This study examines the evolution of the global football transfer market from 1990 to 2022 using social network analysis to understand structural changes driven by external events. Data from Transfermarkt were used to construct temporal graphs at five-year intervals, based on change point detection to capture both short- and long-term dynamics. Key metrics were calculated to identify constant and disruptive agents, and to correlate external events with shifts in network structure.
Countries like France, Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium remained central over time, while the U.S., Brazil, Portugal, China, and Russia emerged as disruptive agents due to legislative, economic, or political changes. The Bosman ruling (1995) was a pivotal event, liberalizing the European market and promoting a more integrated network. Overall, the study shows that network analysis is a powerful tool for understanding the complex, globalized nature of the football transfer market.