Football Research Articles

Comparison of quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength ratios between dominant and non-dominant legs in Saudi under-17 and under-19 premier league football players: A cross-sectional study

Football’s global popularity is often overshadowed by frequent lower limb injuries, particularly hamstring strains, which are linked to imbalances in the strength ratio of hamstring-to-quadriceps (H/Q). Research on these factors among Saudi Premier League players, specifically in Madinah City, is limited. Our study is a cross-sectional study that assessed 42 male professional football players from Ohoud Football Club, divided into Underage 17 (UD- 17) and Under age 19 (UD-19) of age groups. The Strength of muscle for hamstrings and quadriceps, as well as the H/Q ratio, was measured using handheld dynamometers (HDD), and demographic data were analyzed using SPSSv26. Results showed that UD-19 players had significantly greater quadriceps strength on both dominants (dominant and non-dominant) sides compared to UD-17 players, with no significant differences in strength of hamstring. The ratio of hamstring to quadriceps was significantly higher in UD-17 players on the dominant side compared to UD-19 players, but statistically significant differences were not found on the non-dominant side. These results suggest that quadriceps strength develops with age and training, potentially reducing injury risk, while the strength of hamstring stabilizes earlier. Tailored training programs focusing on quadriceps strength and balanced hamstring development are recommended for improving injury prevention and performance. Future research involving larger and more diverse samples could further validate these findings and provide a deeper understanding of muscle dynamics in young football players.

Self-regulation and performance among elite youth soccer players: the role of approach-avoidance motivation.

This study aimed to investigate the motivational processes behind self-regulated learning and performance among 192 soccer players (82 girls) for three age groups (14-16 years old) eligible for the Norwegian national football team. A conditional process model was proposed and tested with achievement goals as mediators between achievement motives on the one hand and coach-reported performance and self-regulated learning on the other hand. The probability of success was examined as a potential moderator in the motivational process. As predicted, motives to achieve success directly influenced planning and reflection/evaluation, whereas the influence of the success motive on regulation of effort was explained partly by task- and self-based approach goals. The motive to achieve success was, however, particularly crucial for maintaining these beneficial regulatory processes when the probability of success was found to be from moderate to low. Concerning the avoidance paths, the data supported only some of our original hypotheses. The motive to avoid failure predicted all three types of avoidance-based (task, self, and other) and other-based approach goals but did not contribute to explaining planning, reflection/evaluation, regulation of effort, or performance. There were no significant correlations between motivation variables and coach-reported performance. Moreover, girls were more motivated to avoid failure than boys, while both sexes achieved similar scores for football-specific self-regulated learning, probability of success, achievement goals, and motive to achieve success. The results are discussed considering a hierarchical motivation model.

Assessment of Eating Disorder Risk According to Sport Level, Sex, and Social Media Use among Polish Football Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: Eating disorders (EDs) pose a significant health issue affecting athletes, with risk factors varying by sport level, sex, and social media use. This study assesses the risk of EDs among professional and amateur football players, considering these factors, and compares findings with a control group of non-athletes. Methods: The study involved 170 participants, including non-athletes as a control group, categorized by sex and sport level. The mean age of participants was 24.3 ± 4.20, with an age range of 18–36. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and body mass index (BMI) assessments were used to determine ED risk. Results: Results showed a higher prevalence of ED risk among professional athletes, especially women, compared to amateurs and non-athletes. Social media use and body comparisons were linked to increased ED risk, with professional athletes exhibiting higher vulnerability due to performance pressures. Women, particularly those in professional sports, showed a higher risk of EDs than men, influenced by social and aesthetic pressures. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, promoting healthier body image perceptions and addressing social media’s role in shaping body dissatisfaction. Psychological support and sex-specific strategies should be integrated into athlete care programs to mitigate these risks.

