You’ve probably heard it before—maybe from a coach, a neighbor, or that one uncle who swears football builds character: “Playing too much soccer might stunt your growth.” And if you’re a parent watching your teen sprint through another game—or you’re that teen hustling through two-a-days—yeah, the thought does creep in. Can all that running, kicking, and contact mess with how tall you’ll end up?
Now, I’ve heard this one a lot over the years. And honestly, it sounds believable when you think about growth plates, high-impact training, and all the wear and tear youth athletes take on. But here’s the thing—what science shows doesn’t quite match the myth.
So let’s break it down—what really happens to your body during youth soccer, and is your height actually on the line?
The Physical Demands of Soccer: What Your Body Actually Goes Through
Here’s the thing—soccer isn’t just “a lot of running.” It’s a cocktail of sprinting strain, sharp pivots, explosive jumping, and long stretches of endurance training. If you’re playing competitively—especially under programs like the US Soccer Federation or AYSO—you’re putting your body through some real, repetitive stress. I’ve seen teens go from weekend kickarounds to five-day-a-week elite drills, and the transformation? It’s not just in skill—it’s in wear and tear too.
In my experience, these are the biggest physical stressors you should keep an eye on:
- Sprinting Repeats: You’re not jogging—you’re stop-and-go sprinting, dozens of times per game. This hits your joints (especially knees and ankles) way harder than you’d expect.
- Jumping + Heading Drills: I’ve noticed that high-frequency aerial training tends to tighten up the hips and lower back over time. Doesn’t always show up in the moment—but it stacks.
- High-Impact Cutting Movements: Those quick direction changes? They demand a ton from your ACL and surrounding support muscles. Not uncommon to see strain injuries in players who lack proper strength training alongside.
- Endurance Routines: Long practices with minimal rest can push young bodies into the red zone. If growth plates are still open, it matters how much rest and recovery you’re actually getting.
Now, casual weekend players? Totally different story. But if your teen’s deep into academy or travel league play, I’d argue it’s not if physical stress builds up—it’s when.
So, does soccer affect growth? Not directly. But the way it’s played—and how you recover—absolutely plays a role in how the body develops long-term.
How Tall Are Pro Soccer Players, Really?
Now, if you’ve ever watched an MLS match and thought, “Man, these guys look taller on TV,”—you’re not alone. I used to assume all pro soccer players were well over six feet tall (blame FIFA video games), but when you actually look at the numbers, it’s not that black and white.
What I’ve found digging through team rosters and scouting reports is that there’s no single “pro soccer height.” It really depends on the league, the position, and sometimes even the playing style of the team.
Here’s a quick breakdown with some personal insights:
- MLS average height: Right around 5’11” (180 cm). Not short, but definitely not NBA-level tall either.
(Honestly, I expected it to be higher until I started tracking rosters over the past few seasons.) - USMNT players: Most hover between 5’9” to 6’2”, depending on position.
(Goalkeepers? Yeah, you’ll almost never find one under 6’2”. It’s practically a requirement.) - FIFA global averages: Pretty similar—5’10” to 6’0” is the sweet spot for most top-tier players.
(Some South American squads skew slightly shorter, while northern European teams often trend taller.) - By position:
- Forwards/Wingers: 5’8”–5’11” (they need that agility and low center of gravity)
- Midfielders: 5’9”–6’0” (versatility wins here)
- Defenders: 6’0”+ (especially center backs—those aerial duels are no joke)
- Goalkeepers: 6’2”–6’5” (this one’s almost universal)
So, no—you don’t have to be a giant to go pro. But depending on where you play and what role you’re gunning for, your height can shape how you’re used on the field. What matters more (and I’ve seen this time and time again) is how you use your frame—whatever it is—to your advantage.
Can Soccer Actually Make You Shorter? What the Science Says
So let’s clear this one up right away: there’s no scientific evidence that playing soccer makes you shorter. I get why people wonder, though—I’ve heard the same concerns from parents at Saturday tournaments and even from young athletes who notice they’re not growing as fast as their teammates. But what the research actually says? It’s a whole different story.
Studies in pediatric endocrinology and sports medicine journals—the ones tracking bone growth, height development, and adolescent athletic activity—consistently show no direct link between playing soccer and reduced height. One longitudinal study out of Europe tracked youth players for over five years. What did they find? Normal height progression across the board. No shrinkage. No delays. Nada.
Now, if you’re logging crazy hours on the field and skipping meals or not sleeping well (and I’ve definitely seen that happen, especially during peak season), that can mess with your growth—because it hits your hormones and recovery. But it’s not the soccer itself.
What I’ve found is this: soccer may bang up your shins, tweak your ankles, and give you brutal tan lines—but it’s not taking inches off your height chart.
Real Risk Factors That Can Affect Height in Sports
Alright, let’s get real for a second—it’s not the sport that stunts growth, it’s what’s happening around it. And yeah, I’ve seen this play out more times than I can count. You’ve got kids putting in hours on the field, chasing big dreams… but without the fuel, rest, or recovery their bodies actually need to grow.
Here’s the thing—overtraining is sneaky. It doesn’t always show up as burnout right away. Sometimes it looks like fatigue that just doesn’t go away, or weird aches in the knees (yep, growth plates) that get brushed off as “just sore from practice.” Combine that with poor calorie balance—or worse, kids skipping meals to “stay lean”—and you’ve got a real mess. Your body can’t grow if it’s in survival mode.
Oh, and sleep deprivation? Huge one. Growth hormone is released when you’re in deep sleep. Cut that short night after night? You’re short-changing more than just your energy levels. (Been there, regretted it.)
What I’ve learned is this: it’s not about playing hard—it’s about recovering smart. Nutrition, rest, and injury care matter just as much as the hustle. Maybe more.
Final Thoughts: Encouraging Healthy Growth in Young Athletes
If there’s one thing I’ve learned working with youth athletes, it’s that growth isn’t just about genetics—it’s about the environment you create around the kid. And honestly, that part? That’s on you—the coach, the parent, the adult they’re looking up to.
Now, I’m not saying you need to micromanage every protein shake or make them track sleep cycles in a spreadsheet (although I’ve seen that… not always helpful). But small, consistent habits do matter. Make sure they’re getting enough rest—real rest, not just screen time in bed. Schedule actual rest days. Prioritize whole foods, not just calories. Encourage check-ins—not just for injuries, but to see how they feel. (Sometimes that tells you more than any lab test.)
You see, what I’ve found is that the kids who thrive long-term? They’ve got balance. They’re supported, not pushed to the brink. They’re coached, not pressured.
So if you’re serious about helping a young athlete grow strong—physically and mentally—focus less on the scoreboard, and more on their recovery, nutrition, and joy. Everything else tends to follow.