In short
A professional outfield player usually runs about 10 to 12 kilometres in a 90-minute match. Central midfielders tend to run the most and centre-backs the least of the outfield players, while a goalkeeper covers about 5. Amateur and youth players usually run less, because the pace, the pitch and the match length differ. The only way to know for your own team is to measure it.
Distance by position
How far a player runs depends most on where he plays. As a rough guide for a full professional men's match:
| Position | Usual distance in 90 minutes |
|---|---|
| Central midfielder | About 11 to 13 km, usually the most on the team |
| Full-back and winger | About 10 to 12 km, with the most sprints |
| Striker | About 9 to 11 km |
| Centre-back | About 9 to 10 km, the least of the outfield players |
| Goalkeeper | About 5 km |
Typical ranges from published studies of professional football. Single matches vary a lot.
Why distance alone does not tell you much
Two players can run the same distance in very different ways. One jogs most of the match, the other walks and then sprints. That is why coaches look at three things together:
- Distance covered, how much ground he got over.
- Top speed, how fast he went at his quickest.
- Sprints, how many times he ran flat out. These are the runs that win the ball and make the chances.
A heat map adds where he did his running, which shows whether he held his position. See running data.
Amateur, youth and women's football
At lower levels the numbers are usually smaller, because the game is played at a different pace and there are more stoppages. Youth matches are shorter and often on smaller pitches, so distances are lower again. Women's professional players run distances close to the men's, with fewer high-speed runs. Comparing your players with professional averages is rarely useful. Comparing them with themselves, match after match, is.
How to measure it for your team
There are two ways:
- GPS vests. Precise for your own squad, but each player needs a vest and someone has to run them. They tell you nothing about the opponent.
- Match video. Distance, top speed and sprints for every player on both teams, while the camera shows them, with nothing to wear. See running data without GPS.
With SeeKick you upload the match and both team sheets, and the next evening every named player has his distance, top speed, sprints and a heat map on his own player page. Women's matches are measured with women's speeds.
Questions
How many kilometres does a footballer run in a match?
A professional outfield player usually runs about 10 to 12 km in 90 minutes. Central midfielders often run the most, centre-backs the least, and a goalkeeper about 5 km. Amateur and youth players usually run less.
Which position runs the most in football?
Usually the central midfielder, who has to help in attack and defence. Full-backs and wingers make the most sprints.
How far does a goalkeeper run in a match?
About 5 km in a full match, mostly walking and short movements in and around the box.
How can I find out how far my players run?
Use GPS vests for your own squad, or measure it from the match video, which gives distance, top speed and sprints for both teams with nothing to wear.