Freakosoccer

Freakonomics does it again. It seems that most European soccer stars are born early on in the year. In fact,

On recent English teams, for instance, half of the elite teenage soccer players were born in January, February or March, with the other half spread out over the remaining 9 months. In Germany, 52 elite youth players were born in the first three months of the year, with just 4 players born in the last three.

What might account for this anomaly? Here are a few guesses: a) certain astrological signs confer superior soccer skills; b) winter-born babies tend to have higher oxygen capacity, which increases soccer stamina; c) soccer-mad parents are more likely to conceive children in springtime, at the annual peak of soccer mania; d) none of the above.

Whichever one you think it is, you're wrong. You're going to have to read the article to find out. Damn fine read. Useless information, but, then again, what isn't?