Jul 13, 2022

 
In today's world, football platforms can offer much more than news and live scores. The evolution of data and technology has completely changed the way we think about and experience football. Data is the cornerstone of modern clubs, and Web3 allows them to interact and involve fans like never before. In this post, I will take a look at one app I've been using for years, Onefootball, and show you how powerful it can be.
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Onefootball gained most of its popularity by targeting  Gen Zs and millennials throughout Europe and South America. It met the basic need for being informed and checking scores on the move, but what's next? With the advancement of technology, there is no denying that the way we consume football is also changing. The hobby has evolved from passive watching to active engagement. It's not enough to just watch. Every fan wants to be more involved, whether through fantasy sports, shitposting on Twitter, or interacting on streaming platforms. As live sport and technology merge in the coming years, Onefootball's platform can play a pivotal role in that evolution. Here's what I expect from them during that time.

Enhanced statistics

The data-driven nature of modern football has spread to fans as well. Almost all media coverage of football is data-driven, as are casual conversations about it. A football app like Onefootball can exploit endless statistical possibilities via infographics. As a data geek, I would love to see player percentiles and xGs displayed in interactive graphs, but it may be overkill for most fans. However, adding more infographics for live games will drive engagement and can be a great monetisation tool. When done well, this could turn out to be a great moat that will even strengthen their Web3 business.

Increasing active participation in the app

The key to keeping fans captivated will be to find new ways of keeping them engaged before, during, and after games. Through quizzes during match weeks and micro prediction games during matches, they can encourage users to actively participate in the app, with rewards integrated into their Web3 platforms. By gamifying rewards, such as stats-based infographic NFTs for participation and prizes, Onefootball can onboard users to their Web3 platforms, where monetisation potential is exponentially greater.
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Leveraging Web3

The fact that they already are an established two-sided platform (Clubs and Fans) where they have exclusive partnerships with multiple clubs and football federations to provide unique content to their users will give them the biggest advantage as they experiment and explore the world of Web3 in football. You can read more about Web3's real-world utility for clubs and fans in my recent blog.
 
Overall, the Onefootball app does a great job in bringing together all the games, teams, and national football leagues for its users. However, there needs to be a bigger focus on diversifying the interests of football fans with more active participation, insightful stats and records. When it comes to launching their Web3 plans, they will have a significant advantage over their competitors due to their two-sided platform. If they execute it right, they will be the pioneers of modern footballing platforms that will revolutionise the fan experience.
 
Also check out my post on Web3 & Sports
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