Plasma, Urinary, Erythrocyte, and Platelet Concentrations of Manganese and Molybdenum in Football Players: Differences between Sexes and during the Season

Plasma, Urinary, Erythrocyte, and Platelet Concentrations of Manganese and Molybdenum in Football Players: Differences between Sexes and during the Season

‘Supporting the Support Staff’: A Narrative Review of Nutritional Opportunities to Enhance Recovery and Wellbeing in Multi-Disciplinary Soccer Performance Staff

Background: With ever-increasing training, match-play and travel demands in professional soccer, recovery is vital for athletic performance, a statement amplified in tournament and in-season scenarios. However, alongside supporting the tasks associated with these increased demands, the recovery and wellbeing strategies recommended for playing staff are often unavailable to their support staff counterparts, who routinely experience extended working hours over and above scheduled player attendance. Methods: Focusing on the contributions of nutrition to this undoubtedly multifactorial issue, this narrative review aimed to (1) identify potential strategies to enhance recovery and wellbeing in multi-disciplinary soccer support staff and (2) highlight future research opportunities exploring the benefits of nutrition for those staff in soccer performance-related support roles. Results: The potential health and wellbeing consequences of chronic sub-optimal practices suggest that chrononutrition strategies may be an area of future interest. Notably, nutritional strategies that enhance sleep hygiene and immune function warrant consideration. Individualizing such strategies to maximize recovery and wellbeing in multi-disciplinary soccer support staff should offer an adjunct and complementary strategy to the holistic performance-focused support provided to professional soccer players. Conclusions: Policymakers responsible for organizational and club structures aligned with soccer performance could consider ‘Supporting the Support Staff’ when seeking to improve overall performance.

Don’t forget to mind the mind: a prospective cohort study over 12 months on mental health symptoms in active professional male footballers

AimsWe examined the prevalence and incidence of mental health symptoms (MHS) in active professional male footballers over a 12-month period and investigated if MHS was associated with severe injuries or surgeries.Participants and methodsFootball Players Worldwide (FIFPRO) affiliated national unions invited active professional male football players to participate in the study. MHS was operationalised in symptoms of anxiety, disordered eating, depression, distress, sleep disturbance, alcohol misuse and drug misuse, all being assessed with validated questionnaires.ResultsOf the 101 participants enrolled, the prevalence of distress was 53% and MHS was between 6% for drug misuse and 48% for alcohol misuse. The incidence of distress was 29% and MHS ranged from 1% for anxiety to 11% for sleep disturbance. At baseline, players suffering from injury/surgery were more likely to report depression (OR 1.35; 95%CI 1.10–1.70) and disordered eating (OR 1.22; 95%CI 1.02–1.47). At follow-up, players who suffered injury or surgery were inclined to report distress (OR 2.15; 95%CI 1.26–4.31) and drug misuse (OR 2.05; 95%CI 1.01–4.04).ConclusionThere seems to be a greater prevalence of MHS in active professional male footballers than in the global population and other sports. After severe injury/surgery, the risk of developing MHS is increased, confirming that healthcare professionals should be aware of the mental health of injured players.

The Influence of Competitive Level on Sleep Quality and Quality of Life in Adolescent Soccer Players.

Introduction Soccer is one of the most popular sports worldwide and is a leading physical activity choice among adolescents. This study aims to investigate how the competitive level of adolescent soccer players impacts their sleep quality and quality of life. Methods A total of 5,692 adolescents aged 11 to 19 years were classified based on their physical activity levels and competitive engagement. Participants were categorized as inactive, non-competitive athletes, or soccer players competing at local, regional, or national levels. An anonymous online questionnaire was used to assess sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity level, competition level, sleep quality, and quality of life. Significance was set at p < 0.05. The Chi-square (χ²) test was employed to examine frequency distributions.Comparisons based on competitive level were performed using Generalized Linear Models, adjusting for age, BMI, municipality size, and economic level.When significant differences were identified, post hoc analyses were conducted with a Bonferroni adjustment. Results Girls reported lower sleep quality and quality of life compared to boys. Soccer players exhibited better sleep quality and life satisfaction than inactive individuals and non-competitive athletes, independent of competitive level (p > 0.05 Bonferroni pairwise comparison). Among boys, regional-level soccer players showed the highest sleep quality and quality of life. For girls, national-level soccer players reported the best outcomes in both parameters. Conclusion Adolescent soccer players, regardless of their competitive level, demonstrate better sleep quality and quality of life than inactive individuals or non-competitive athletes. In general, higher levels of competition correlate with improved sleep quality and quality of life, particularly among female athletes.

The frequency of injuries of Iranian male professional soccer players: a cross-sectional study.

