Body Types of Soccer Players (Build + Physique!)

Soccer players come in many different physical forms. Generally, the tallest and heaviest players are goalkeepers, central defenders, and target man forwards.

The shorter players tend to play in wide and attacking roles. However, there are many exceptions in every position.

What are the body types of soccer players? Soccer players are cardio machines; they’re slim and lean and tend to have muscular legs. Their average height approximates that of the average person, and their weight rarely exceeds 200 lbs for a man and 155 lbs for a woman.

This is mainly due to the physical demands and endurance of being a pro player. Playing the game of averages doesn’t have any relevance in soccer.

Body types and physical characteristics are mere variables when it comes to the makeup of a player.

SPAIN Madrid Real Madrids French Karim Benzema raises his fist L to celebrate victory during Spanish Liga football match Real Madrid vs Sevilla at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 20 2016. ○ Soccer Blade

Scientifically speaking, there are 3 different body types:

  • Ectomorphs
  • Mesomorphs
  • Endomorphs

Soccer players tend to fall into Ectomorphs and Mesomorphs, with mesomorphs being the most common body type.

However, there are many examples of endomorphs in the game also. Physical characteristics and body type contribute to players’ ability and suitability for certain positions, but they’re not definitive.

Throughout this article, we’ll study the different body types of soccer players, look into the types of bodies found in specific positions, and compare the best examples with outliers.

The Body Types of Soccer Players

Soccer players fall into various forms of the three general body type categories (somatotypes).

Ectomorph 

An ectomorph is typically thin and long. They’re often tall, with lengthy limbs, small joints, and lean muscle. Their slighter frame doesn’t support much weight or muscle mass. 

Mesomorph 

A mesomorph is naturally athletic. Mesomorphs have broad chests and shoulders, a large bone structure, they’re naturally muscular, and have low amounts of body fat. 

Endomorph

Endomorphs are of a shorter build. They’ve got a medium to large bone structure, with thick but short limbs. Endomorphs are usually quite strong but tend to gain weight/fat quite easily.

The body types of soccer players - ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph
The three body types | Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

What body type is best for soccer?

Studies show that the majority of soccer players are either mesomorphs or ectomorphs. This is no surprise, as soccer players tend to be good athletes with superior endurance.

Due to their muscular make-up, mesomorphs are statistically at less risk of injury when performing athletically. 

It’s important to note that these categories are relatively loose and that players can have traits from a mixture of body types. 

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How to Get a Body Like a Soccer Player

Soccer players train all aspects of their bodies to become more like a pro player; you must train at least three times per week.

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Competitive matches push players to the limits. You’ll need to be in good shape before you play these matches.

Depending on your current fitness, getting a body like a soccer player can take several months.

Determination and dedication will make or break you.

Soccer requires a variety of muscles to be worked, so your training must be varied in nature. Here is a selection of tools that will improve your body and monitoring.

