The evolution of football is a fascinating journey, and the physical transformation of its top players is a captivating aspect of this story. In this article, I will delve into the remarkable changes in the bodies of elite footballers over the past five decades, exploring the factors that have contributed to their increased height, speed, and longevity in the sport.
One of the most striking changes is the significant rise in the average height of top players. According to researchers from Wolverhampton University, the average height of players in the English top division increased by more than 4cm between 1973 and 2013. This trend continued in the following decade, with goalkeepers and defenders also experiencing an increase in height. The study's authors suggest that this change in body type is due to better pitches and the increased workload required of modern-day players. In the 1970s, pitches in the middle of winter used to get very muddy, and players had to be very muscular to perform well. Now, with better pitches, you're getting lighter, thinner players that can perform for longer periods of sustained energy outputs.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the shift towards a more angular and ectomorphic body shape. The Reciprocal Ponderal Index (RPI) measures height relative to weight, emphasizing thinness. Rising scores for RPI indicate a trend towards tall, lean, light-framed, long-limbed body shapes. This change in body type is likely due to the evolution of exercise and medicine, as well as changes in the way the game is played. Elite football has evolved into a battle for every inch of pitch space, and modern players have to become faster and stronger to keep up.
The increased speed of the game is another significant change. Studies have estimated that players rarely broke the 30km/h barrier in the 1970s and 80s, but in the 2022 World Cup, at least 10 players ran at speeds faster than 35km/h. And crucially, players are having to hit their top speeds more times in a match. This acceleration in the game has been largely driven by the increased use of high-pressing tactics, which require players to be fast and coordinated. However, the game has not seen a large increase in the distances players cover, with the average distance per match remaining relatively stable.
One thing that immediately stands out is the impact of sports science on the longevity of footballers. Advances in training regimes, nutrition, and recovery have made it possible for players to keep playing at elite levels for longer. The average squad age in the Uefa Champions League rose from 24.9 years-old in 1992 to 26.5 in 2018. The last three World Cups were the oldest in history, with the 2018 tournament registering the highest-ever average player age of 27.9 years. This trend is continuing, with 72 over-35s on official Fifa squad lists this year, and eight players aged 40 or over.
However, there are concerns about the burden on elite players. The number of games played by most clubs around the world is stable, at around 42. But for elite players, the burden can be much heavier. For example, Liverpool and Dutch defender Virgil Van Dijk has already taken part in 65 games this season, including 10 for his national team, ahead of the World Cup. Fifpro, the international footballers' trade union, has called for increased safeguards on rest and recovery time, as the demands on players have 'never been greater'.
In conclusion, the physical transformation of top footballers over the past five decades is a testament to the evolution of the sport. From increased height and speed to the impact of sports science on longevity, the game has changed dramatically. However, there are concerns about the burden on elite players, and it is crucial to ensure that they have the necessary rest and recovery time to maintain their health and performance. As the game continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how these changes shape the future of football.