Soccer is known to be a sport that carries a high risk of injuries due to its physical nature, involving intense contact and rapid movements like acceleration, deceleration, jumping, and sudden changes in direction. Compared to other sports, soccer is considered a contact sport with a heightened injury risk. The primary objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of sports injuries among professional soccer players. In this cross-sectional study, 56 male professional footballers participated to assess their injuries. The Pre-Competition Medical Assessment (PCMA) was utilized as the standard protocol for evaluating the athletes. The study examined variables such as injury type, player position on the field, and body mass index (BMI) in accordance with the FIFA-recommended PCMA guidelines. Student t-test was used to compare demographic characteristics injured and healthy athlete. Chi square and fisher exact tests were used to assess the association between player position, injury type and BMI classification. In this study, the mean age of the soccer players was 19.38 ± 1.30 years, with a history of participating in 3 to 60 matches. The highest incidence of injuries was recorded in the knee (48.21%) and ankle (30.36%), respectively. A significant relationship was found between the players' positions on the field and knee pain, with strikers experiencing more knee pain compared to players in other positions (p less than 0.04). However, no significant association was observed between the players' BMI and the occurrence of sports injuries (p greater than 0.05). Given the widespread occurrence of knee injuries among footballers, particularly in attacking players, proper planning and appropriate training protocols would be useful to prevent knee injuries and reduce treatment costs.

Quantifying the difference between male and female agility in football players: A cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe study aimed to establish a normative reference value for the agility T-test and Illinois test in football players, on the basis of sex and playing position. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingHimachal Pradesh Football Association and Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College and Hospital-Himachal Pradesh. Participants138 football players including 69 male and 69 female players aged 18–25 years were included. Main outcome measuresIllinois and agility T-test. ResultsNormative values of male and female player's are established for agility T-test 10.06 ± 0.87; 11.27 ± 0.84 and for Illinois test were 15.56 ± 0.80; 17.75 ± 1.37 s, respectively. Mann Whitney U- test was used to compare the agility of both sexes and showed a significant difference (p-value <0.001) in male and female players. Intra-rater reliability was checked for between trials and revealed excellent reliability with greatest single measure ICC (0.972) and average measure ICC (0.936) for Illinois test and single measure ICC (0.891) and average measure ICC (0.903) for agility T-test. ConclusionBoth agility tests concluded that female players are statistically and clinically less agile than male players. Similar results were found when agility was compared according to playing position. On the basis of sex, midfielders are more agile compared with other playing position.

Validity and Reliability of a New Wearable Chest Strap to Estimate Respiratory Frequency in Elite Soccer Athletes.

Assessing respiratory frequency (fR) is practical in monitoring training progress in competitive athletes, especially during exercise. This study aimed to validate a new wearable chest strap (wCS) to estimate fR against ergospirometry as a criterion device in soccer players. A total of 26 elite professional soccer players (mean [standard deviation]: 23.6 [4.8] years; 180.6 [5.7] cm; 77.2 [5.4] kg) from three Italian Serie A League teams participated in this cross-sectional study. The sample included attackers, midfielders, and defenders. fR was assessed during a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a treadmill using (i) a breath-by-breath gas exchange analyzer (Vyntus® CPX, Vyaire Medical) and (ii) a novel wCS with sensors designed to assess breath frequency following chest expansions. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), adjusted coefficient of determination (aR2), Bland-Altman plot analysis, and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (ρc) were used for comparative analysis (correlation and concordance) among the methods. The repeated measures correlation coefficient (rrm) was used to assess the strength of the linear association between the methods. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Finn coefficient (rF) were used for inter-rater reliability. All statistical analyses were performed within the R statistical computing environment, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) reported and statistical significance set at p < 0.05. A total of 16529 comparisons were performed after collecting the CPET data. The robust time series analysis with Hodges-Lehmann estimation showed no significant differences between both methods (p > 0.05). Correlation among devices was statistically significant and very large (r [95% CI]: 0.970 [0.970, 0.971], p < 0.01; aR2 [95% CI]: 0.942 [0.942, 0.943], p < 0.01) with strong evidence supporting consistency of the new wCS (BF10 > 100). In addition, a high concordance was found (ρc [95% CI]: 0.970 [0.969, 0.971], bias correction factor: 0.999). VyntusTM CPX, as a standard criterion, showed moderate agreement with wCS after Bland-Altman analysis (bias [95% lower to the upper limit of agreement]; % agree: 0.170 [-4.582 to 4.923] breaths·min-1; 69.9%). A strong association between measurements (rrm [95% CI]: 0.960 [0.959, 0.961]), a high absolute agreement between methods (ICC [95% CI]: 0.970 [0.970, 0.971]), and high inter-rater reliability (rF: 0.947) were found. With an RMSE = 2.42 breaths·min-1, the new wCS seems to be an valid and reliable in-field method to evaluate fR compared to a breath-by-breath gas exchange analyzer. Notwithstanding, caution is advised if methods are used interchangeably while further external validation occurs.

