The maximum oxygen uptake (VO_2max) is a critical factor for endurance performance in soccer. Novel wearable technology may allow frequent assessment of V̇O_2max during non-fatiguing warm-up runs of soccer players with minimal interference to soccer practice. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of VO2max provided by a consumer grade smartwatch (Garmin Forerunner 245, Garmin, Olathe, USA, Software:13.00) and the YoYo Intermittent Recovery Run 2 (YYIR2) by comparing it with respiratory gas analysis. 24 trained male youth soccer players performed different tests to assess VO_2max: i) a treadmill test employing respiratory gas analysis, ii) YYIR2 and iii) during a non-fatiguing warm-up run of 10 min wearing a smartwatch as recommended by the device-manufacturer on 3 different days within 2 weeks. As the device-manufacturer indicates that validity of smartwatch-derived VO_2max may differ with an increase in runs, 16 players performed a second run with the smartwatch to test this claim. The main evidence revealed that the smartwatch showed an ICC of 0.37 [95% CI: -0.25; 0.71] a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 5.58% after one run, as well as an ICC of 0.54 [95% CI: -0.3; 8.4] and a MAPE of 1.06% after the second run with the smartwatch. The YYIR2 showed an ICC of 0.17 [95% CI: -5.7; 0.6]; and MAPE of 4.2%. When using the smartwatch for VO_2max assessment in a non-fatiguing run as a warm-up, as suggested by the device manufacturer before soccer practice, the MAPE diminishes after two runs. Therefore, for more accurate VO_2max assessment with the smartwatch, we recommend to perform at least two runs to reduce the MAPE and enhance the validity of the findings.

• Assessing maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max) is relevant for soccer players, but require expensive and time consuming procedures e.g. by employing respiratory gas analysis

• Selected Smartwatches provide players with VO_2max values if worn e.g. during non-fatiguing outdoor runs if sufficient GPS and heart rate data is available

• The mean absolute percentage error between the Smartwatch estimated VO_2max (after 2 runs) and a respiratory gas analyzer was 1.06% in our study.