Impact of AI-Driven Performance Analysis on Motivation and Self-Efficacy Among Aspiring Footballers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study examined the effect of an AI-based performance analysis system on the motivation and self-efficacy of young football players. A total of 140 male athletes (18–19 years old) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 70), which trained for 12 weeks using the Hudi Assist analytics system, or a control group (n = 70), which followed traditional training without digital feedback. Motivation was measured using the Sport Motivation Scale-II (SMS-II), and self-efficacy was assessed with the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Independent and paired samples t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-intervention differences. The experimental group demonstrated higher improvements across key motivational indicators compared to the control group. Intrinsic regulation increased from M = 13.97 (SD = 2.02) to M = 16.99 (SD = 2.00) in the experimental group versus 13.77 (SD = 1.84) to 14.69 (SD = 1.89) in the control group (p < 0.001). Identified regulation increased from 15.21 (SD = 1.93) to 17.21 (SD = 1.93) compared to minimal change in the control group (p < 0.001). Amotivation decreased from 8.13 (SD = 1.78) to 6.00 (SD = 1.96) in the experimental group, whereas no meaningful change occurred in controls (p < 0.001). Self-efficacy also increased significantly in the experimental group (from M = 25.34, SD = 5.52 to M = 32.91, SD = 4.51), compared with stable scores in the control group (p < 0.001). AI-supported performance analytics were associated with short-term improvements in autonomous motivation and self-efficacy among novice football players. However, given the reliance on self-report measures, the short duration of the intervention, and the narrow demographic profile of the sample, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Further research is needed to determine whether the observed effects persist over longer periods and in more diverse athletic populations.