Decision making using similarity to a reference distribution

Abstract Accepted by: Prof. Ali Emrouznejad In discriminant analysis (DA) and some methods of multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA), we often wish to assign a ‘candidate’ to one of two or more groups, e.g. ‘satisfactory’ or ‘unsatisfactory’. This requires specifying the characteristics of both groups. However, often we are only able or willing to specify the characteristics of one group, the reference or ‘ideal’ group. We propose a method for proceeding in this case, using the overlap index. This is shown to be the probability that a random variable could have come from a reference distribution. This article motivates and introduces the index, describes its estimation and computation, and illustrates its use with examples from discriminant analysis and MCDA. Two of these examples, one of choosing soccer players and another of appraising surgeons, involve managerial decisions. The novelty here is the introduction of ‘1-group discriminant analysis’ based on the overlap index, the application to MCDA and the methodology for the computation of the overlap index.

Survival and longevity among male Australian elite athletes: A retrospective cohort study.

To quantify and compare survival and longevity in three populations of male Australian elite athletes, relative to sex- and age-matched referents from the general population. Retrospective cohort study. This study comprised a census of three populations of male Australian elite athletes (i.e. N = 10,502 Australian Football League players, N = 803 national team rugby union players, and N = 1527 Olympic athletes) who debuted from 1-JAN-1921 to 31-DEC-2023. Nonparametric relative survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier estimator to generate survival curves, the Pohar Perme method and a log-rank type test to estimate and compare net survival, and the life years difference measure to estimate longevity gains or losses. Olympic athletes had a continuous gain in net survival post-debut, with an average life years difference of 3.40 (95 % confidence interval 2.30 to 4.49) years at the maximum follow-up time. Australian football and rugby union players initially had modest gains in net survival post-debut, followed by a gradual decline in net survival, with average life years differences of 0.31 (95 % confidence interval -0.03 to 0.65) and -0.67 (95 % confidence interval -1.87 to 0.53) years at the maximum follow-up time, respectively. Net survival was significantly different across the three cohorts (test statistic 21.8; degrees of freedom = 2; p < 0.001). Expected survival benefits were offset in elite male Australian football and rugby union players. Further research examining cause-specific mortality is warranted to elucidate the underlying reasons for the observed lack of expected survival benefit in Australian football and rugby union players.

When colleagues compete outside the firm

AbstractResearch SummaryCollaboration among employees is the bedrock of an organization, but we suggest that it can be undermined by their extra‐organizational affiliations. We point to the hidden but common constellation of two coworkers who are also affiliated with organizations that compete with one another. We hypothesize that such colleagues collaborate less with one another when performing on behalf of their shared employer. Using data from professional soccer, we provide empirical evidence. We outline implications for research on extra‐organizational affiliations, intraorganizational collaboration, competition and rivalry, and social networks.Managerial SummaryImagine two soccer players who play for the same soccer club – but compete against one another when they perform on behalf of their national team (i.e., the two players have different nationalities). We show that the two soccer players collaborate less (i.e., play fewer passes to each other) at their club after encountering each other as opponents when performing on behalf of their national teams. This finding in the context of sports has implications for firms. Managers of the same firm may serve on boards of directors of companies that compete with each other, and employees may support political parties that compete – eventually hindering internal collaboration.

