Social media users were quick to assume that Bale was faster than Usain Bolt, which is quite funny, to say the least.

To get it out of the way, soccer professionals are not near as fast as Olympic track athletes. Bale might be fast, but Usain Bolt’s world record top speed of 27.78mph remains unmatched.

Soccer is such a demanding fast-paced sport. Irrespective of your position on the pitch (except perhaps the goalkeeper), you may often find yourself sprinting hard to get to the ball before your opponent.

Counter attacks and high-pressure tactics are a consistent part of the game, and this is often where pacy players thrive.

Not surprisingly, the fastest speeds on the pitch have been clocked during counterattacks and through-passes. The players who reach these speeds can do so with or without the ball, easily beating another opponent in one-on-one situations.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the 15 fastest soccer players in the world and their respective speeds.

15. Leonardo Spinazzola

21 mph

One of Italy’s most consistent performers during the Euros, the 28-year-old wing-back is popular for his marauding runs down the left flank. Joining Roma in 2019, Spinazzola struggled to make an impact at first. However, he has improved rapidly in the past season.

Much of those improvements were visible to all when he notably clocked the highest top speed at the Euros. Standing at 1.86 meters, the Italian star has the legs for all that running, along with the stamina to achieve high speeds consistently throughout a game.

Spinazzola’s pacy presence down the left flank will be important for the Italian giants as they contend for continental positions in the league this season.

14. Raphinha

21.26 mph

The 24-year-old Brazilian winger plays for Leeds United in the English Premier League. Last season, Raphinha scored 7 goals for his club, with most of his goals coming due to his agility and speed.

This season, with only three games played, the star has already clocked 21.26 mph during one of his consistent dashes down the flank. 

Raphinha’s top speed makes him one of the fastest soccer players, not just in England, but in the world. Standing at 1.76 meters, the diminutive winger’s center of gravity is nearer to the ground.

This makes him highly efficient in turning rapidly with quick accelerations. Thanks to some well-spent gym time, he has become a very pacy player as well.

13. Antonio Rudiger

21.38 mph

Chelsea’s star defender has been a rock in the Blues defense since he left Roma after the 2016-17 season. Last season, he helped guide the team to their first Champions League trophy since 2012.

This season, he has already played four games in which Chelsea has conceded just one goal.

It isn’t often that a center-back sits on the list of fast soccer players, but Rudiger is arguably one of the best defenders in the world.

Standing at a tall 1.9 meters, he is a versatile defender with strong physical attributes and an aggressive but commanding style of play.

While he’s notably a great header and tackler of the ball, Rudiger’s most defining characteristic is his speed. It’s much harder for pacy forwards to get past him on their best day, especially since he clocked a reasonable 21.38 mph top speed recently.

12. Patrick Bamford

21.53 mph

Yet another Leeds player on this list, 28-year-old Bamford directly contributed to 24 goals last season to help the club drive up to the 9th position in the Premier League.

So far this season, the English striker has already contributed to three goals in just five games. While he has proven to be a reasonably clinical striker, it is his pace that gets him into prime positions for those all-important goals.

Standing tall at 1.85 meters, the prolific goalscorer is known for his versatility and speed in striking positions. Noted for his technique and skill with the ball, Bamford is a threat in the air and on the counterattack.

Driving the attack with effortless pace, the star was clocked doing a top speed of 21.53mph this season.

11. Nathan Tella

21.75 mph

Nathan Tella’s pace is nothing short of spectacular at Southampton. Joining the club as a youth player, Tella has risen through the ranks and become a part of the first team in just 22 years.

Making his debut for Southampton in 2019, his capacity for speed down the flanks quickly became evident to the fans.

The pacey winger has already joined the ranks of the fastest soccer players in the world, having hit the 21.75 mph mark in his previous Premier League game.

At just 22 years of age, Tella certainly has the potential for higher speeds in the coming years. He’s clearly an exciting prospect to keep an eye on.

10. Kyle Walker

21.89 mph

Regarded as one of the fastest soccer players in the English Premier League, Manchester City wing-back Kyle Walker is a quality speedster.

The 31-year-old has hit some of the highest recorded speeds in the game while marauding down his favored right flank. An important first-team player under Per Guardiola’s command of City, Walker’s pace comes in handy in both defensive and offensive situations.

The former Tottenham man has been in great form for the Cityzens, having racked up a minimum of 24 league appearances per season since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium.

This season, he has already picked up 4 appearances, and he looks like he won’t be slowing down any time soon.

