Debate continues about the impact of a player’s height on soccer performance. The Athletic published an in-depth analysis titled “Does Height Matter in Football?” The Athletic noted that height can play an important role in soccer, but its significance varies depending on the player’s position.
According to the report, taller players have an advantage in aerial duels during offensive situations, while shorter players excel in dribbling, directional changes, and agility. The Athletic highlighted that “Lionel Messi, at 170cm (5ft 7in), has won the award(Ballon d’Or), which recognizes the world’s best footballer, more than any other male (eight times).” The average height of Ballon d’Or winners up to 2016 was around 178 cm.
Research from the University of Wolverhampton indicates that the average height of players in the English Premier League increased by 1.23 cm (0.5 inches) per decade from 1973 to 2013. However, no clear link was found between height and team performance. The Athletic explained that some recent championship teams in major European leagues have achieved success with players shorter than the league average.
Teams like Manchester City, Bayer Leverkusen, and Inter Milan leverage a mix of heights in their back four or five formations to gain tactical advantages. On average, Bundesliga and Serie A players tend to be taller than those in other leagues, with tall defenders and forwards in these leagues excelling at aerial play. In Germany, newly promoted teams in lower leagues often prioritize physicality.
Bundesliga forwards over 185 cm (5ft 11in) have recorded more playing time than those in other leagues. Serie A also emphasizes tall defenders in three-back formations and set pieces.
Different leagues exhibit distinct preferences for body types and tactical choices. While the Premier League has seen a recent decrease in playing time for smaller midfielders, La Liga in Spain still features shorter players as regular starters.
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has offered opportunities to taller players in recent seasons but currently relies on shorter players like Phil Foden (171 cm) and Bernardo Silva (173 cm) in key roles. La Liga especially showcases shorter players in the tiki-taka short-passing style. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also uses tall players strategically in set-piece situations.
Height also appears to influence referee decisions. One study found that referees are more likely to call fouls and issue warnings to players who are taller than themselves.
Arsenal has been noted as one of the teams with the highest number of red cards in the league. Some scholars call this phenomenon the Napoleon complex, suggesting that referees may be stricter with relatively taller players.
Recently, taller players have been gaining increased attention in soccer. The demands of tight schedules, an expanding number of tournaments, and intensified man-to-man marking require players to possess higher physical capabilities.
According to research from the University of Wolverhampton, the average height of English soccer players has grown slightly over the past decade. However, player physiques have evolved through diet and specialized training to suit soccer better. The Athletic concluded that in 2024, the sport favors taller players, especially given the emphasis on set pieces. However, the best teams continue to benefit from skillful technicians and physically capable athletes, regardless of their size.
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