The Integral Assessment of Playing Tactics in National Football Teams

Objectives. The objective of the study was to determine the features of competitive activities among national football teams based on the integral assessment of playing tactics. Materials and methods. The study was conducted during the 2024 European Football Championship. The competitive activities of national football teams from European countries (Germany, Spain, England, Switzerland, France, Portugal, Netherlands, Turkey) were analyzed, focusing on the playing tactics in 50 halves. In order to carry out the study, the following methods were used: theoretical analysis of literature sources; pedagogical observation of competitive activities; analysis of video materials of competitive activities; methods of mathematical statistics. The statistical analysis of the research results was conducted using descriptive mathematical statistics. The sample was characterized by determining the arithmetic mean, standard deviation (S), and coefficient of variation (V). The significance of observed differences in the indicators was assessed using the parametric Student’s t-test for independent samples. Prior to this, the data’s conformity to a normal distribution was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk W-test. Results. A methodology for the integral assessment of the tactics undertaken by national football teams was developed. The integral assessment of team tactics consisted of 10 specific coefficients that reflect the main components of football players’ competitive activities in the phases of ball possession and recovery. The competitive activities in 50 halves of the 2024 European Football Championship were analyzed. The average value of the integral assessment of the tactics in national football teams was determined to be 5.62 ± 0.43 points. The findings revealed significant tactical variations between the teams, with Spain’s use of high pressing and creative play contributing to their championship victory. A ten-point scale for evaluating the tactics of national football teams was developed, on the basis of which the level of competitive activities is interpreted. Conclusions. The developed methodology for monitoring and analyzing the tactics of football teams allows for targeted management influences on the competitive activities of football players at the operational, current, and stage levels.

BPFNN Based Football Player Value Prediction by Introducing Historic Information

With extensively successful applications of artificial neural networks in many scenarios of classification and prediction, research related to the world most popular sport - football - has undoubtedly attracted researchers to carry out their works with aid of such powerful tools. Despite that most of these works are oriented to predict match results and game strategies, only very a few are designed for player value prediction, which is of great importance with the rapid growth of the football players’ transfer market. In this paper, we propose a BP feedforward neural network framework which integrates both the empirically determined variables and some historical information. Comparative ablation experiments on one dataset FINAL verified the necessity of some factors especially the highest_values which inspired the inclusion of available historical information into the framework. For further verifying the efficiency of integrating historical information, we embedded the value columns of FIFA17 to FIFA21 into the data of FIFA22. Comparative experiments showed an 11% improvement on the precision with the help of historical values, verifying the efficiency of this strategy. Experiments were also conducted for determining the choice of the number of layers, the ratio of the training set and test set, the learning rate, and the process of the missed information.

Ambulance Transports from NCAA Division 1 Football Games.

There is significant public health interest towards providing medical care at mass-gathering events. Furthermore, mass gatherings have the potential to have a detrimental impact on the availability of already-limited municipal Emergency Medical Services (EMS) resources. This study presents a cross-sectional descriptive analysis to report broad trends regarding patients who were transported from National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 collegiate football games at a major public university in order to better inform emergency preparedness and resource planning for mass gatherings. Patient care reports (PCRs) from ambulance transports originating from varsity collegiate football games at the University of Minnesota across six years were examined. Pertinent information was abstracted from each PCR. Across the six years of data, there were a total of 73 patient transports originating from NCAA collegiate football games: 45.2% (n = 33) were male, and the median age was 22 years. Alcohol-related chief complaints were involved in 50.7% (n = 37) of transports. In total, 31.5% of patients had an initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of less than 15. The majority (65.8%; n = 48; 0.11 per 10,000 attendees) were transported by Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances. The remaining patients (34.2%; n = 25; 0.06 per 10,000 attendees) were transported by Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances and were more likely to be older, have abnormal vital signs, and have a lower GCS. This analysis of ambulance transports from NCAA Division 1 collegiate football games emphasizes the prevalence of alcohol-related chief complaints, but also underscores the likelihood of more life-threatening conditions at mass gatherings. These results and additional research will help inform emergency preparedness at mass-gathering events.

Effects of In-Season Velocity-Based vs. Traditional Resistance Training in Elite Youth Male Soccer Players

Effects of In-Season Velocity-Based vs. Traditional Resistance Training in Elite Youth Male Soccer Players

Comprehensive Analysis of Football Player Market Valuation: Integrating Performance Metrics and Marketability Factors

In the fast-paced world of professional football, valuing players involves numerous factors. This paper explores the determinants of football players' market values using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data from sources like Opta Sports, Transfermarkt, and the CIES Football Observatory, along with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews with industry experts, were analyzed. The quantitative analysis found that goals scored and social media followers significantly predict player market value, with a strong social media presence amplifying the impact of goals. Non-linear relationships revealed diminishing returns on market value as social media followers increase. Qualitative insights highlighted the importance of media presence, cultural impact, and digital engagement in shaping player valuations. Players frequently featured in media, seen as cultural icons, or active on digital platforms tend to have higher market values. A comparison with historical data showed a growing emphasis on marketability and digital presence. The study concludes that integrating quantitative performance metrics with qualitative marketability factors is crucial for accurate player valuation. This holistic approach offers valuable insights for clubs, agents, and policymakers, enhancing decision-making in player transfers and contract negotiations. The research contributes to sports management and economics by providing a comprehensive framework for managing player assets in professional football.