9. Karim Bellarabi

21.98 mph

The pace is something that fans of the Bundesliga are very accustomed to, and Bayer Leverkusen’s man fits the bill.

Now 31 years and in his prime, Karim Bellarabi’s agility, acceleration, and pace are world-class. Much of Bayer’s success in recent years has been accrued to the versatile German international.

Primarily a winger, he is capable of playing in nearly every offensive position.

The star has shown flashes of his brilliant pace through much of his career at Leverkusen, but his standout top speed is currently a startling 21.98 mph.

This puts the speed merchant in the 9th position on this list. Standing at 1.84 meters, it’s easy to see where he gets all that pace from.

8. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

22.09 mph

Yet another player who has played in Germany’s Bundesliga where speed is a key necessity, Aubameyang is a lethal attacker.

The former Borussia Dortmund star became one of the most efficient strikers in Europe during his time in Germany, and he relocated to England with his capabilities.

Now playing for Arsenal in the English Premier League, Aubameyang remains a deadly attacker in one-on-one situations. His riveting speed and clinical eye for goal make the Gabonese international one of the best strikers in the world.

Making the switch to Arsenal in the 2017-18 mid-season, Aubameyang has scored 65 Premier League goals to date. Standing at 1.87 meters, the speedster has the legs to achieve dramatic top speeds in nearly every game.

His quickness and agility are also beneficial to his off-ball movements. Easily getting into the right place at the right time before other players, Aubameyang is a hard striker to mark.

7. Inaki Williams

22.13 mph

Ever-present for Athletic Bilbao for the past 7 seasons, Spanish professional Inaki Williams has showcased his spectacular speed for Los Leones fans often.

Helping his club to their third Supercopa de Espana title last season, the 27-year-old is an important part of how Bilbao plays soccer.

Williams stands tall at 1.86 meters, and his work in the gym has dramatically improved his pace and strength in recent seasons.

Playing as a fast target-man, the Spaniard is quite capable of holding off defenders and turning rapidly to drive his way into the box.

This season, he has played four games and scored two goals for Athletic Bilbao. Also, he notably clocked 22.13 mph, which puts him at the 13th spot on this list.

6. Erling Haaland

22.39 mph

This Borussia Dortmund wonder kid is a surprising addition to this list, mainly because of his height. However, the videos don’t lie.

The 21-year-old, standing at 1.94 meters, hit a league season record top speed of 22.39 mph earlier this year. Haaland isn’t new to breaking records either.

He’s only the second player in Dortmund history to score three goals on his debut. During the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Haaland scored a record nine goals in a single game.

With his height and stocky build, the Norwegian wonder kid’s speed is simply unbelievable. Notable for scoring many goals, Haaland clearly has a keen eye for where the goalpost is.

Dubbed “The Terminator” by fans, Erling Haaland is a beast of a striker with unparalleled athleticism.  With his consistently brilliant performances, the star might not be a Dortmund player for much longer.

5. Kylian Mbappe

22.42 mph

It isn’t easy for a player to win the highest goalscorer award in the French Ligue 1 for three consecutive seasons. Neither is it easy for a player to win the World Cup aged 19.

Then again, Kylian Mbappe doesn’t do easy. Reputable for his strength and versatility in attack, the Frenchman is a world-class soccer player. He is also highly skillful, creative on the ball, and highly capable of creating key chances in every game.

However, Mbappe’s stand-out attribute is his devastating speed. The star’s acceleration is explosive and his top speed stands out as one of the very best in the sport.

Standing at 1.78 meters and just 22 years old, the speedster has caused headaches for every world-class defense in Europe. With the world at his feet. Mbappe is the future of superstar soccer.

4.  Marcus Rashford

22.55 mph

Manchester United winger Daniel James is believed to be one of the fastest players at the club. However, the United released their statistics for last season and It is apparently Marcus Rashford who wins pole position in the club’s speed rankings.

The 23-year-old English ace famously clocked a season-high speed of 22.55mph in a game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Rashford notably made headlines last year for driving a massive campaign against child hunger in the UK. His blistering pace down the right flank, however, didn’t make the news in a similar way.

The star has become one of Manchester United’s brightest first-team players, having contributed to 20 goals in 37 Premier League games last season.

Standing at 1.8 meters, the agile speedster is versatile in attack and capable of finding the net from any area of the box.

3. Adama Traore

22.61 mph

Wolverhampton Wanderers might not be one of the biggest clubs in the world, but they certainly have a gem of a player in their hands.

