Associations between executive functions, coaches’ evaluation, and performance development in youth soccer

Understanding the role of executive functions (EFs) in sports performance is a central focus for practitioners and researchers in sports psychology, particularly in soccer. Prior studies suggest links between EFs and elite performance or game-specific skills, increasing their consideration in talent identification and development. Yet, the validity and predictive value of EF measures remain uncertain. This study examines the relationship between inhibition, cognitive flexibility and soccer performance development in a sample of youth elite players (Mage = 15.17, SDage = 1.3). Specifically, we investigate (i) associations with coaches’ evaluations of future potential (n = 74), (ii) age-related development (n = 34), and (iii) the predictive value of EFs for senior performance levels (n = 69). Multinomial logistic regression analyses revealed no significant evidence that EFs explain elite soccer performance (for (i) all p ≥ .125; for (iii): all p ≥ .058). Multilevel analyses showed cognitive flexibility following age-related developmental trends similar to the general population (ii). These findings question whether a robust link between EFs and performance ratings exists. Given the small sample size, this study emphasizes the need for further, more nuanced research on the predictive value of EFs in the context of talent identification and development.