Football Data API: open data on football

In the modern digital world, sports data is becoming a key resource for match analysis, outcome prediction, and fan application development. Sports APIs allow for structured information to be obtained in real-time and used for various purposes: from betting to media projects.

API-sport — is one of the leaders in providing sports data. It combines live results, team and player statistics, archival data, and bookmaker odds in a convenient format.

Who is this useful for?

  • Developers: integrating data into applications, websites, mobile platforms.

  • Betting platforms: calculating odds, tracking live events, predictions.

  • Sports media: timely news, match analytics, infographics.

  • Analysts: collecting and processing statistics for research and reports.

What is API-sport?

API (Application Programming Interface) is an interface that allows one program to access data or functionality from another. In the case of sports APIs, this means access to match statistics, transfers, results, and odds through programming code.

API-sport — is a specialized service for working with sports information. The platform has a history of several years: during this time, it has gained popularity among developers and analysts due to its stability and data volume.

What data is available

  • Live data: current matches with real-time updates.

  • Statistics and archives: historical results, player and team metrics.

  • Odds and predictions: data from bookmakers, calculations of outcome probabilities.

Features of API-sport

API-sport offers full support for a wide range of sports, making it a versatile tool for working with data. In addition to football, the service covers hockey, basketball, tennis, esports, and many other disciplines, providing both current match results and player, team statistics, and historical archives. This versatility is especially useful for application developers, analysts, and betting platforms that need comprehensive information for different sports.

To work with data, API-sport supports two main protocols: REST and WebSocket. REST allows for information retrieval on demand, which is convenient for standard operations such as loading archival data or viewing odds. WebSocket provides instant updates for live events, transmitting changes as they occur without the need for constant polling of the server. This is critical for applications where the speed of response to events is crucial — for example, for live betting or interactive statistics in media.

All data is provided in convenient and standardized formats JSON and XML, which simplifies their integration into various platforms and systems. JSON is particularly convenient for web applications and mobile solutions, while XML can be used in corporate and analytical systems where a structured data schema is important.

In addition, API-sport offers a flexible pricing system, including free trial access for newcomers and developers. This allows users to assess the service’s capabilities, test data handling, and determine the optimal tariff for large-scale projects without investing funds upfront. This model makes the service accessible to both startups and large companies that need a reliable and fast source of sports information.

Football Data API: open data on football

Football Data API through API-sport provides:

  • Real-time match results.

  • Coefficients and odds for winning, drawing, or losing.

  • Team lineups and player statistics (goals, cards, assists).

  • Transfers, changes in lineups, and team rankings.

  • Additional metrics for analyzing matches and bets.

Supported sports

API-sport is not limited to football. Among the available disciplines:

  • Football

  • Hockey

  • Basketball

  • Tennis

  • Esports and others

Technologies and formats

  • REST API: standard HTTP requests to the server.

  • WebSocket: instant updates of live events without constant polling.

  • JSON and XML: convenient formats for data processing and integration.

Access to Football Data API

6. To work with API-sport, registration is required 7. and obtaining an API key. After that, users gain access to documentation and test mode. and obtaining an API key. Rates range from free trial to professional with extended access to live data and historical archives.

10. RapidAPI, SportRadar, and other platforms provide access to BetsAPI and Livescore API through their channels. This is convenient for developers who need ready-made integrations and reliable SLAs.

  • RapidAPI: an aggregator with a user-friendly connection interface.

  • SportRadar: a premium platform with a wide coverage of sports events.

12. Free plans usually include limited access to historical data and basic statistics. Paid subscriptions unlock:

  • Free rates provide limited access to archives and some live matches.

  • Paid subscriptions unlock the full set of data, live odds, and extended API capabilities.

17. Number of requests per minute/hour

  • Limit on the number of requests per minute/hour.

  • The speed of live data updates for free plans is lower than for paid ones.

  • Limitation on the number of simultaneous WebSocket connections.

API Integration

Python:

import requests

url = «https://api-sport.pro/football/matches»
headers = {«X-API-KEY»: «your_key»}
response = requests.get(url, headers=headers)
print(response.json())

JavaScript (Node.js):

const axios = require(‘axios’);

axios.get(‘https://api-sport.pro/football/matches’, {
headers: { ‘X-API-KEY’: ‘your_key’ }
}).then(res => console.log(res.data));

Integration into CMS and mobile applications

  • WordPress: connection via REST API plugins or custom widgets.

  • Android/iOS: using HTTP requests or WebSocket for live updates.

Using live data via WebSocket

Updates via WebSocket occur almost instantly, eliminating delays and allowing for real-time information retrieval. At the same time, the load on the server is significantly reduced, as only changes are transmitted, not complete data, making the system more efficient and resource-saving. Additionally, the service guarantees the preservation of event sequence, which is especially important for betting and analytics — the correct order of data ensures the accuracy of calculations and the reliability of forecasts.

Where is it used?

  • Betting and odds scanners: forecasting and probability calculations.

  • Sports analytics: reports, infographics, statistical studies.

  • Media and fan applications: news feeds, live broadcasts.

  • Fantasy Sports and esports: team creation, tournament tables.

  • BI systems and Big Data projects: data aggregation for analytics.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

  • Wide coverage of leagues and tournaments.

  • High data update speed.

  • Accuracy and reliability of statistics.

Cons.:

  • Cost of paid plans.

  • Limitations on free plans.

  • Complexity of integration for beginners.

Alternatives to Football Data API.

Among the alternatives to API-sport, several popular services can be highlighted. SportRadar offers premium data with a very wide coverage of sports events, however, the cost of its services is significantly higher. Football-Data.org is convenient for working with historical statistics and match archives, but its live update capabilities are limited. BetsAPI is great for calculating odds and analyzing bets, however, the range of supported sports is significantly narrower here.

It is reasonable to use these competitors in certain cases: for large international projects with high traffic, when maximum event coverage is required; for specific disciplines that are not included in the API-sport list; as well as for projects that require advanced analytics and forecasting beyond standard data.

In summary

Football Data API through API-sport is a universal tool for obtaining open data on football and other sports. It is useful for developers, analysts, media, betting platforms, and fans. With support for live data, historical archives, and odds, API-sport allows for the creation of powerful applications and forecasting systems.

FAQ

Is there free access to Football Data API?
Yes, API-sport provides a limited free plan for testing.

What sports are supported?
Football, hockey, basketball, tennis, esports, etc.

Is the API suitable for betting?
Yes, with the help of live data and odds, forecasts and models for betting can be built.

How to connect the API to the application?
Through REST requests or WebSocket, the API key is used for authentication.

Can the API be used for predictions?
Yes, statistics, odds, and historical data for analytics are available.

Can the API be integrated into a mobile application?
Yes, for both Android/iOS and cross-platform solutions via HTTP or WebSocket.

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