“ Tiki-taka ” or “ Joga bonito ”? The differences of decision-making skills between Spanish and Brazilian U-18 elite youth male soccer players

Decision-making (DM) skills are considered a key component of soccer performance and player development. This study aimed to analyse and compare DM quality and DM speed between Brazilian and Spanish U-18 elite male soccer players. A cross-sectional design was adopted, involving 163 players (Brazil: n = 88; Spain: n = 75) competing at the highest national level for their age category. DM skills were assessed using the TacticUP ^® platform, which evaluates decision accuracy (DM quality) and response time (DM speed) across offensive and defensive tactical principles. Group differences were examined using independent t-tests or Mann–Whitney tests, with effect sizes calculated to estimate the magnitude of differences. The results revealed that Brazilian players exhibited significantly higher DM quality in offensive situations without the ball, defensive principles inside the centre of play, as well as in defensive and general game contexts. In contrast, Spanish players demonstrated significantly faster DM speed in offensive principles outside and without the ball, defensive principles inside the centre of play, and in offensive and general contexts. These findings indicate distinct DM skill profiles between players developed in the two national contexts. In conclusion, Brazilian and Spanish U-18 elite players differ in how DM skills are expressed, with Brazilian players showing greater decision accuracy and Spanish players demonstrating faster decision responses. These results highlight the importance of considering national and developmental contexts when evaluating DM skills and may inform the design of training and competition environments within youth talent development programmes.