Known for his powerful, muscular physique, Adama Traore is Wolves’ key man on the flanks. Notably shorter than many other speedsters on this list, the Spaniard makes up for it with his rapid acceleration and excellent close control of the ball.

Now 25 years old and about to enter his prime as a winger, Traore will be looking to improve even further on his pace and creativity in front of goal.

His lack of injuries only gives him the opportunities to showcase his talent and pace on a world-class level, and he certainly does.

The speedster is regarded as the fastest player in the Premier League, and although he is yet to reach those heights this season, it’s only a matter of time.

2. Achraf Hakimi

22.67 mph

When Paris Saint-Germain put in a bid to snatch the Moroccan speedster from the clutches of Italian giants Inter Milan, it was quite easy to see the why.

Achraf Hakimi became a quality addition to Inter’s ranks, especially molding well into Antonio Conte’s counter-attacking style of play.

After scoring 6 goals last season and hitting a shocking 22.67 mph on one of his counter-attacking runs down the right wing, PSG opened their checkbooks and paid €60 million to get him.

It isn’t surprising that he has already scored a league goal for PSG this season. Hakimi is notable for his dynamism and tactical awareness on the field.

His 1.81 meters gives him the required strength to contribute to his team’s defensive output, but it is his devilish pace that sets him apart from the competition.

1. Alphonso Davies

22.69 mph

At the age of 19, the Canadian professional soccer star had won the biggest club competition in Europe, which is really saying something!

Catching the eye of Bayern Munich during his time at Vancouver, Alphonso Davies got right into the first team at the German club.

He was good, so good that he took over the left-wingback position for himself entirely, pushing David Alaba out to the middle of the defense.

He has a lot of accolades when it comes to his style of play, as well as his ability to affect the game in the final third.

However, his stand-out ability, by far, is his speed. This man can run! Currently 20-years-old and 1.83 meters tall, there’s no telling how much faster Alphonso Davies can really get within the next decade.

He’s fondly called “The Roadrunner” by his Bavarian teammates, and honestly, where’s the lie?

You see them collect the ball in all different areas of the pitch and you even see them marking defenders for a corner kick. So that brings us to the question, what does a striker do in soccer? Read on to find out.

Much like a center-forward, the conventional role for a soccer player who plays striker is to simply score goals for their team.

Strikers also can shake off defenders and run in behind to the open space to get into a good goal-scoring area.

What position is a striker in soccer?

A striker’s position in soccer is usually the player that is closest to the opponents’ goal.

The main task for a striker is to score goals for their team while also helping their teammates score goals as well by assisting, however, their role does not stop there.

On top of the customary goal scoring, a striker can further endear themselves to both the manager and their other teammates by helping defensively too.

They can do this by constantly putting pressure on the opposition defenders when they are in possession in the hope of forcing a mistake.

Sometimes it works and other times it does not but constantly putting defenders under pressure can only help in the long run.

Another way that strikers can help their team is from defensive corners or free kicks. Sometimes the striker can be given the task of marking the opposition striker as they are sometimes of similar height and weight.

For example, if a striker is 6ft 5 and the opposition striker is 6ft 4 then when there is a corner it is only logical for both strikers to be matched upon each other to limit their threat from set-pieces.

Overall a striker is going to be judged on the goals and assists that they contribute to the team however with some strikers you cannot solely base how good they are just by looking at their goal tally. 

This is because goal-scoring is not their only job for the team and in fact, some strikers prefer to set up teammates rather than score or be involved in the build-up play.

At the end of the day, the major role for a striker is to put the ball in the back of the net but there is so much more to the position than just that.

What does a striker do in soccer?

As mentioned above, the major role that a striker will play in any team is to score as many goals as possible.

Now for some strikers, they are simply just an out-and-out goal scorer. What we mean by this is that it is their sole focus to score goals and nothing else.

However, other strikers, have more strings to their bows. They can be great with the ball at their feet so they can play other teammates in for a goal-scoring opportunity.

You will most likely see this with a tall striker, someone like Olivier Giroud.

Giroud is great in the build-up play for his team simply because of his size but also his ability with his feet.

The ball can be played to him, he has enough strength to hold off the defender and then lay off a pass or a neat flick to a teammate who now thanks to his flick is through on goal.

Strikers who are of that size are not only a weapon when the ball is played to them, but also at corners and free-kick situations. Because of their height, they are the main target that their teammate is aiming for.

Some strikers are great headers of the ball while others are not and that can be down to their height. If they are on the smaller side, then coming up against two 6ft 4 center backs is not going to be easy if he wants to win a header.

