Throughout my years on the pitch, one thing stood clear: while talent and skill are the backbone of a player’s success, physical attributes, especially height, can’t be brushed aside. Trust me, I’ve been there, towered over by opponents and sometimes using my height as an advantage.
Ever wondered why some teams dominate aerial battles or why certain players always seem to get their heads on the ball during set pieces? It’s all in the inches.
I’ve rolled up my sleeves and jumped into a comprehensive study, analyzing over 1,000 soccer players from various top-tier leagues to prove my point. What you’re about to read isn’t just an average height report; it’s a testament to how significant height can be in shaping the outcome of a game.
After a long analysis, we calculated that the average soccer player’s height is around 6’0 / 183 cm.
Here is the average soccer player’s height by position:
| Position | Average Height |
| Goalkeeper | 6’2 / 188 cm |
| Defender | 6’0 / 183 cm |
| Midfielder | 5’11 / 180 cm |
| Striker | 5’11 / 180 cm |
Now the average height by league:
| League | Height | Height (cm) |
| Premier League | 6’0″ | 183 |
| La Liga | 5’11” | 180 |
| Bundesliga | 6’1″ | 185 |
| Serie A | 6’0″ | 183 |
| MLS | 6’1″ | 185 |
I’ve seen it, lived it, and now I’ve quantified it. Prepare to see the game from a different perspective, one where the inches matter just as much as the miles run. Buckle up, because we’re about to elevate this discussion to new heights.
Average height by position
Goalkeepers
At a towering 6 foot 2 inches (188 cm), it’s clear why goalkeepers reign supreme in height. In the high-stakes football world, anything less than this height is a liability between the sticks. The extra inches give them the undeniable edge to dominate in aerial duels and make those game-saving fingertip saves. Any team serious about their defense should prioritize this height in their goalkeeper selection.
Defenders
Standing firm at 6 feet (183 cm), defenders set the gold standard for what’s expected at the back. This isn’t just a preference; it’s a necessity. In the rough and tumble of the defensive third, those lacking this height are bound to be found wanting. The game’s elite defenders aren’t just tall; they use their height as a defensive and offensive weapon.
Midfielders
With an average height of 5 foot 11 inches (180 cm), some might argue midfielders are at a disadvantage. But in my view, this is the optimal height for the engine room. It strikes the perfect balance, allowing for agility and vision. Any taller, and you risk losing that nimble edge; any shorter and physical battles become a challenge.
Strikers
Strikers, also averaging 5 foot 11 inches (180 cm), prove that you don’t need towering height to be a threat upfront. In fact, I’d argue that the most lethal strikers are those who can dart around, slipping through defenses unnoticed. While tall forwards have their place, the real magic often comes from those who can change direction on a dime and leave defenders in their wake.
Average height by league
Now let’s make some analysis of popular soccer leagues.
Premier League Average Height: 6 feet / 183 cm
| Club | Average Height |
| Chelsea | 6’0 |
| Aston Villa | 6 |
| Arsenal | 5.9 |
| Liverpool | 6 |
| Manchester City | 5.11 |
| Manchester United | 6 |
| Tottenham | 6 |
| Newcastle United | 6 |
| West Ham United | 6 |
| Everton | 6 |
The Premier League, often hailed as one of the most competitive leagues in the world, sees its players averaging a height of 6’0″ (183 cm). This height is indicative of the league’s balanced approach, accommodating both physically imposing players and those who rely more on skill and agility.
La Liga Average Height: 5’11 / 180 cm
| Club | Average Height |
| Alaves | 5’11 |
| Athletic Club | 6’0 |
| Atletico Madrid | 5’11 |
| Barcelona | 5’11 |
| Celta Vigo | 5’11 |
| Real Betis | 5’11 |
| Real Madrid | 6’0 |
| Sevilla | 6’0 |
| Valencia | 6’0 |
| Villareal | 5’11 |
La Liga, known for its technical prowess and quick play, has an average player height of 5’11” (180 cm). This slightly shorter stature might be a reflection of the league’s emphasis on skillful play, quick passes, and agility on the ball.
Bundesliga Average Height: 6’1 / 185 cm
| Club | Average Height |
| Wolfsburg | 6’1 |
| RB Leipzig | 6’1 |
| Bayern Munich | 6’0 |
| Bayer Leverkusen | 6’1 |
| Borussia Dortmund | 6’0 |
| VFB Stuttgart | 6’1 |
| Werder Bremen | 6’1 |
| Mainz | 6’2 |
Germany’s Bundesliga boasts an average player height of 6’1″ (185 cm), the joint-highest among the leagues listed. This could be attributed to the league’s physical style of play and emphasis on set pieces, where height can be a significant advantage.
Serie A Average Height: 6’0 / 183 cm
| Club | Average Height |
| Inter | 6’0 |
| AS Roma | 6’1 |
| Juventus | 6’0 |
| Lazio | 6’0 |
| Atalanta | 6’1 |
| AC Milan | 6’0 |
| Sassuolo | 6’0 |
| Napoli | 6’1 |
With its tactical and defensive style, Serie A sees its players averaging a height of 6’0″ (183 cm). This suggests a balanced approach in the league, accommodating both defensive stalwarts and nimble forwards.
MLS Average Height: 6’1 / 186 cm
| Club | Average Height |
| Atlanta United | 5’11 |
| Nashville FC | 6’1 |
| Inter Miami FC | 6’1 |
| LA Galaxy | 6’1 |
| Columbus Crew | 6’2 |
| St. Louis City | 6’2 |
| Real Salt Lake | 6’1 |
| Austin FC | 6’1 |
The Major League Soccer (MLS), still growing in stature on the global stage, matches the Bundesliga with an average player height of 6’1″ (185 cm). This might be indicative of the league’s evolving style, blending physicality with increasing technical skill.
Across these top football leagues, it’s evident that height remains a crucial attribute, especially in positions that demand physical dominance, like defending and goalkeeping. However, the slight variation in average height, particularly the shorter stature in La Liga, underscores the importance of technical ability and agility in modern football.
While physicality and height can be advantageous in certain situations, the success of slightly shorter players in leagues like La Liga showcases that skill, vision, and quick decision-making remain paramount in the beautiful game.
All data you see in this article is pulled from ESPN.
But what about weight?
Glad you asked.
If you want to know the average weight of a soccer player, you simply have to read Average Weight of a Soccer Player – What Does the Data Say? (2022).
