Total genotype score and playing time and starter status in football: a pilot study

The aims of this research were to identify the relationships between the Total Genotype Score (TGS) and total competition time, as well as the total and relative distances covered during competition at different speed thresholds and to examine the probability of being a starter or non-starter based on TGS. A prospective pilot study was conducted with 34 professional male football players competing in the Spanish second division across three consecutive seasons. DNA samples were genotyped for six muscle performance-related polymorphisms, and TGS values were calculated. The total competition time and competition distances at different speed thresholds were evaluated. A TGS threshold of 75.0 a.u. discriminated starters with an AUC of 0.689. Players with higher TGS scores (TGS>75.0) accumulated more matches played (p=0.002), more matches as starters (p=0.009), greater playing time (p=0.009), and higher total distances covered (p=0.009). Players above this threshold were five times more likely to be starters (OR=5.00; 95% CI: 1.31–19.07; p=0.030). TGS was related with the number of matches played (β=1.088, p=0.006) matches as starter (β=1.087, p=0.004), playing time (β=28.1, p=0.018), and distance covered during season (β=3116, p=0.01). Genetic profiling is associated with starter status. Integrating genetic and GPS data provides a novel approach to player development and talent identification in elite sports.

Publication History

Received: 16 January 2025

Accepted after revision: 13 October 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
13 October 2025