Average Soccer Player Height by Position! [2025 Rankings]

Soccer is a sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. One of the things that makes soccer so great is that it truly is a sport for everyone. Whether you’re tall or short, fast or slow, there’s a position on the soccer field for you. That said, certain positions tend to be better suited for players of a certain stature.

In soccer, shorter players tend to be mostly upfront. There are some benefits to being taller, but smaller players can also compete against taller athletes. So, does height actually matter? It may give players an advantage, but ultimately it’s up to the individual athlete.

Height is something that can give athletes a major advantage in many sports. In soccer, however, height doesn’t seem to matter as much. The average height in soccer is around 5‘11.“ (1.83 m), and shorter players tend to be mostly upfront. There are some benefits to being taller, but smaller players can also compete against taller athletes on a fairly even playing field. What is the average height in soccer?

Average Height Of Professional Soccer Players By Their Position

Height is an important trait for soccer players, depending on their position on the field. Here is a list of the average heights for each position in the sport:

Position	Average height in feet	Average height in meters
Goalkeepers	6’3”	1.9 m
Center backs	6’2”	1.88 m
Wing backs	5’11”	1.82 m
Central midfielders	5’10”	1.80 m
Attacking midfielders	5’11”	1.82 m
Strikers	5’7”	1.7 m

Regarding soccer, height can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. On the one hand, being tall gives a player an improved ability to win headers—an important skill for strikers and defenders alike. On the other hand, being too tall can make it difficult to change directions quickly, which is essential for midfielders who need to be able to keep up with the play.

Is there an ideal size for a soccer player?

Yes, there is, but for each position, the height requirements are quite different. Anyone can be a professional soccer player, but not in all positions. The average professional soccer player is around 5’11”, but that number depends on the position.

Strikers

Forwards are often the tallest players on the field. This gives them an advantage in the air, as they are more likely to win headers than their shorter counterparts. Tall strikers also have a longer reach, which can help them get to balls that shorter players might not be able to reach. The downside of being a tall striker is that they may not be able to change directions as quickly as their shorter opponents.

What is an ideal height for a striker?

It depends on the role they are playing. If they are primarily a target man, then being taller is definitely an advantage. However, if they are expected to run at defenders and create chances for themselves, then being too tall can be a hindrance.

But the average of the best strikers of all time is 6‘2“ (1.88 m).

Midfielders

Like strikers, midfielders come in all shapes and sizes. The average height of a midfielder is around 6 feet (1.83 m). This gives them a good mix of both speed and strength. Midfielders need to be able to keep up with the play and make quick decisions. They also need to be strong enough to hold their own against larger opponents.

What is an ideal height for a midfielder?

Again, it depends on the role they are playing. If they are expected to sit in front of the defense and break up attacks, then being taller can be an advantage. However, if they are expected to get forward and create chances, then being too tall can be a hindrance.

The average of the best midfielders of all time is 5‘9“ (1.75 m).

Defenders

Defenders are typically the tallest players on the field. This gives them an advantage in the air, as they are more likely to win headers than their shorter counterparts. Tall defenders also have a longer reach, which can help them get to balls that shorter players might not be able to reach. The downside of being a tall defender is that they may not be able to change directions as quickly as their shorter opponents.

What is an ideal height for a defender?

It depends on the role they are playing. Being taller can be an advantage if they are expected to man-mark an opposing striker. However, if they are expected to play a more restrained game and stay back to defend their own goal, then being too tall can be a hindrance.

The average of the best defenders of all time is 6‘1“ (1.85 m) .

Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers are often the tallest players on the field. This gives them an improved ability to reach high balls and make saves. The downside of being a tall goalkeeper is that they may not be able to change directions as quickly as their shorter opponents.

What is an ideal height for a goalkeeper?

It depends on the role they are playing. Being taller can be an advantage if they are expected to come off their line and act as an extra sweeper. However, if they are expected to stay back and protect their goal, then being too tall can be a hindrance. If you take a look at our article about the 25 tallest soccer players, you will see one thing that most of them have in common, yes, you have guessed it correctly, they are all goalkeepers.

The average of the best goalkeepers of all time is 6‘3“ (1.91 m).

The taller you are, the more of an advantage you have in the air. This is why strikers and defenders are often the tallest players on the field. However, being too tall can also be a hindrance. This is because taller players may not be able to change directions as quickly as their shorter counterparts.

