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Beyond the pitch: Exploring the role of beauty in soccer player salaries

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  • Parshakov, Petr
  • Gasparetto, Thadeu
  • Votintseva, Nadezhda
  • Shakina, Elena

Abstract

The paper explores the potential influence of subjective factors on salary determination, particularly examining the impact of physical appearance on the earnings of soccer players. This study encompasses data from 373 Major League Soccer players over 12 seasons (2007-2018). Facial symmetry, quantified using the coordinates of each player’s facial features, is utilized as an indicator of physical attractiveness. Various analytical models, including linear, semiparametric, and quantile models, are applied. The results point to a notable 'beauty premium' in the salary structure within this context, with the effects being more significant among the highest earners.

Suggested Citation

  • Parshakov, Petr & Gasparetto, Thadeu & Votintseva, Nadezhda & Shakina, Elena, 2024. "Beyond the pitch: Exploring the role of beauty in soccer player salaries," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 101(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joepsy:v:101:y:2024:i:c:s0167487024000175
    DOI: 10.1016/j.joep.2024.102709
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    soccer; beauty premium; salary; attractiveness; facial symmetry;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J41 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Labor Contracts
    • Z22 - Other Special Topics - - Sports Economics - - - Labor Issues

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