How far does a soccer player run in a game? Find out the average distance covered by footballers in each game

How far does a soccer player run in a game? Find out the average distance covered by footballers in each game

Steve Njuguna
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:28 PM
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Most football pitches are 105 *68 metres in measurement. This means players have over 11,000 metres of pitch available when playing. Today we look into how far a soccer player runs in a game and the average distance covered by footballers in each game.

How far does a player run in a soccer game
Nottingham Forest player Morgan Gibbs White dribbles the ball in a game against Newcastle. Today we look at the average distance covered by footballers in each game. Photo by OLI SCARFF
Source: Getty Images

Distance covered is relative depending on the player's position on the pitch. Goalkeepers cover the least distance on the pitch, as most stay within their penalty area. The distance covered is usually measured by technologies such as sensors put in the players' clothing.

How far do soccer players run in an average game?

Estimates show that most professional soccer players run between 7 and 10 miles a game (11-16 km). Factors such as in-game tactics, weather and the condition of the pitch are vital in determining how far the players go. Being in top physical shape is also a key factor.

Which players run the farthest distance?

Midfielders run the farthest in most games. This is because the position they play requires them to patrol most of the pitch. Some fullbacks also cover large distances if they are tactically needed to defend and attack. Some coaches require the whole team to press to win back the ball, which may lead to players from all over the pitch covering long distances.

What is the longest distance covered by a soccer player in a football match?

Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic has consistently set distance records while playing for Croatia. He first set a record of 16.3 km at the 2018 World Cup in Croatia's win against Russia. He then broke his record at the 2022 World Cup after running 16.7 km during Croatia's win against Japan.

What is the longest distance covered by a soccer player in a football match?
Brozovic is known for his energetic midfield battles. Photo by Gabriele Maltinti
Source: Getty Images

How fast can players move at top speed?

Former Wales Captain Gareth Bale was known during his career for being the fastest on the pitch. He once ran a sprint of 39.9 Km/hr. Another speedy winger was Arjen Robben, who recorded a 37 km/hr sprint in the Netherlands,' 5-1 win against Spain at the 2014 World Cup.

What is the shortest distance covered by a soccer player in a football match?

Players who rarely cover over a kilometre on the pitch tend to play in positions like goalkeeper or central defence where they are not required to go up the pitch.

How far does a women’s football player run?

A study from FIFA revealed that the average distance female players cover is 6.3 miles (10.2 Km). This study was conducted at several tournaments, including the Women's World Cup.

Average distance a women's soccer player runs during a game
USWNT striker Alex Morgan in action. Photo by Andrew Hancock
Source: Getty Images

Soccer requires players to be physically prepared to run all over the pitch for over 90 minutes. Identifying how far a soccer player runs in a game gives valuable data on performance and endurance. That was a summary of the average distance covered by footballers in each game.

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Authors
Steve Njuguna photo
Steve Njuguna
Steve Njuguna is a media professional with close to a decade of experience in the sports media industry. He has previously worked as a sports journalist with Bamba Sports TV, Vybez Radio and The Nairobian newspaper.