Product
New Team Speed Agility & Quickness Training Kit with Downloadable Instructional DVD, High School & College Football, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, All...
CATAPULT PLAYR Soccer GPS Tracker - GPS Vest and App to Track and Improve Your Game - for iPhone and Android (XXS)
PowerNet Soccer Tennis Net | Portable Instant | Indoor Outdoor | Metal Collapsible Base Weighted | Durable Vertical Bow Posts | Quick Setup Easy...
New Team Speed Agility & Quickness Training Kit with Downloadable Instructional DVD, High School & College Football, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, All...
CATAPULT PLAYR Soccer GPS Tracker - GPS Vest and App to Track and Improve Your Game - for iPhone and Android (XXS)
PowerNet Soccer Tennis Net | Portable Instant | Indoor Outdoor | Metal Collapsible Base Weighted | Durable Vertical Bow Posts | Quick Setup Easy...
Features
(1) Downloadable Instructional Training DVD English & Spanish (1) Free Layout Diagram and Jump Rope
FIFA authorized wearable GPS tracker designed to analyze and improve your soccer performance.
12' x 3' - ONE GOAL - Instant portable collapsible soccer tennis net. Metal base frame with fiberglass vertical bow style posts. Includes 1 portable net and 1 carrying bag.
Features
(1) Lateral Resistor Ankle Resistance Stepper
Detailing your speed, sprint, distance, power, load & intensity data and positioning via heatmaps, our technology gives you a total understanding of your game.
EASY QUICK SETUP - Nets setup in minutes. No tools required. Sturdy net can withstand even the hardest hits.
Features
(1) Round Rung Agility Ladder & (1) Resistance Harness
Compare your numbers against friends, the competition and professional players to see how you match up.
ULTRA PORTABLE - Collapsible net folds quickly and easily for instant setup and easy portability. Stores into heavy-duty zipper carrying bag for easy long-term storage and transport in almost any vehicle.
Features
(5) 8" to 12” Adjustable Speed Hurdles & (10) Agility Disc Cones
Transform your preparation, performance and recovery with expertise on training and nutrition from Premier League coaches.
TRAIN ANYWHERE - Great for indoor and outdoor use. Works on almost any surface. Perfect for games, training and practice. Fiberglass poles keep tension across the net, eliminating the need for constant adjustment.
Rating
-
Product
New Team Speed Agility & Quickness Training Kit with Downloadable Instructional DVD, High School & College Football, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, All...
New Team Speed Agility & Quickness Training Kit with Downloadable Instructional DVD, High School & College Football, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, All...
Features
(1) Downloadable Instructional Training DVD English & Spanish (1) Free Layout Diagram and Jump Rope
Features
(1) Lateral Resistor Ankle Resistance Stepper
Features
(1) Round Rung Agility Ladder & (1) Resistance Harness
Features
(5) 8" to 12” Adjustable Speed Hurdles & (10) Agility Disc Cones
Rating
Amazon
Product
CATAPULT PLAYR Soccer GPS Tracker - GPS Vest and App to Track and Improve Your Game - for iPhone and Android (XXS)
CATAPULT PLAYR Soccer GPS Tracker - GPS Vest and App to Track and Improve Your Game - for iPhone and Android (XXS)
Features
FIFA authorized wearable GPS tracker designed to analyze and improve your soccer performance.
Features
Detailing your speed, sprint, distance, power, load & intensity data and positioning via heatmaps, our technology gives you a total understanding of your game.
Features
Compare your numbers against friends, the competition and professional players to see how you match up.
Features
Transform your preparation, performance and recovery with expertise on training and nutrition from Premier League coaches.
Rating
Amazon
Product
PowerNet Soccer Tennis Net | Portable Instant | Indoor Outdoor | Metal Collapsible Base Weighted | Durable Vertical Bow Posts | Quick Setup Easy...
PowerNet Soccer Tennis Net | Portable Instant | Indoor Outdoor | Metal Collapsible Base Weighted | Durable Vertical Bow Posts | Quick Setup Easy...
Features
12' x 3' - ONE GOAL - Instant portable collapsible soccer tennis net. Metal base frame with fiberglass vertical bow style posts. Includes 1 portable net and 1 carrying bag.
Features
EASY QUICK SETUP - Nets setup in minutes. No tools required. Sturdy net can withstand even the hardest hits.
Features
ULTRA PORTABLE - Collapsible net folds quickly and easily for instant setup and easy portability. Stores into heavy-duty zipper carrying bag for easy long-term storage and transport in almost any vehicle.
Features
TRAIN ANYWHERE - Great for indoor and outdoor use. Works on almost any surface. Perfect for games, training and practice. Fiberglass poles keep tension across the net, eliminating the need for constant adjustment.
Rating
-
Amazon

Goalkeepers: Body Types

Goalkeepers are usually the tallest and heaviest players on the field. The tallest position in the 2018 World Cup was GK, and the average height was 6ft 2”.

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The tallest player in the tournament was Croatian GK, Lovre Kalinic, who’s 6ft 7”. The tallest player in the world currently is also a GK: Simon Bloch Jorgensen, who stands 6ft 10½”. 

  • The average weight of a GK at the 2018 World Cup was 184lbs, almost 14lbs heavier than the average player. 
  • For women, goalkeepers are also the tallest players. The average female GK stands at just under 5ft 10”. 
  • The body types of goalkeepers are mainly mesomorphs and endomorphs.
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Petr Cech, one of the greatest GKs of all time, stands 6ft 5” and weighs over 200lbs | Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

Defenders: Body Types

Central Defenders 

Outside goalkeepers, center-backs are usually the tallest and heaviest players in a squad. Not known for their speed, CBs need to be physically strong to win aerial duels and command their defensive line. 

