Soccer is a game made for all shapes and sizes — tall, short, stocky, lean, fast or strong. Some sports reward a particular kind of body; soccer rewards diversity.
You have towering goalkeepers, explosive wingers, rock-solid defenders, and nimble playmakers, all on the same pitch.
Although there is no ideal body type for soccer, certain physiques naturally predispose to certain positions.
Have you ever wondered why the tallest players on the team are usually goalkeepers? Or why some midfielders are running like they could moonlight as a marathon runner after an hour, but still want the ball in extra time?
Today, we’re dissecting it all — position by position, body type by body type. By the end, you’ll understand how physique shapes playing style, why some players upend the established rules, and how you can train to acquire a soccer player’s body (should that be your aim).
Let’s get in.
What Are the Body Types of Soccer Players?
Soccer players are generally built for endurance, speed, and agility. They tend to be lean and muscular, with a physique that supports the extensive running and quick bursts of movement required in the game.
The average height and weight of soccer players vary by position, with goalkeepers and center-backs often being the tallest and heaviest, while wingers and attacking midfielders are usually shorter and lighter.
The 3 Main Body Types in Soccer
Before we get into positions, let’s talk about the three general body types (or somatotypes) that most athletes—including soccer players—fall into:
1. Ectomorphs
Ectomorphs are often referred to as “hard gainers” because they find it difficult to gain and maintain muscle.
Normally, ectomorphs have a much longer, thinner build with narrow joints, small bones, and delicate features. This body type usually has a fast metabolism, making it difficult to gain weight or increase muscle mass.
Hyperactivity levels are typically high in ectomorphs and so they tend to enjoy more endurance-type activities such as running and swimming, rather than weights and power sports.
Because of their relatively low amounts of body fat and muscle mass, ectomorphs are usually better adapted for aerobic activities with require submaximal power output.
- Traits: Lean, long limbs, naturally low body fat, struggles to gain muscle.
- Soccer Fit: Often found in midfielders and wingers—players who rely on endurance, agility, and speed.
- Examples: Lionel Messi, N’Golo Kanté, Phil Foden.
SEE ALSO | Recovering from Soccer Injuries Without Rehab: Your Complete Guide
2. Mesomorphs
Mesomorphs are characterized by having a well-defined, symmetrical body structure, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist.
With this body type comes natural strength, allowing mesomorphs to excel in various types of physical activity.
Muscular development is generally easier for mesomorphs compared to people of other body types; they tend to gain muscle faster and can adjust to exercises quickly.
They often have good posture, particularly when they focus on core strengthening exercises such as pilates or yoga.
With diligent training and proper nutrition, mesomorphs can achieve leanness while still holding onto muscle mass – a feat that may prove harder for those who fall into different categories such as ectomorphs or endomorphs.
Mesomorphs are also blessed with naturally high levels of energy that allows them to be more active than others, which in turn helps them maintain their muscular physique.
- Traits: Naturally muscular, with broad shoulders, athletic build, and easy-to-gain muscle.
- Soccer Fit: Common in strikers, full-backs, and box-to-box midfielders—positions requiring power and explosiveness.
- Examples: Cristiano Ronaldo, Virgil van Dijk, Erling Haaland.
3. Endomorphs
Endomorphs are those who have a rounder body type, typically characterized by higher body fat and more of an inactive lifestyle.
Endomorphs generally have a larger bone structure than other body types and tend to be inherently strong and muscular with little additional effort.
They often have shorter limbs and thicker waists, as well as wide hips that can make aerobic activities more challenging for them.
There is nothing wrong with being an endomorph; one’s body type does not make them any less capable than the next person, it simply means that one must tailor their fitness program according to their individual needs.
- Traits: Stocky, strong, gains fat easily, naturally powerful.
- Soccer Fit: Defensive midfielders and some center-forwards—roles where strength and balance matter more than speed.
- Examples: Sergio Agüero, Paul Pogba (in his earlier years), Gennaro Gattuso.
Most elite players are either mesomorphs or ectomorphs, but there are always exceptions (looking at you, Diego Maradona).
SEE ALSO | Can a Soccer Ball Kill? The Dangers You Need to Know
Average Body Types by Position
Here’s a general breakdown of the average height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) of soccer players based on their position:
| 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 |
These are averages, and there are exceptions to every rule. Some of the best players in history have defied these norms, proving that skill and intelligence outweigh mere physicality.
