While fintech leaders were busy forecasting the future of banking, one panel at Money Motion 2025 turned everyone’s eyes to the future of football. On the Expo Stage in Zagreb, Sofascore Co-founder and CSO Ivan Bešlić joined Damjan Rudež, Program Director at Sunset Sports Festival, to talk about something just as powerful as currency: data.
The panel titled “The Future of Sports: Data, Dollars, and Digital Innovation”, powered by Sunset Sports Festival, brought together minds shaping the way we watch and experience the game. And Ivan didn’t hold back — he shared insights on everything from live ratings and AI to the role of second screens and what fans will expect from platforms like Sofascore in the years ahead.
“We have so many statistics and data points, we use that to create live ratings. Users already expect more than just a final score and in couple of years they will want to know things like heart rate, energy levels, who’s tired, who’s peaking. With AI, platforms like Sofascore will become the one-stop destination for fans craving all that in real time.”
Ivan Bešlić, co-founder and CSO at Sofascore
Bešlić painted a picture of the not-so-distant future: AI-powered features where users can ask for a 17-year-old left-footed winger in Nigeria — and get results instantly. Deep, personalized data is no longer a dream. It’s the direction.
“With enough data, you’ll be able to predict who could be the next big player. And now, you can even bet between friends — who’ll have the better Sofascore rating, Modrić or Mbappé?”
Ivan Bešlić, co-founder and CSO at Sofascore
One thing was clear: Sofascore’s evolution from a live score platform to a data-first football companion is just getting started. From live ratings based on identical algorithms (yes, the same for Messi, Modrić, or Gvardiol), to future integrations that make second screens smarter than ever — the ambition is bold.
From Newsroom Grades to Real-Time Objectivity
A standout moment in the discussion was Bešlić’s take on player ratings.
“Back in the day, newspaper journalists would call in and say what the grade should be — totally subjective. At Sofascore, our ratings are live, data-driven, and objective across the board. Same algorithm for every player, every weekend.”
Ivan Bešlić, co-founder and CSO at Sofascore
This objectivity has helped build trust in the platform, and it’s now part of what fans count on when following their favorite teams — or discovering new talent.
The Sofascore Editor: Giving Lower Leagues a Seat at the Table
Another topic that sparked interest was the Sofascore Editor. While most apps focus solely on Tier 1 clubs, Sofascore saw the potential in lower leagues. “We found a gap in the industry. Nobody asked for amateur or regional league results. But we believe that due to quantity, lower leagues will eventually be a bigger business than top-tier leagues — and you’ll have them all in one place – in Sofascore,” said Bešlić.
Spotlight: Sunset Sports Festival
You can’t talk about innovation without mentioning Sunset. Powered by Croatian creativity, the Sunset Sports Festival isn’t just an event — it’s a movement.
As Bešlić explained, this international gathering brings together global names from the sports industry, hosted on home turf in Zadar. And there’s momentum to grow beyond summer — maybe even expanding to other countries during the winter season.
“At the beginning, it was enough to just show the result. Now, we have to create stories and build a brand. With Sofascore and Sunset, we’re doing just that — and we’re only getting started.”
Ivan Bešlić, co-founder and CSO at Sofascore
Sofascore x Sunset: A Partnership With a Global Vision
The partnership between Sofascore and Sunset Sports Festival is more than strategic — it’s symbolic. Last year, they jointly introduced the upgraded Player of the Season trophies, honoring standout performers with data-backed awards in Zadar. Read about that here.
This year? Even bigger plans.
Expect more stars, more visibility, and even more emphasis on Sofascore’s unique ability to quantify greatness on the pitch — and celebrate it in style.
As Damjan Rudež pointed out during the chat, these collaborations are turning Croatia into a hotspot for sports innovation. And with Sofascore and Sunset leading the way, there’s no ceiling to what’s possible.