Purpose This study aimed to explore the influence of player`s physical performance and coaches` efficacy expectations in the talent identification and selection process in international football for people with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods Physical performance (5 m and 30 m sprint, change of direction, and dribbling) was assessed for 44 international CP football players belonging to the Spanish U19 (n = 23) and absolute (n = 21) national teams. The CEE about their players` performance were assessed for the U19 team. Results Players in the absolute team presented higher physical performance (16.7-47.9%; p = 0.01-0.04). CEEs for U19 players` general ability to play football and future selection correlated to the players` change of direction and dribbling abilities and to the coaches` tactical expectations (r = 0.52-0.69; p < 0.05). The players` dribbling ability and coaches` tactical expectations were significant predictors of coaches` expectations about player`s general ability to play football and to be selected for the absolute team (ß = 0.55-0.69, p =0 .01-0.03, R2 = 30-47%). Conclusion These results may provide important information about the talent identification and selection processes in international CP football.
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