In the 2018 World Cup, the average height for a defender was 6ft 1”, almost 2 inches taller than the average player. They also outweighed the average outfield player by 4lbs. 

The average height of a female soccer player is just under 5ft 6”.

Like their male counterparts, female CBs tend to be on the heavier end of outfield players, weighing 130 – 145 lbs. 

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Defender vs Midfielder – Ferdinand towering over Fabregas | Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

Center-Midfielders: Body Types

The center midfield position is interesting when it comes to body types. There are various CM roles in the modern game, played differently by athletes of varying shapes and sizes.

Some of these roles are suited to the short and stocky hatchet builds, while others are suited to the long-legged, gut-busting, box-to-box style midfielders. Let’s take a look at a few of these roles:

Defensive Midfielder – No. 6 

The number 6 was historically the defensive-minded player in a midfield two. These days, defensive midfielders operate in many different styles and are often deployed to play the position solo. 

In some instances, the CDM is of a relatively stocky shape. They’re the front line of defense and throw themselves into challenges, giving everything to their team.

Their role includes reading the opposition’s attack, tackling, marking, intercepting, and covering. Not known to be tall, they often fill the endomorph category.

This type of player is naturally strong and physically durable. 

Claude Makelele (Real Madrid, Chelsea & PSG) revolutionized this position and is the best example of this type of player.

Other great examples are Javier Mascherano, Gennaro Gattuso, Lucas Torreira, and Fernandinho.

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Javier Mascherano, short in stature but tenacious in everything he does | Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

Another form of a defensive midfielder is best described using a player example: Sergio Busquets, the perfect modern defensive midfielder.

Players of this type are long, lean, strong athletes capable of covering distance and making physical challenges and having elite tactical and positional ability.

They’re somewhat of a hybrid between ectomorph and mesomorph. Many stand well over 6ft and don’t look very strong but carry lean muscle and strength on their slender frame. 

Examples of this type of CDM are;

  • Nemanja Matic (6ft 4”)
  • Fabinho (6ft 2”)
  • Casemiro (6ft 1”)
  • Frenkie De Jong (5ft 11”)

Deep lying playmakers occupy defensive positions on the field but are usually free of significant defensive duties.

They’ve got a phenomenal passing range and amazing vision. It’s common to see this type of role filled by a player of slight build.

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Their height varies, but often their strength and physicality are lacking. This type of player is Pirlo, Xavi, Jorginho, and Xabi Alonso.

Andres Iniesta Leo Messi and Xavi Hernandez offering the FIFA World Player Award to the Barcelona soccer supporters. January 12 2011 in Nou Camp stadium Barcelona Spain. ○ Soccer Blade

Attacking Midfielder

The number 8 is usually the more attacking-minded of a midfield pair or a box-to-box style player. They cover the most distance in a game. Their fitness and stamina levels are through the roof.

Therefore, they’re often the lightest and leanest players. In the 2018 World Cup, the average midfield player weighed 163lbs, 5lbs lighter than the avg. outfield player. 

Heightwise, this type of midfielder exemplifies the size variance in the sport.

For example, here are some of the most notable midfielders of this type in recent times

Best midfielders and their heights

  • N’Golo Kante (5ft 6”)
  • Roy Keane (5ft 10”)
  • Arturo Vidal (5ft 11”)
  • Steven Gerrard (6ft)
  • Bastian Schweinsteiger (6ft)
  • Yaya Touré (6ft 2”)
  • Patrick Vieira (6ft 4”)

The stylistic approach from a manager or the overall skillset of the player can have more of an influence on the game than size. 

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Height never affected Roy Keane (right) throughout his spectacular career at Manchester United | Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

Attackers: Body Types

Forwards

Like with certain midfield positions, attackers’ sizes can vary significantly. Advanced playmakers, center-forwards, and wingers are frequently short and quick, with low centers of gravity.

They’re light to be able to dribble, pass, and move quickly in the opposition third but tend to have good core strength.

The typical physical build of such a player is that of;

  • Lionel Messi
  • Paulo Dybala
  • David Silva
  • Sadio Mane
  • Eden Hazard

However, several tall, powerful, fast, and skillful athletes play attacking roles.

These are the outliers. Such players can run like gazelles, turn on a sixpence, compete physically with defenders, make pin-point crosses, and score goals.

