Anthropometric Values in Spanish Elite Soccer: Differences between Divisions and Playing Positions

Abstract

Body composition is an important factor in a soccer player’s performance, and anthropometry is one of the most widely used methods of measurement. The physical demands of Spanish soccer have evolved over time, so the ideal body composition requirements must be adapted to the present day. The aim of this study was to describe the anthropometric and body composition profiles of professional soccer players in the second, second B, and third divisions during the 2019–2020 season in order to compare the anthropometric parameters of players among positions and competitive divisions. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine differences in kinanthropometric and derived variables in a sample of Spanish soccer players. A total of 615 soccer players from the second (116 players), second B (310 players), and third (189 players) divisions participated in this study. After comparing the groups according to the playing position and category, it was observed that at higher levels of play, soccer players show lower values of fat mass (FM) and higher values of muscle mass (MM) and bone mass (BM); at lower levels of play, soccer players show more anthropometric differences between playing positions. Lastly, the somatotype of the elite soccer player is balanced mesomorphic, with higher levels of mesomorphy at higher levels of play. In summary, this is the first study to evaluate the body composition of the different Spanish soccer divisions.