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How do you find a good footballer? Will their CV and portfolio on LinkedIn truly tell if their kick is powerful enough to punch a hole in the net? It’s a unique kind of hiring, and Footsider, a French talent app for professional football players.
Star footballers as guarantors of the project.
At the heart of Footsider's success lies the investment of two footballicons: Ronaldinho, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, and Algerian former international Yacine Brahimi. Their involvement reflects their trust in the app's potential to disrupt the traditional recruitment process.
The genesis of Footsider can be traced back to January 2022 when it assumed the mantle of the "Académie Seconde Chance" association. Over a year, the project underwent digital transformation, culminating in the app launch on January 1, 2023.
The response was immediate and overwhelming: 85,000 players registered within the first nine months. Moreover, more than 700 clubs quickly recognized Footsider as a valuable resource in their quest for promising talent.
The "LinkedIn of Football"The brains behind Footsider, Rihane Mouhib, and his team, drew inspiration from their firsthand experiences in the football world. They observed numerous talented players who, despite possessing exceptional skills, never got the chance to turn professional. Mouhib then immediately understood the need to build a platform that opens the gap between aspiring players and clubs; as a facilitator rather than an intermediary or agent.Functioning as the "LinkedIn of football," Footsider indeed facilitates communication. Clubs post recruitment ads, and players can directly apply or be scouted based on their profiles. This streamlined approach not only saves time but also opens doors for players who may have otherwise gone unnoticed.
The app hosts scouting events throughout the year, bringing together aspiring footballers, and scouts from professional clubs. These events serve as platforms for talent discovery and offer players a chance to showcase their abilities.
The opportunity for a first professional contract.
One such event held in eastern Paris attracted the attention ofboth Olympique de Marseille, and Bologna FC, prominent clubs from France, and Italy.
Scouts lauded the organization, and professionalism of the event, citing it asone of the best they had attended. They acknowledged the app's role in providing opportunities for the recruitment units themselves.The success stories emerging from Footsider are as diverse as the players themselves. From rejection by his local club to signing by his local club, one of Footsider's candidates found solace and opportunity through the app, ultimately securing a three-year contract with Bologna FC.
While the app currently operates primarily in France, plans for global expansion are in progress. With offices in Paris, Bordeaux, and Marseille, Footsider's team intends to extend its reach, and impact on a worldwide scale.
