Substitutions in elite soccer: a scoping review

Research in professional soccer has predominantly focused on starting players, with comparatively less attention afforded to substitutes. This scoping review characterises substitutions in elite soccer, assessing their effects on match outcomes and the influence of contextual factors. Four electronic databases were searched using terms including (substitut* OR replac* OR bench OR starter*) AND (“time‑motion” OR running OR demand* OR technic* OR tactic* OR performance* OR physical OR physiologic*). Thirty‑three studies met the systems inclusion criteria. Video‑based tracking and wearable microtechnology were most used to quantify physical outputs. Substitutions occurred primarily at half‑time or during the second half, with introductions consistently associated with greater relative physical outputs, including total distance, high‑intensity running and sprinting. Players entering late in matches generally demonstrated higher physical intensities, which were linked to an increased likelihood of favourable match outcomes. However, evidence on physiological, technical, and tactical consequences remains limited. Considerable methodological heterogeneity and inconsistent terminology constrain cross-study comparisons and synthesis. Overall, this review highlights the performance impact of late substitutions, reinforces critical gaps beyond physical metrics, and emphasises the need for standardised, multidimensional approaches to better inform evidence-led coaching strategies.