However, as much responsibility as a striker has offensively, they can have the same amount of impact defensively too.

This can be from constantly running defenders down when they have possession, but mainly it is from dead ball situations (free kicks and corners).

As mentioned above, depending on the striker’s height, he might be tasked with marking the opposition striker if they are of a similar height.

This is done so the team’s center backs can then focus on other threats in the box. A striker who helps his side defensively is a huge weapon to have as it eases the pressure on the defense and that can then lead to goal-scoring chances for the striker.

What is the difference between a forward and a striker?

The biggest difference between a player who is a forward and a player who is a striker is that a forward is any player that is playing in an attacking position, for example, the left-wing, right-wing, left side of midfield, the right side of midfield or even a false 9. Whereas a striker is a single soccer player that is set closest to the opponents’ goal.

A great way to understand this is when you look at a team sheet. For example, let us go with Liverpool in the Premier League.

They nearly always go with a front three (two wingers and a striker). So Sadio Mane and Mo Salah would be classified as the forwards because they are in a forward position, but they do not occupy the striker position.

Roberto Firmino is then deemed the “striker” because of his position which is a closer goal. As a rule, Firmino’s starting position will be significantly closer to the goal than Mane’s and Salah’s.

Who is the best striker in the world?

As with basically anything in life, everything is up for debate as it is only a matter of opinion. Some fans consider how good a striker is based solely on how many goals they score. Others will look at how that striker is deployed to play in their teams’ system.

This is because the team could be very defensive so a striker that scores 30 goals in a season for an attacking team might be overlooked if a striker scores 20 goals in a defensive team.

Why is this? Well if you look at it, a striker who is in an attacking team will get more chances than a striker in a defensive team so ultimately it is only a matter of opinion.

As is it only a matter of opinion here is who we consider being the best striker in world football.

Robert Lewandowski

The Polish-born Robert Lewandowski is for all money, the best striker on the planet. He is the very definition of a complete striker.

He can score goals with both his left and right foot and he is just as deadly with his head as well. No defense is safe when he is on the pitch.

Robert Lewandowski is one of the deadliest finishers in the world and he has the goalscoring record to prove it. When he was at German side Borussia Dortmund from 2010 through to 2014 he was then considered to be near the top of the tree when talking about strikers.

In his four years at Dortmund Lewandowski scored 74 goals from 131 appearances. After doing some simple maths, the Polish striker was averaging 18 goals a year from 32 games which equates to a goal every other game. That is a decent record, to say the least.

Then in 2014, Robert Lewandowski made the controversial move to rivals Bayern Munich. If people thought Lewandowski was a top striker at Borussia Dortmund, then at Bayern Munich he has cemented his claim to be the best striker on the planet.

In his six years with the German giants, Lewandowski’s stats are simply something out of a video game. In all the striker has played a total of 198 games across the six seasons, scoring 174 goals in the process.

Now that looks impressive on its own, but it is when you break it down, that is where it starts getting ridiculous. Normally for a striker, if they can average a goal every two or three games then that is decent enough form for a topflight striker.

Then you look at Lewandowski’s averages over the six years. The Polish striker is averaging 33 games a year and considering a league campaign is 38 that is great durability.

Then you add his goals, out of the 33 games he plays a year, Lewandowski scores 29 goals a season. So out of 33 games, he scores 29 goals.

That is simply unheard of, add to that his 6 league titles in 6 six years along with a Champions League winners medal and it is easy to see why he is considered to be the best on the planet.

Due to how rigorous the popular sport is, nutrition has always been a big deal. Everyone – from soccer moms to professional coaches – asks these questions.

What foods will enhance performance on the field? What foods will give the players a great energy boost?

Foods like whole-grain bread, whole-grain cereals, bananas, and chicken are great options for pre-game meals because of their high-carb content. Carbohydrates give the body a high energy boost, which is important in soccer. Meat and fish also come in handy because proteins help to build and repair muscles.

As an avid fan of the sport, as well as a former Sunday league player, I have been fascinated with nutrition in sports since before my college days.

Many times, I learned about poor nutrition by making drastic mistakes like eating a cheeseburger before a game! I did all that so you wouldn’t have to.

Keep reading to gain valuable insights into nutrition, why it’s so important to soccer players like you, and tips on improving your performance on the pitch through your meals.

What Should You Eat Before Soccer Practice

“Do not try anything new on race day” is a very popular saying among athletes, and they’re right! The days you get to try a lot of new ideas are soccer practice days. So you can use those days to test different foods and see what works best for you.

