From the blog
Tutorials, guides, and comparisons to help you build with Highlightly.
Tutorial
Build a World Cup 2026 Live Tracker
Real-time scores, lineups, match events, and video highlights from a single API.
Comparison
Best Sport APIs in 2026
Compare features, pricing, and coverage across the most popular providers.
General
Dive into Football Player Stats
Explore how football player stats reveal performance insights across positions, from goalkeepers to forwards. Learn which metrics matter for each role and how clubs, media, fantasy platforms use them.
Frequently asked questions
How many football leagues does the API cover?
The Football API covers 950+ leagues worldwide including the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Champions League, MLS, and hundreds more across 170+ countries.
Is there a free plan?
Yes. The Basic plan is completely free with 100 requests per day. It includes live scores, match data, standings, lineups, and player data. No credit card required.
What types of highlights are available?
The API provides goals, saves, red cards, full game recaps, post-match interviews, and press conferences. Video sources are verified and typically added within 0 to 48 hours after a match. Highlight types vary depending on the league/match popularity.
How fast is the live data?
Live scores and match events update in near real-time. Lineups are available as soon as they are confirmed, typically 30 to 60 minutes before kickoff. Other data is typically updated within 1 - 5 minutes.
Can I use this alongside other sport APIs?
Yes. The Football API works independently. You can subscribe to it alongside any other Highlightly sport API. Each subscription is separate, so you only pay for the sports you need.
What data format does the API return?
All responses are standard JSON over REST. The API works with any programming language including JavaScript, Python, PHP, Ruby, Java, C#, and Go. No proprietary SDK is required.
What is the difference between Highlightly and RapidAPI?
Both platforms offer identical API features. Highlightly provides up to 40% annual discounts. RapidAPI offers credit card billing and a familiar developer dashboard. Accounts are not synchronised between platforms.