These physically gifted players almost always fall into the mesomorph category as pure natural athletes. Perhaps the best example of this would be;

  • Cristiano Ronaldo (6ft 2″)
  • Gareth Bale (6ft 1”)
  • Thierry Henry (6ft 2”)
  • Ivan Perisic (6ft 1”)
  • Marcus Rashford (6ft)
MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA JULY 15 Marcus Rashford of Manchester United runs with the ball and scores against Melbourne Victory in a pre season friendly football match at the MCG on 15th July 2022. ○ Soccer Blade
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 15: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United runs with the ball and scores against Melbourne Victory in a pre-season friendly football match at the MCG on 15th July 2022

Strikers

The number 9 or striker position can have the largest contrast regarding body type. On one end of the scale, we’ve targeted men such as Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 6ft 3” and 6ft 5” respectively, weighing over 200lbs.

These powerhouses share the physical stats of GKs and CBs, while also possessing the skill and athleticism of an attacker.

On the other end of the scale, we can look at players like Sergio Aguero and Wayne Rooney. Both fall into the endomorphic category with their stocky builds.

Neither are “typically” athletic, but both possess superior strength and balance, complementing their unique skillsets and adding to their effectiveness on the field. 

Many more strikers fall somewhere between a Zlatan and an Aguero.  

variation of body types for soccer players

Interestingly, the 2018 World Cup statistics showed that although height and weight varied between positions, players’ BMI levels were about even across the board (23.2).

Female pros tend to have a slightly lower BMI (22.4). Athletes play soccer with different body types, but they’re most definitely in peak physical condition. 

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The world’s greatest – Messi and Ronaldo | Image courtesy of Too V-i.

Ronaldo and Messi are undoubtedly their generation’s best players, if not all time.

Their goalscoring feats, as well as their teams’ successes, have been breathtaking. See the reviews for this pro agility training kit on Amazon; it’ll increase your essential sprint speed.

One of the most interesting aspects of this is how different both players are physically and stylistically, even though they fill similar roles.

Ronaldo, at 6ft 2”, 185lbs, is built like a Greek God, while Messi, although athletic and lightning-quick, at 5ft 7”, 158lbs,  could easily pass as your local barista.

Kyiv, Ukraine - October 14, 2019 Cristiano Ronaldo, captain and forward of Portugal national team during the prematch training at the Olympic Stadium
Kyiv, Ukraine – October 14, 2019, Cristiano Ronaldo, captain and forward of Portugal national team during the prematch training at the Olympic Stadium

There is no average body type in soccer. Some might argue that there is an optimal type for a position, but then there are always exceptions (and lots of them).

As a game anyone can play, there’s no wonder that soccer is the most popular sport in the world. For more useful guides, see the articles below or visit our home page.

What’s The Average Weight Of A Soccer Player?

The average weight for a male player is 170lbs. The average weight for a female player is 135lbs.

How Fit Do Soccer Players Have To Be?

Pro soccer players require an elite level of fitness. Their cardiovascular levels are very high. They run the most distance per game in all ball sports (7 miles on average).

Who’s The Heaviest Soccer Player In The World?

The heaviest player in the world currently is Englishman Adebayo Akinfenwa, who plays for Wycombe Wanderers F.C. He weighs 227lbs.

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Soccer Lifestyle FAQ

How Much Do Soccer Referees Get Paid?

The salary for a referee ranges from $27 to $50 per youth game. The MLS pays $900 per game and the highest-paid referees are in Spain, they get $6,354 per game!

How much does a stadium cost?

Professional soccer stadiums can cost from 250$ upwards to 1.5 billion dollars. With capacities from 25,000 to 60,000 as an average.

How To Avoid Stomach Cramps While Playing Soccer

Avoiding nasty stomach cramps while playing soccer can be achieved by proper hydration methods, ensuring that your body has all the correct minerals, and properly stretching before the game.

How much do players get paid in the MLS?

The highest-paid player is Carlos Vela, who earns $6.3 million per year playing for Los Angeles FC.
However, the average base salary for a senior roster, a non-designated player in the league is $398,725. While this is a lot of money, it is significantly less than Vela’s whopper wage.

What are the most common scores in the English Premier League?

The most common score in the Premier League is a 1-0 home win, followed by a 2-0 home win, and finally a 2-1 home win. The away victories follow, with 2-1 victories being more prevalent than 1-0 victories.


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