Now, let’s see how these body types translate to actual positions on the field.
Goalkeepers
Typical Build:
- Height: 6’0” – 6’5” (sometimes taller)
- Weight: 170 – 210 lbs
- Body Type: Mostly mesomorphs, some endomorphs
Why This Build?
Goalkeepers need reach (to cover the goal), explosive power (for diving saves), and upper-body strength (to punch or catch powerful shots).
- Tall Keepers: Advantageous for high saves and commanding the box (e.g., Thibaut Courtois – 6’6”).
- Shorter Keepers: Often rely on reflexes and agility (e.g., Jorge Campos – 5’7”, Iker Casillas – 6’0”).
Outliers:
- Short but Elite: Claudio Bravo (5’11”), Keylor Navas (6’1”)
- Ultra-Tall: Simon Bloch Jørgensen (6’10.5”)
Defenders
Center-Backs (The Bruisers)
- Height: 6’0” – 6’5”
- Weight: 170 – 210 lbs
- Body Type: Mesomorphs (strong, muscular)
Why?
- Need strength to win aerial duels.
- Must be physically dominant in 1v1 battles.
Examples:
- Virgil van Dijk (6’4”, 203 lbs)
- Sergio Ramos (6’0”, 176 lbs)
Full-Backs (The Speedsters)
- Height: 5’7” – 6’2”
- Weight: 140 – 180 lbs
- Body Type: Ectomorphs or mesomorphs
Why?
- Need speed and endurance to sprint up and down the wing.
- Must be agile to defend against quick wingers.
Examples:
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (5’9”, 159 lbs)
- Achraf Hakimi (6’0”, 165 lbs)
Midfielders
Defensive Midfielders (The Destroyers)
- Height: 5’7” – 6’2”
- Weight: 150 – 190 lbs
- Body Type: Endomorphs or mesomorphs
Why?
- Need strength to win tackles.
- Must have stamina to cover ground.
Examples:
- Rodri (6’3”, 200 lbs) – Exceptionally strong for his size.
- Casemiro (6’1”, 185 lbs) – Physical presence.
Attacking Midfielders (The Playmakers)
- Height: 5’6” – 6’0”
- Weight: 130 – 170 lbs
- Body Type: Ectomorphs or lean mesomorphs
Why?
- Need agility and balance to dribble in tight spaces.
- Must have endurance to link defense and attack.
Examples:
- Kevin De Bruyne (5’11”, 154 lbs)
- Luka Modrić (5’8”, 150 lbs)
Forwards
Wingers (The Lightning Bolts)
- Height: 5’5” – 6’2”
- Weight: 130 – 180 lbs
- Body Type: Ectomorphs or mesomorphs
Why?
- Need explosive speed to beat defenders.
- Must be agile to cut inside or cross.
Examples:
- Kylian Mbappé (5’10”, 161 lbs)
- Vinícius Júnior (5’9”, 161 lbs)
Strikers (The Finishers)
- Height: 5’7” – 6’5”
- Weight: 150 – 210 lbs
- Body Type: Varies wildly
- Small & Agile: Sergio Agüero (5’8”, 161 lbs)
- Tall & Powerful: Erling Haaland (6’4”, 194 lbs)
- Hybrid (Speed + Strength): Cristiano Ronaldo (6’2”, 183 lbs)
SEE ALSO | How to Avoid Stomach Cramps While Playing Soccer
Can You Change Your Body Type for Soccer?
While genetics play a role, training, and nutrition can optimize your physique for soccer.
Training Like a Pro:
- Endurance: Long-distance runs, interval sprints.
- Strength: Squats, deadlifts, core work.
- Agility: Ladder drills, cone exercises.
Nutrition Tips:
- Lean protein (chicken, fish, beans) for muscle.
- Complex carbs (oats, rice, whole grains) for energy.
- Hydration (lots of water, electrolytes).
What Is the Best Body Type for Soccer?
There is no definitive “best” body type for soccer, as success depends on skill, strategy, and fitness.
However, mesomorphs tend to have an advantage due to their natural athleticism. Many elite players fall into this category, balancing strength, endurance, and agility.
Final Thoughts
Soccer is a sport where skill, intelligence, and work ethic often outweigh pure physical traits. Messi (5’7”) and Haaland (6’4”) are both world-class but built entirely differently.
