Excelence on production: the performance of professional soccer players

O presente artigo analisa os aspectos que influenciam a performance do jogador de futebol e os fatores contextuais relacionados. Com esse objetivo, fez-se um estudo entrevistando 2 ex-atletas, 2 jogadores que ainda atuam, 2 treinadores e 2 preparadores físicos - todos experientes e consagrados em suas profissões - para verificar quais são os fatores considerados importantes para a performance dos jogadores de futebol. Realizou-se análise de conteúdo sobre os dados das entrevistas. Constatou-se que muitos fatores envolvem o contexto que influencia o desempenho. Esses podem ser divididos em fatores psicológicos, físicos, técnicos e táticos e de suporte social oferecido ao jogador. A partir das categorias levantadas, estabeleceram-se as bases para construção de um questionário contendo os principais temas abordados pelos entrevistados, o qual será utilizado num estudo posterior.The present article analyzes the factors that influence the performance of soccer players and the contextual factors related to their performance. In this study the following people were interviewed: 2 former-athletes, 2 players that are still active, 2 coaches and 2 physical trainers, all experienced and renowned. The article aims at verifying which are the factors considered important for the performance of soccer players. Content analysis was performed on the data of the interviews. Results show that many factors are related to the context that influences the performance. These can be divided in categories involving psychological, physical, technical and tactical factors; there were also factors that involve the social background offered to the player. From the categories raised, the basis for the development of a questionnaire involving the main subjects of the interviews was elaborated and will be used in a following study