Footballers evolve physically over 50 years, reflecting game changes

A report highlights significant changes in the physique of elite footballers over the past five decades. According to experts, players are taller, leaner, and faster, adapting to a more intense, speed-focused game. Research indicates average player height increased by over 4 cm from 1973 to 2013, continuing into the 2020s. Modern players demonstrate enhanced sprinting capabilities, with numerous athletes surpassing speeds of 35 km/h during the 2022 World Cup. These physical transformations result from advancements in sports science and improved playing conditions, which favor lighter, faster players able to sustain high energy outputs throughout matches.

• 6:44 PMYahoo Sports — Taller, faster, older: How top footballers' bodies have changed over 50 years