Why is this important? Well, because people are different. You might have allergies to certain foods. Some foods could even go against your religious beliefs. So, find out at soccer practice what you can and can’t eat, and stick to the best options on match day.

So, what type of food should you eat before practice?  According to the USADA, “a diet rich in carbohydrates increases both endurance and intermittent high-intensity performance…” 

Essentially, pack up on carbs! Carb-rich foods will give your body the calories it needs to get on that pitch and wow the coach!

If you’re having practice first thing on Saturday morning, try a quick plate of oatmeal with fruit. Low-sugar whole-grain cereal also works wonders.

A peanut butter toast sandwich would also hit the right spots. If soccer practice is usually in the evenings, then you can plan a high-carb lunch.

Pasta is always a brilliant option for carbs. You can pair up your pasta with lean meat (like chicken) and some salad. Turkey or ham sandwiches – with some fruit – would make for a great lunch as well.

As a side note, you can have a small snack for an added energy burst an hour before practice starts. Granola bars are a great go-to. Fruits like bananas or apples are also great. If you prefer liquid, you can go for a sports drink instead.

Now, your pre-practice meal serves two important purposes. It keeps you from feeling hungry before and during practice. It also maintains optimal levels of energy for your muscles.

So, aim to eat 3-4 hours before playing soccer so your food can digest. Eat too early, and you might feel hungry during practice. Eat too late, and you could be that person who vomits on another player!

During my college years, I made the mistake of eating a full meal right before joining a soccer game. I didn’t last 7 minutes on the field, and it was horrible! Throwing up your lunch isn’t a great way to become popular in college!

What Should You Not Eat Before Soccer Practice?

Ice cream was the go-to energy boost for me when I was a kid. In some ways, it made sense to me at the time. Taking lots of sugar gives me a lot of energy, which should help me with sports. Right? Well, I was wrong.

According to the Sugar Nutrition Resource Center, consuming sugar before a sporting activity can cause a dip in blood sugar levels. This results in athletes experiencing fatigue and shakiness.

Why does blood sugar dip to begin with? Well, that’s because sweet foods like ice cream can cause spikes in blood sugar.

That’s why soft drinks and coffee can make you feel euphoric or happier for a short time. That feeling doesn’t last, and you can find yourself feeling sluggish afterward. Imagine feeling sluggish on the soccer pitch!

It seems easy, but you need to steer clear of any high-fat foods. This includes everything fried! French fries, fried chicken, onion rings.

Hamburgers and bacon need to go as well. That triple-decker cheeseburger should be a thing of the past if you’re serious about soccer!

Excess protein needs to go! Did you note the word ‘excess’? Protein sounds good, and it does play an important role in a soccer player’s diet.

Yet, it’s bad in large quantities, especially before practice sessions.  So, stay away from protein shakes and the likes. You can find a good amount of pre-practice protein in beans, eggs, and lean meat.

Do your best to stay away from artificial sweeteners. They can mess with your stomach and digestion. Remember, the last thing anyone wants during a game is an upset stomach!

Watch what you drink! Soft drinks and coffee will give you temporary highs that can crash during games. Also, avoid alcohol. Chugging down three beers isn’t going to do you any good during practice.

No matter how healthy they are, it’s important to avoid spicy foods. These could affect your digestion and give you trouble on the field.

Avoid high-fiber foods and flatulent vegetables (broccoli, artichokes, cauliflower). They can influence your digestion as well.

What Do Professional Soccer Players Eat Before a Game?

Do you know Arsene Wenger? The popular soccer manager achieved great success with Arsenal in England before retiring in 2018. That success was born from the rigorous changes Wenger made to the team’s diet back in 1996.

He banned the players from drinking alcohol. He discouraged them from smoking and eating junk food.

He also added pasta to the team’s pre-game meals, alongside boiled chicken instead of red meat. Within 7 years, Wenger guided Arsenal to seven major trophies!

Today, it’s rare to see professional soccer players smoke, or drink alcohol and soft drinks. In June 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo removed two bottles of Coca-Cola from his table at a press conference.

His gesture wiped $4 billion off Coke’s market value! It goes to show how big of a deal diet is to professional soccer players.

Professional soccer players don’t always follow the same diet plans. Their meals can vary based on personal tastes, cultural differences, and how their bodies react.

Nutrition expert Julie Neville works with professional soccer players in Britain. She provides the players with bananas and nuts, instead of chips and sweets for snack time.