The ideal height for a player depends on the role they are playing. For example, a striker who is expected to run at defenders and create chances for themselves would benefit from being shorter than a target man who is primarily used for their height advantage in the air. Ultimately, it is up to the coach to decide what type of player they want and what size will suit them best.

The main advantages of taller soccer players

The main advantages of taller soccer players are their improved ability to win headers, longer reach, and improved aerial vision.

Heading

Height can be a major advantage when it comes to winning aerial balls. Taller players have easier timing their jumps and getting to the ball first. This can lead to some scoring opportunities near the net, as defenders will be able to out-jump many of the opposing players.

The main disadvantage of taller soccer players is their reduced agility compared to shorter players. Soccer is a sport that requires a mix of speed, strength, and stamina. Players of all sizes can be successful if they have the right skill set for their position.

Power

One of the most important aspects of soccer is the player’s ability to change directions quickly. This is often referred to as agility. Many of the best players in the world are shorter than average because they have an easier time changing directions quickly. This can be a major advantage when it comes to dribbling past defenders or making a last-minute move to get open for a shot.

Taller players may also have an advantage when it comes to strength. This is because they have more mass and can generate more force than their shorter counterparts. This can be an advantage when it comes to winning physical battles for the ball or outmuscling opponents in the air.

Leg reach

One of the most important aspects of soccer is a player’s ability to control the ball. This requires good vision, touch, and technique. Taller players often have an advantage when it comes to controlling the ball because they have longer legs. This gives them a larger surface area to make contact with the ball. Taller players may also have an advantage when it comes to passing because they can see over their shorter opponents.

The main disadvantage of taller soccer players is their reduced agility compared to shorter players. Soccer is a sport that requires a mix of speed, strength, and stamina. Players of all sizes can be successful if they have the right skill set for their position.

Arm reach ( it is the only advantage for Goalkeepers)

Taller soccer players often have an advantage when it comes to saving goals. This is because they can stretch their arms further than shorter players. Taller goalkeepers may also have an advantage when it comes to catching crosses because they can reach higher balls.

The main disadvantage of taller soccer players is their reduced agility compared to shorter players. Soccer is a sport that requires a mix of speed, strength, and stamina. Players of all sizes can be successful if they have the right skill set for their position.

The main advantages of shorter soccer players

The main advantages of shorter soccer players are their improved agility, ability to change directions quickly, and increased speed.

Agility

One of the most important aspects of soccer is the player’s ability to change directions quickly. This is often referred to as agility. Many of the best players in the world are shorter than average because they have an easier time changing directions quickly. This can be a major advantage when it comes to dribbling past defenders or making a last-minute move to get open for a shot.

Speed

Shorter players often have an advantage when it comes to speed. This is because they have less mass and can accelerate faster than taller players. This can be a major advantage when beating an opponent to the ball or making a last-minute dash to the goal.

Taller players may also have an advantage when it comes to strength. This is because they have more mass and can generate more force than their shorter counterparts. This can be an advantage when it comes to winning physical battles for the ball or outmuscling opponents in the air.

Does height matter in soccer?

The simple answer is yes. Height can be an advantage in soccer. Taller players often have an advantage when it comes to controlling the ball, passing, and saving goals. However, shorter players can also be successful if they have the right skill set for their position. The most important thing is for players of all sizes to develop their own strengths and find a position that suits their abilities.

If you are taller, you can potentially do better, but one of the most famous professional players considered the best in history, is not that tall.

Here they are:

1. Lionel Messi- 5′ 7″ (1.70 m)
2. Cristiano Ronaldo- 6′ 1″ (1.85 m)
3. Zlatan Ibrahimović- 6′ 4″ (1.93 m)
4. Wayne Rooney- 5′ 10″ (1.78 m)
5. Andrés Iniesta- 5′ 7″ (1.70 m)
6. Neymar Jr.- 5′ 9″ (1.75 m)

For sure you know all of them! If their height did not limit them, you are not as well!

Conclusion

As you can see, height can be both an advantage and a disadvantage, depending on your position on the soccer field. That said, there is no one perfect height for every position—it all depends on the individual player’s strengths and weaknesses. So whether you’re tall or short, fast or slow, there’s always a place for you on the soccer pitch!