Beyond the pitch: Exploring the role of beauty in soccer player salaries

The paper explores the potential influence of subjective factors on salary determination, particularly examining the impact of physical appearance on the earnings of soccer players. This study encompasses data from 373 Major League Soccer players over 12 seasons (2007-2018). Facial symmetry, quantified using the coordinates of each player’s facial features, is utilized as an indicator of physical attractiveness. Various analytical models, including linear, semiparametric, and quantile models, are applied. The results point to a notable 'beauty premium' in the salary structure within this context, with the effects being more significant among the highest earners.