Her husband – former professional player Phil ­Neville – always began the day with eggs.

Another former professional Diego Forlan shared his breakfast routine on game days. He takes fresh pineapple, brown bread, and yogurt for breakfast.

He also adds an omelet to increase protein intake. Wayne Rooney shared his pre-game regimen as well. A bowl of cereal and a banana before a morning game. He’ll top that off with cereal bars and energy gels at the stadium.

As you can see, diets can differ across each player or team, but the underlying principles are the same.

Healthy carbs, some protein, and very little fat. Players do have fiber in their diet, but not on game days.

What Should You Eat Before a Soccer Game

You’ve worked hard in training, run the extra mile, and now it’s time for the big game! What should you eat?

Well, the straightforward answer is: whatever you ate that worked well during practice sessions. Do not try anything new on race day!

Keep in mind that no dieting plan fits every player. It’s important to continue testing. What worked for me during my college playing years might not work for you. The only way you can figure it out is by experimenting with different foods.

Every time you try a new meal and go for soccer practice, track your body. Use how your body feels during the game as feedback.

Did you get weak faster? Were you able to run more miles compared to yesterday? This is the best way to improve our pre-game nutrition effectively.

Now, let’s take a look at some beneficial foods that you could make your pick from. Remember, you’re looking for carbs that digest quickly, some protein, and no fats or fiber.

1. Fluids

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. This isn’t food! And I agree. However, hydrating your body is paramount to top performance on the field.

That’s why even professional soccer players tend to have water bottles nearby, even during the game.

According to the American Council on Exercise, you should be consuming 17 to 20 ounces of water around 2-3 hours before playing sport. 30 minutes to the game, drink another 8 ounces to fully hydrate yourself.

Sports drinks also come in handy as well. They do the important job of refilling fluids lost via sweat, and they add a carb-boost too.

2. Energy bars

I don’t think I can accurately count how many types of energy bars exist at your local mart. So how do you pick the right bar?

Well, keep an eye out for energy bars that contain 30-60 grams of carbohydrates. And there’s a reason for this too.

Short exercise bursts, like a 100m dash, won’t deplete your energy reserves. A small energy bar with 20 grams of carbohydrates would be quite fine.

However, as a soccer player, you’re going to spend 45 minutes running around before half-time. So you should go for that extra energy because your reserves will rapidly deplete in time.

3. Yogurt

Surprise! Something you would enjoy! Eating yogurt can provide you with a healthy and beneficial breakfast before the match.

It’s also a dairy product: a good source of calcium. Calcium is very important for your bone and muscle strength, so that’s an added advantage.

There’s a quick note of warning here though: Keep away from sugary yogurts! Make sure the yogurt you’re consuming has low sugar and low additives too.

To spice things up, blend some fruit with your yogurt for a fantastic mix of nutrients and taste.

4. Chicken

Non-fried chicken is one of the healthiest meats you can consume. It’s high in vitamins and minerals, and it’s also low in fat.

That makes for a perfect meal when you’re preparing your body for a game.

Chicken is packed full of protein, and it can be eaten and prepared in a variety of ways. You can grill it, you can boil it, and you can cook it in a pasta dish.

It’s easy to add some chicken to your favorite meals. That way, you can get a full meal three hours before the game.

5. Rice

This is an amazing source of carbohydrates. Brown or long-grain white rice is easy to prepare and goes well with other foods. Rice, chicken, and some veggies will give you a perfect pre-game meal.

Quick tip here: It can be tempting to eat a lot of rice, but you should be moderate with your portions.

If you take in too many carbs before a match, your digestive system will remain active during the game.

6. Pasta

This amazing Italian dish is extremely popular with top-level athletes worldwide, and for good reason too! I remember getting myself a large serving of pasta the night before a big inter-school soccer game. Boy, that was fun!

Pasta is filled with healthy carbs; the kind that digests quickly and gives you energy steadily. This is much better than the quick soft drink burst that suddenly falls during the game and leaves you in the lurch.

Remember that portion control is important. As with rice, don’t eat too much pasta like me!

7. Eggs

These are the perfect protein source. They’re beneficial to you before the game, and you can add them to nearly any breakfast you’re having. 

Omelets or scrambled eggs are a fun option to go with your toast and beans. Mix them in with some carbs to get that balance of protein and carbohydrates you need for the game.

8. Fish

Another great source of protein is fish. Because proteins are important for building and repairing muscle, they can be very useful in the hours before your game.