An Effective Method of Aerobic Capacity Development: Combined Training with Maximal Aerobic Speed and Small-Sided Games for Amateur Football Players

This study aimed to investigate the effects of combined training with maximal aerobic speed and small-sided games on football players’ aerobic capacity development. Methods: The football players were divided into three groups as a combined training group (n = 20) (Mean ± SD age 23.40 ± 2.92 yrs, BMI was 23.67 ± 1.59 kg/m2, mass: 74.80 ± 5.46 kg, height: 177.73 ± 4.31 cm), maximal aerobic speed group (n = 20) (Mean ± SD age 23.93 ± 2.46 yrs, BMI was 23.32 ± 1.42 kg/m2, mass: 72.66 ± 5.38 kg, height: 176.46 ± 4.99 cm) and regular training group (n = 20) (Mean ± SD age 24.80 ± 5.84 yrs, BMI was 22.87 ± 1.67 kg/m2, mass: 73.06 ± 6.74 kg, height: 178.33 ± 7.98 cm). In addition to regular football training, maximal aerobic speed training with small-sided games was applied to the combined training group (CT) and only maximal aerobic speed training was applied to the maximal aerobic speed group (MAS) twice a week for 12 weeks. The normal training group (NT) continued their routine football training programme. All participants applied the Yo-Yo IR1 test in the pre-test and post-test of the study. As a result of normality tests, it was determined that the data showed normal distribution, and the ANOVA test and Tukey’s multiple comparison test were used in the intergroup evaluation. Results: When the Yo-Yo IR1 Test pre-test and post-test results were analysed, maximal aerobic speed training with small-sided games (CT) and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) groups were significantly higher compared to the normal training (NT) group regarding training load, running distance, and VO2max value among the football players (p = 0.001). There was no difference in the normal training group (p &gt; 0.05). As a result, it was determined that combined training with maximal aerobic speed, small-sided games, and only maximal aerobic speed effectively improved football players’ aerobic capacity and general performance.

From Strikers to Keepers: Somatotype of Football Players from Slovakia.

This study aims to analyze and compare the somatotypes of professional football players from Slovakia with a non-athletic population. Comparative analysis of professional soccer players by their positions, goalkeepers (n = 4; 8%), defenders (n = 16; 32%), strikers (n = 15; 30%), and midfielders (n = 15; 30%), in average age 16.88 ± 1.29 years, based on selected anthropometric parameters, somatotype components, and the resultant somatotype using the Heath-Carter method. The average somatotype of the soccer players was categorized as an ectomorphic mesomorph (40%). Goalkeepers showed significantly greater body height (BH 187.98 ± 3.166 cm) and weight (BW 82.33 ± 4.922 kg) than midfielders (BH 179.25 ± 6.126 cm; p = 0.03; BW 68 ± 6.304 kg; p = 0.014) and strikers (BH 176.04 ± 4.998 cm; p = 0.026; BW 68.93 ± 6.591 kg; p = 0.026). Defenders had significantly greater BH (182.14 ± 4.853 cm; p = 0.026) than strikers. Goalkeepers also had a significantly higher BMI than midfielders (23.28 ± 0.698 vs. 21.14 ± 1.282 kg/m2; p = 0.02) and greater epicondylar width of the humerus (EWH 7.36 ± 0.14 cm) compared to strikers (EWH 6.79 ± 0.308 cm; p = 0.014). The average somatotype values identified goalkeepers [2.0-4.1-3.1], defenders [1.6-3.9-3.2], and strikers [1.7-4.2-2.9] as ectomorphic mesomorphs, while midfielders were identified as mesomorph-ectomorphs [1.6-3.7-3.6]. The results highlight the importance of somatotype in player position suitability and its impact on physical attributes in football.