You keep up with the news, but not very closely or regularly — this needs to be done systematically. Place a couple of bets on 20Bet and read why it’s so important.
If you’ve ever bet on sports, you know that statistics, team lineups, and player form all matter. But there’s another factor many overlook — an athlete’s personal life. Sounds like gossip? In reality, it’s valuable information that can influence the outcome of a match even more than past results.
Personal Life = Personal Form
An athlete is not a robot. They may have arguments, weddings, the birth of a child, a move, or even a family member’s health problems. All these things affect their psychological state and motivation — and, in turn, their performance.
Example from football: In 2022, Harry Kane from Tottenham became a father just before an important match. He stepped onto the pitch in incredible spirits and scored two goals, despite being on a goalless streak beforehand. Many bookmakers didn’t see this coming, but attentive fans who followed his social media updates managed to make a good profit.
Scandals and Conflicts Within the Team
Another important factor is conflicts between players or with the coach. If tension is brewing in the team, players may perform half-heartedly, without much desire to win.
Example from tennis: In 2023, Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios pulled out of several tournaments due to ongoing legal issues in his personal life. Those unaware of the situation bet on his participation and victory, while savvy bettors understood that his chances of success were slim.
Relocations and Adaptation
When an athlete joins a new team or moves to another country, they need time to adapt — new language, climate, playing style. During this period, results are often unstable.
Example from hockey: When Alexander Radulov returned from the NHL to the KHL, his first matches were average — the move, time zone change, and different coaching methods all took their toll. Those in the know didn’t rush to bet on his goals in the first few rounds.
Personal Tragedies
Sadly, tragic events have an impact too. Sometimes an athlete plays “through the pain,” while other times they perform exceptionally, dedicating their success to someone close.
Example from basketball: In 2020, LeBron James delivered an outstanding game after Kobe Bryant’s death, playing with extraordinary emotional drive. Many fans and analysts who anticipated this bet on his performance and guessed correctly.
Where to Find This Information
- Social media — Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok
- Interviews and press conferences
- Sports media and insiders — they often share news that doesn’t make it into official feeds
Conclusion
Following athletes’ personal lives isn’t just curiosity. It’s a tool that helps you understand a player’s psychological state and motivation, which means making more accurate predictions. Of course, you shouldn’t rely on this factor alone, but combined with statistics, it gives you a real edge.
In the world of betting, the winner isn’t the one who knows the most numbers, but the one who understands that behind those numbers are real people.