Another key element with fish is the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil. Yes, this is one of those very healthy oils!  Omega-3 is vital to the body, and it helps fight fatigue and improve circulation.

9. Baked beans

Everyone (including me) loves beans on toast. It’s a fantastic delicacy outside the world of sports, and it’s one you can have for breakfast on match day!

Beans come packed with protein and contain very little fat. This makes them a great side for your carb diet. They’re also tasty and affordable; a perfect combination!

Try not to add too many proteins to your match day breakfast though. Remember you want mainly carbs for the energy boost when the game starts.

10. Whole-grain toast

I’ve mentioned toast a couple of times in this article, and that’s because people love toast. However, you have to make sure you’re eating whole-grain toast.

Whole-grain bread contains all the goodness that has been removed from white bread! The B vitamins, magnesium, fiber, iron…

All gone! So you need to make sure you’re getting bread that gives you those important nutrients for your game. Toast tends to go well with a lot of breakfast options, so that’s a great plus for your match day mornings!

11. Bananas

Athletes love bananas! If you follow professional sports players on social media, then you know what I’m talking about. There’s a good reason for it: Bananas are one of the best pre-game foods in the world!

They’re very rich in potassium, which is a highly essential mineral for optimal performance on the pitch.

Potassium is popular for reducing cramps, and it also helps with muscle movement.

So don’t forget to pack a banana on your way to the stadium!

12. Whole-grain Cereals

I’m not going to lump all the cereals available into a single word, because they’re not all the same! While some cereals will improve your health and performance, others can drastically mess up your game.

That’s why it’s important to pick whole-grain cereals, like granola or wheat.

They’re a great way to get energy into your body quickly, and they won’t let you down like their sugary counterparts.

Remember to top up your cereal bowl with reduced-fat milk or soya milk. Keep away from full-cream milk!

13. Potatoes

You don’t have to fry your potatoes, kill all the nutrients, and still get unhealthy oils into your system. How about boiling them instead?

You can top up your potatoes with some sweet corn. Corn provides some carbs but also gives an addition of vitamins and minerals.

With some tuna on top of the potato and corn mix, you have yourself a nice balanced meal in preparation for your upcoming game. Remember to eat your potatoes moderately!

14. Oatmeal

Oats are similar to wholegrain. They have tons of energy to be released efficiently, and they make a great high-carb option.

Oatmeal is easy to whip up, and with some soya milk, you’ll have a healthy balanced meal before your game.

Keep in mind that oats can feel heavy in the stomach. So, make sure you take your meal at least three hours before your game starts.

You won’t be adding sugar to your oats, so if you want it sweet, add fruits to spice things up!

What Should You Not Eat Before a Soccer Game

There might be some healthy foods that you can’t eat because of allergies, culture, and what-not. The days to figure it all out are the practice days.

When you’re headed for a game, you should already know what your body prefers. Important matchdays are not the right time for experimentations, remember that.

So, let’s take a look at some foods you should never eat before a game, ever!

Cheeseburger

This is a no-no! Cheeseburgers contain everything from red and processed meats to full-fat dairy products. These fatty foods can slow down your digestion, which will make you uncomfortable during the game.

Keep in mind that fats take the longest time to digest. If you eat a cheeseburger 3 hours before your game, your digestive system will keep using your energy.

You’ll tire faster than others and get subbed out in the first half!

Sweets and desserts

Anything from a bowl of ice cream to a warm chocolate brownie will affect you adversely on the pitch.

Anything that contains a lot of sugar will cause your blood sugar levels to spike. A steep crash can follow the burst of energy you might feel in the first half.

You’ll end up underperforming, frustrated, and in need of another sugar rush. It’s best to stay away from sugar entirely.

Salads

I’m not trying to give salads a bad rep here! Salads are quite healthy, and they’re a great dieting choice. The high-fiber content keeps our digestive tract moving while also lowering our cholesterol levels.

However, during vigorous physical activity (like a football game), all that fiber could work a little too well and cause a sudden bout of diarrhea or stomach upset.

The last thing you want to do at half-time is to go in search of a toilet!

Enjoy your salads on other days, but keep them away on matchdays.

Energy drinks

Remember, you’re not going for a 100-meter dash that lasts 12 seconds. You’re going for a 90-minute marathon with just 15 minutes to rest.

The combo of sugar and caffeine in these drinks will give you an energy rush, followed by an energy crash.

These energy crashes can be severe and leave you rather disoriented on the field. It could also cause stomach issues as well. The advice here is to treat energy drinks like the plague on matchdays!

