order, with early adopters receiving special advantages. This year, we want to spark a “football + AI + Web3” revolution.
