Differences in Body Composition between Playing Positions in Men’s Professional Soccer: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The performance of male soccer players (MSPs) depends on multiple factors, such as body composition. It is understandable to think that, due to the physical demands and specific functions during play, body composition may vary depending on the playing position. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to describe the anthropometric, BC, and somatotype characteristics of professional MSPs and to compare the reported values according to playing position. We systematically searched Embase, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science following the PRISMA statement. Random-effects meta-analysis, a pooled summary of means, and 95% CI (method or equation) were calculated. Random models were used with the Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) method. Twenty-six articles were included in the systematic review and the meta-analysis. After comparing the groups according to the playing position (goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and forward), significant differences were found in age, height, weight, the sum of skinfolds, kilograms of muscle mass, and kilograms of fat-free mass (p = 0.001; p < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed in fat mass, percentage of fat-free mass, percentage of muscle mass, bone mass, and somatotype. Despite the limitations, this study provides useful information to help medical–technical staff to properly assess the BC of professional MSPs, providing reference values for the different positions.

Supplement Consumption by Elite Soccer Players: Differences by Competitive Level, Playing Position, and Sex

“…Research suggests that during a match, the midfielder and forward positions are the most physically active playing positions [76][77][78]. Furthermore, research has shown that these positions are associated with lower levels of body fat [79], indicating a higher energy expenditure. Our study found a positive association between these positions and a higher caffeine intake.…”

Dietary Habits of Elite Soccer Players: Variations According to Competitive Level, Playing Position and Sex

“…Nutrient intake can have a profound impact on a player's body composition and performance favoring a similarity with elite soccer patterns, where scientific literature advocates that each playing position shows specific characteristics due to different physical demands and roles during training and, especially, in competitions [3,6,7,64]. Therefore, it is recommended to take care of the nutrition of all players and, if possible, to individualize the nutrition based on the playing position.…”

“…There are two main categories: the base and the professional one, with the base category (U19-10) being the one played Nutrients 2023, 15, 4323 2 of 14 by young people before reaching the professional leagues (1st and 2nd in Spain) [4]. It is well known that body composition [5][6][7], as well as hydration, healthy eating habits and supplementation [3,8,9], are associated with physical performance among elite athletes. Understanding how these factors, along with playing position, may influence the nutritional intake of soccer players is essential for the design of nutrition education programs.…”

“…Moreover, the intensity used to cover this distance also changes from one position to another, with the wide defenders, center forwards and wide midfielders being the ones who performed the greatest number of runs at very high intensity [11]. In addition, it has recently been observed that, depending on the playing position, the soccer player shows different body composition characteristics [7]. These results imply that individual differences in playing style need to be taken into account when planning nutritional and training strategies [12].…”

Analysis of Fluid Balance and Urine Values in Elite Soccer Players: Impact of Different Environments, Playing Positions, Sexes, and Competitive Levels

“…In addition, different playing positions have varying anthropometric characteristics and physical demands during matches. Therefore, hydration needs may differ between matches and training [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Finally, it is important to consider that total daily fluid requirements may vary with age.…”