Football Artificial Intelligence Officer

Al Ain FC; Abu Dhabi Emirate; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional football club in the United Arab Emirates is seeking a Football Artificial Intelligence Officer to integrate AI and data analytics into their operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in football analytics and data science, focusing on player performance insights and recruitment strategies. Responsibilities include developing machine learning models, managing data tools, and delivering actionable insights to coaching staff. A proactive mindset and experience in professional football are preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong background in football analytics, AI, or data science applied to sport.
• Deep understanding of football tactics, game models, and performance concepts.
• Ability to communicate insights clearly to coaches and football staff.

Responsibilities

• Design and build machine learning models for football applications.
• Manage and optimize football data platforms and AI tools.
• Support recruitment department with AI-based player profiling.

Skills

Football analytics

Machine learning

Data visualization

Data engineering

Education

Degree in data science or related field

Tools

Football data platforms

AI tools

Job description

Overview

FOOTBALL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE OFFICER

Role Overview

The Football AI Officer will be responsible for integrating artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, and football intelligence tools into the club’s sporting operations. The role supports decision-making across performance analysis, recruitment, opposition analysis, and long-term football strategy, working closely with the coaching staff, performance department, and sporting management.

Responsibilities

AI Model Development

• Design and build machine learning models for:
• Apply supervised and unsupervised learning techniques.
• Continuously train, test, validate, and improve models.

Data Engineering & Pipelines

• Build and maintain data pipelines from multiple sources:
• Match event data
• Tracking / GPS data
• Training and wellness data
• Video and metadata
• Ensure clean, structured, and scalable datasets.
• Automate data ingestion, processing, and storage.

Programming & Automation

• Develop internal tools, scripts, and dashboards for football staff.
• Automate repetitive analysis and reporting tasks.
• Integrate APIs from football data providers and wearable systems.
• Maintain version control and documentation.

Performance & Match Analysis

• Utilize AI-driven tools to analyze team and individual player performance.
• Produce pre-match, in-game, and post-match insights using advanced data models.
• Identify performance trends, tactical patterns, and risk indicators.
• Support coaching staff with actionable insights, not raw data.

Player Monitoring & Development

• Track player physical, tactical, and cognitive metrics using AI platforms.
• Assist in load management, injury-risk indicators, and performance optimization.
• Support individual player development plans with data-backed insights.

Recruitment & Scouting Intelligence

• Support the recruitment department with AI-based player profiling.
• Analyze domestic and international talent using data, video, and predictive models.
• Benchmark potential signings against current squad and tactical requirements.
• Reduce recruitment risk through objective performance indicators.

Opposition & Tactical Intelligence

• Conduct AI-supported opposition analysis (structures, pressing patterns, build-up trends).
• Deliver concise tactical reports aligned with the head coach’s game model.
• Identify exploitable weaknesses and strengths of upcoming opponents.

Data Infrastructure & Tools

• Manage and optimize football data platforms and AI tools used by the club.
• Ensure data accuracy, relevance, and clarity for non-technical staff.
• Collaborate with external technology providers when required.

Strategic & Decision Support

• Translate complex data into clear football language for technical leadership.
• Support long-term squad planning and performance strategy.
• Contribute to the club’s evolution toward a modern, data-driven football model.

Key Requirements

• Strong background in football analytics, AI, or data science applied to sport.
• Deep understanding of football tactics, game models, and performance concepts.
• Experience with football data platforms
• Ability to communicate insights clearly to coaches and football staff.
• Proactive mindset with high attention to detail.
• Experience in professional football environment preferred.