What is the Average Height of Soccer Players?

The average height of a male professional soccer player is between 5’8″ to 6’2″. The average height of a player typically depends on the position which I’ll cover in this article.

Unlike other professional sports, height doesn’t matter as much in soccer.

For example, the average NBA player stands at 6’6″. The average height for an NFL player is 6’2″!

It’s worth noting that someone’s height is not the only factor that determines a player’s ability, and many successful soccer players are relatively short compared to the average player.

In the game of soccer, what is more important is a player’s technical ability, tactical awareness, and physical attributes such as speed, agility, and strength.

In this article, let’s focus on soccer the average height by soccer position.

Average Height of Soccer Players by Position

As briefly mentioned earlier, a player’s height often determines the position and role of the player.

Goalkeepers are typically taller since they need to cover the goal as much as possible to save shots.

On the other hand, an attacking midfielder is typically of average height for a male.

As a fun breakdown, let’s take a quick look at an average height by position:

• Goalkeepers: The average height of a professional soccer goalkeeper is around 6’2″ to 6’4″. There have been many successful goalkeepers throughout history who are shorter, such as Pedro Benítez and  Marcelo Barovero, so it’s important to remember that height is just one of the many factors that can contribute to a goalkeeper’s success.
• Defenders: The average height of a professional soccer defender is around 6’0″ to 6’2″. Defenders typically are taller than the average player, but not as tall as goalkeepers, as they need to be able to win aerial duels and provide cover against attacking players.
• Midfielders: The average height of a professional midfielder is around 5’8″ to 5’11”. Players who are responsible for controlling the tempo of the game and linking defense to attack, tend to be taller, with an average height of around 5’10” to 5’11”.
  Wingers and attacking midfielders, who are more focused on creating scoring opportunities, tend to be a bit shorter, with an average height of around 5’8″ to 5’10”.
• Forwards: Forwards are usually taller than the average field player, as they need to have the aerial ability to win headers and pose a threat in the box. With this said, the average forward in professional soccer is around 6’0″ to 6’2.

What Are the Advantages of Being Shorter?

In soccer, being shorter has its advantages, such as:

• Low center of gravity: Shorter players tend to have a lower center of gravity, which can make them more agile and able to change direction very quickly. This can be a huge advantage when dribbling, making quick turns, and avoiding aggressive defenders.
• Greater speed and acceleration: Shorter players may be lighter and have shorter strides. This can be advantageous when making short sprints or bursting through small gaps in the defense. This is especially true in the midfield area of the pitch.
• Better ball and body control: Shorter players may have better control of the ball, as they may have a smaller area to cover with their feet. This can make them better at dribbling and ball control, allowing them to maneuver around defenders more easily.
• Ability to hide behind defenders and make cleaner runs: Shorter players may be able to hide behind taller defenders, making it more difficult for opponents to mark them.

What Are the Advantages of Being Taller?

Being taller in soccer can also have its advantages, including:

• Aerial ability: Taller players have an advantage in the air, which can be useful when defending against crosses, taking corner kicks, or scoring headers. Their height can allow them to reach balls that shorter players cannot, giving them an advantage in the air.
• Physical presence: Taller players often have a larger frame and greater physical strength, which gives them an advantage in physical one-on-one battles for the ball.
• Long-range passing and shooting: Taller players often have longer legs, which can give them a longer range of passing and shooting. They may be able to hit long passes with more accuracy or shoot from farther out, making them more of a threat from a distance. This is emphasized as players play out of the backfield and start counterattacks.

Final Thoughts About Soccer Height

Height matters very little in soccer.

It is a big advantage to be 6’8” in basketball. In fact, you don’t see too many players under 6’0” in the NBA.

Have you ever heard the phrase, “You can’t teach height.”? It’s true. It’s something you are born with so the focus for soccer players should be skill development, strength training (at older ages), and mindset.

Many youth soccer coaches and directors in the U.S. are finally realizing that having great skills is more important than simply being bigger than everyone else.

Some players develop earlier than others which creates an advantage but it levels out as they get older.

I hope this article helps give you a perspective on height in soccer and the advantages of being shorter and taller!

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