Soccer player build: Which is the best body for a soccer player and why?

Soccer player build: Which is the best body for a soccer player and why?

Lenah Ann
April 12, 2024 at 11:33 AM
In this article:
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ENG Premier League
England
Mohamed Salah logo
M. Salah
Liverpool logoFEgypt logo
Adama Traoré logo
A. Traoré
Fulham logoFSpain logo
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FIFA World Cup
International
USA Women logo
USA(w)
United States
26
Spain Women logo
Spain(w)
Spain
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Soccer is a popular sport requiring various physical characteristics to play well. The debate about the most appropriate soccer player build has continued for years. Professional footballers have shown exceptional talent and physical fitness that help them perform at the top level.

Gianluigi Donnarummam, Adama Traore, and Cristiano Ronaldo
Gianluigi Donnarumma (L) celebrates in February 2024. Adama Traore (C) in February 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo in February 2024. Photo: Yasser Bakhsh, Dan Mullan, Juan Manuel Serrano (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Table of Сontents:

Success in soccer depends on many factors, such as talent and physical fitness. Football players are generally not as stocky as rugby athletes. However, while their upper bodies are very light, which aids in their speed, they do have large, muscular legs.

Perfect soccer player build

Scientifically, there are three types of human body: Mesomorph, ectomorph, and endomorph, as reported by Sportsrec. A mesomorph includes a large bone structure, a large chest, and broad shoulders, while an ectomorph refers to those with tall and slender body shapes. Endomorphs are short and stocky and have massive core strength.

The ideal soccer player's physique defies common misconceptions by highlighting flexibility and agility. With a harmonic balance of strength, speed, agility, and endurance, this physique is ideal for the player's particular function and playing style. Discover how players' body builds vary with positions.

Mohamed Salah celebrates at Anfield
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool takes his shirt off as he celebrates scoring against Crystal Palace at Anfield on 18 September 2021 in Liverpool, England. Photo: Simon Stacpoole
Source: Getty Images

Mohammed Salah, for instance, is elegant and fast due to his muscularity and slim physique, making him an excellent dribbler. Adama Traore is one of the world's most physically intimidating footballers because of his broad shoulders and powerful piston-like legs.

The ideal soccer player skilfully shapes their body to suit the demands of the game, whether they are a towering defence controlling aerial duels or an agile midfielder planning an assault.

Average soccer players build

An average soccer athlete's physique is a well-balanced mix of strength, speed, and endurance. Due to their modest height and lean muscular mass, these athletes are versatile enough to perform well in various positions.

 Manuel Neuer celebrating against Lazio
Bayern Munich's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer celebrates against SS Lazio during their UEFA Champions League 2023/24 match at Allianz Arena on 5 March 2024 in Munich, Germany. Photo: Alexander Hassenstein
Source: Getty Images

According to the Conversation, the goalkeeper position is one where height is advantageous. The majority of outstanding goalkeepers are taller than 1.85 m. The goalkeeper jumps both laterally and vertically. Long legs can aid the goalkeeper's ability to leap further and higher.

Tall centre-backs have an advantage in defending aerial balls. These athletes also have more stability and better balance since they are shorter, which results in a lower centre of mass.

Midfielders need to be highly agile and run tremendous distances during the game. Most midfielders traverse more than 10 km with frequent sprints and direction changes while linking the midfield and attack.

According to Soccer Blade, footballers' average height, weight, and BMI (Body Mass Index) vary depending on position. Here is an overview of players' body types.

Soccer position

Average height

Average weight

Healthy BMI range

Goalkeeper

6'0" – 6'5"

150 – 210 lbs

20.3 – 24.9

Center Back

6'0" – 6'5"

150 – 210 lbs

20.3 – 24.9

Full Back

5'5" – 6'2"

115 – 185 lbs

19.1 – 23.8

Midfielder

5'5" – 6'5"

120 – 200 lbs

20.0 – 23.7

Winger

5'5" – 6'2"

110 – 180 lbs

18.3 – 23.1

Forward

5'5" – 6'5"

110 – 200 lbs

18.3 – 23.7

Female soccer players build

While it incorporates characteristics unique to female physiology, the optimal body build for women's soccer is comparable to that of its male counterparts. Female soccer players usually have smaller muscles and smaller upper bodies than men.

Alexia Putellas and Klara Cahynova
Spain's Alexia Putellas (R) against Klara Cahynova of Czech Republic during their UEFA Women's EURO Qualifier at Estadio Municipal El Plantio on 9 April 2024 in Spain. Photo: Juan Manuel Serrano
Source: Getty Images

However, their exceptional agility, tactical awareness, and flexibility make up for it. Their build prioritises speed, accuracy, and stamina, enabling them to play with remarkable skill.

The Champlair reveals that Women's soccer players embrace various body forms, each with unique benefits. Some players may be more muscular and stronger, which will help them excel in set pieces and physical situations, while others have a slim and agile frame, perfect for quick movements and accurate ball handling.

Women's soccer players may perform at their best in any position with a body that enhances personal strengths and minimises shortcomings.

Muscular soccer players build

Although lean muscle mass has always taken precedence over bulk in soccer, some positions are better suited for more prominent muscle footballers. Defenders, in particular, depend on strength and power to overcome opponents and maintain a strong defence.

Strong athletes are a powerful presence on the field. They also frequently thrive in airborne duels and physical clashes. However, balance is crucial to ensure that increasing muscular mass does not impair endurance or agility.

Frequently asked questions

USA players at the 2023 FIFA World Cup
USA players line up for the penalty shootout during their 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup R16 match against Sweden at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Australia on 6 August 2023. Photo: Jose Hernandez
Source: Getty Images

It is impossible to overestimate the importance of physique in the fast-paced world of soccer, where strength, endurance, speed, and agility all come together. Here are the frequently asked questions about the best body for a soccer player.

What is the best body type for a soccer player?

Soccer athletes' ideal body types vary depending on various criteria, such as position, style of play, and personal characteristics.

Is muscle mass important for soccer players?

Having a larger muscle mass provides endurance and the ability to withstand contact. Defenders need enough muscle mass to tackle strikers, while the forwards need muscles to beat defenders.

Do female soccer players require different body types than male players?

Female soccer players often have lower muscular mass and upper body strength than their male counterparts. However, they make up for it with more agility, tact, and flexibility.

Final word

The ideal body for a modern soccer player includes various physical characteristics suited to playing styles, positions, and talents. The perfect soccer player builds performance while embracing the multiple traits that make the beautiful game so enthralling, whether solid or slim and quick.

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Since their invention, sports have been an essential part of human history and have played a massive role in uniting people in society. Click on the link for more details about sports with balls and how many there are.

Authors
Lenah Ann photo
Lenah Ann
Lenah Ann is a Kenyan-based content creator with 2 years of experience. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Media and Communication from Dedan Kimathi, Kenya in 2021.