Introduction: Athletes` self-identity and professional identity are crucial factors influencing their career development. Against the backdrop of China`s competitive sports system transformation, the employment preparation status of athletes requires urgent attention. This study aims to investigate the internal mechanisms among athletes` self-identity, professional identity, and employment preparation adequacy. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, utilizing a combination of convenience sampling and snowball sampling to administer questionnaires to 160 active and retired athletes. The research instruments included the Self-Identity Scale, Athletes` Professional Identity Scale, and Employment Preparation Adequacy Scale. Results: Structural equation modeling analysis revealed that: athletes` self-identity significantly positively influences their employment preparation adequacy; athletes` professional identity plays a partial mediating role between self-identity and employment preparation adequacy; Bootstrap testing showed that the mediation effect accounts for 18.84% of the total effect. Discussion: The study confirms that athletes` self-identity not only directly affects employment preparation but also exerts indirect influence through professional identity. This provides a theoretical foundation and practical pathways for constructing athlete career support systems centered on the cultivation of psychological capital.
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