While we might not uncover all of Victoria’s secrets, we seem to have stumbled upon something regarding Vini Jr.
Social media users have noted that World Cup soccer players are possibly sporting some secretive support under their jerseys—or perhaps they’re just being themselves.
One observer remarked, “The matching sports bra is so cute,” on TikTok, while another added, “I love their little sports bras.” It’s interesting how a simple design can evoke such reactions.
These wearables remind some of the memorable moment when Brandi Chastain celebrated at the 1999 Women’s World Cup, but in reality, these top athletes are actually donning GPS vests designed to track their performance during training and games.
Members of Brazil’s men’s national team, for instance, wear devices created by sports tech companies like Catapult and STATSports.
According to Thomas Borchert, an SPT account executive, the snug fit of the vest can lead viewers to mistakenly think they’re sports bras meant to support the chest. In fact, the crop top design is designed for function—securely holding the GPS pod in place for optimal signal reception while minimizing interference with movement.
This technology is essential for providing insights that help teams monitor player performance and prevent injuries. It aids coaches in refining their training regimens, allowing them to make informed decisions about each player’s individual needs.
Interestingly, this GPS tech parallels what navigation apps and other fitness trackers use. It’s in the same family of wearables as devices like the Apple Watch and Oura ring.
Transforming the Game with Technology
Soccer players, unlike runners who take predictable paths, require technology that can track varying movements, such as sudden sprints and changes in direction. The GPS tech is built for capturing this kind of dynamic data during both practice and competition.
As a result, teams are able to tailor training plans for individual players instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach. Coaches can track various metrics—speed, fatigue levels, and even specific body areas that might need extra care.
This data-driven approach removes much of the guesswork. For instance, an athlete may feel they’re ready to play, but GPS info might indicate otherwise, suggesting they’re not yet hitting their previous sprinting benchmarks or favoring one side when decelerating.
Such insights can be crucial. Keeping an athlete in rehab until they meet specific performance metrics can significantly reduce the chance of reinjury.
The Complexity Grows with More Data
A recent study published in BMC Sports Science emphasized how critical wearable technology is for understanding fatigue, guiding recovery, and informing injury rehab strategies. It’s particularly useful for managing fatigue and stress patterns, especially in sports with high injury risks like soccer.
However, as with any data-driven tool, having more information doesn’t always simplify decision-making. Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil’s national team coach, recounted an incident where a player’s underwhelming GPS metrics masked their crucial role in the team. Despite running only 3.7 miles a game, this player was always in the right place at the right time.
As Passos noted, despite the power of GPS trackers to measure various movements, they can’t fully capture some of soccer’s key skills—like decision-making, positioning, or leadership—at least not yet.