Now the term caps is not referring to a type of hat but rather something else. So what exactly are caps in soccer?

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about caps. From how you get a cap in soccer, to who has the most caps in men’s soccer as well as women’s soccer to how players get a cap.

If you are interested in learning about caps in soccer then you have come to the right place as we will give you all the information you need to know. Read on to find out everything about caps.

In the game of soccer, the term cap is often used to tell the audience how many matches a player has played for their international side. An example of this is Cristiano Ronaldo has +100 caps for Portugal in his playing career.

What is a cap in soccer?

As we mentioned above, the term caps are often used to refer to a soccer player who has played matches for their international team.

A player is given a cap for every international match that they play. An example of this is that if a player has played 15 international matches, then that player will have 15 caps and if a player plays 100 matches then that player will have 100 caps.

How do you get a cap in soccer?

For a soccer player to get a cap in soccer they first have to be selected for their international side, and then they have to pay for that side.

If a player is selected and is part of the international squad say for the World Cup, they will not get a cap simply by being in the squad. They will only get a cap if they play minutes in a match or come on as a substitute.

So if a player is on the bench and does not make it onto the field during a match, they will not be awarded a cap.

A player can earn a cap in different competitions and these include games played at a World Cup, games played in qualifying competitions for a World Cup, international friendly matches, Olympic and Olympic qualifying matches as well as Continental competitions, and the games needed to qualify for the competition, for example, the Euros.

What this means is that a player can play for a club like Manchester United 300 times but never make an appearance for their national side and therefore will have no caps.

On the other side of that is that a player could make 15 appearances for his/her club side and make 25 appearances for their national side and earn 25 caps.

Do soccer players actually get caps?

The rumored practice of teams giving their players an actual cap is not as popular as it was years ago.

Sometimes international players are given a decorated cap if they reach a rather significant milestone in their international careers such as 50 appearances and 100 appearances. Other than that, it is now rare for a national side to give its players an actual cap.

However, for the game of soccer, there are no set rules when it comes to giving caps out and it is normally up to each national soccer association to decide if they want to give players caps for each game or not.

If it is a player’s first-ever international match then he/she might be awarded a commemorative cap for this achievement. Sometimes you will find some countries do give caps while others do not.

For the England national team as an example, the practice of its players who appear in matches a cap still takes place today, with the only exception being when they are playing in a tournament where a commemorative cap is given to a player for the whole tournament.

Who has the most caps in soccer?

Ahmed Hassan is currently the record holder for men when it comes to the most caps earned at the international level.

The Egyptian soccer player currently has 184 caps for the national team. Hassan has spent most of his soccer career playing as an attacking midfielder and the 184 caps have been earned between the years 1995 and 2012.

For a player to play at the international level for just over 16 years is nothing short of incredible.

Who has the most caps in women’s soccer?

Kristina Lilly has played for the United States at the international level for an astonishing 23 years between 1987 and when she retired in 2010. >Her current record for caps stands at 354 and is a record that is unlikely to ever be broken.

Does a friendly count as a cap?

Playing in a friendly soccer match does not count as a cap. When a soccer player represents one nation in a friendly match, they are not considered cap-tied and are free to represent another nation in a competitive match if the occasion arises.

They’re also fantastic to watch live in a stadium or on TV. Many people wonder if they have any common ground. So what are the main differences and similarities between soccer and rugby? 

There are some obvious contrasts between the two sports. From the numbers of players on each team to the shape of the ball that they play with, these are very clear.

However, they also share a lot that may surprise you. For a start, both sports originated in the United Kingdom and are field games.

Meanwhile, they involve getting a ball from one side of the field to the other while protecting your area. Even when these sports appear different, similarities arise, like in the offside rule and penalty shootouts. 

Let’s take a look at ten differences and ten differences between these two sports. 

Differences Between Soccer and Rugby

 

1. One Ruleset vs. Two

Soccer follows a single ruleset across the globe. Every professional team must have eleven players on the field.

This never changes regardless of continental governing bodies or competition.

In contrast, there are two types of rugby. Rugby Union is the most popular and uses 15 players. Meanwhile, Rugby Union is a faster sport with 13 players. 

2. Hands vs. Feet

Soccer players must not handle their spherical ball when it is in play. The only exception to this rule is the goalkeeper, but even he can’t pick up the ball when his player passes to him.

On the other hand, rugby players primarily use their hands to throw their oval-shaped balls at each other. Kicking is permitted but it is a secondary option. 

3. Scoring System

Anybody who watches the two sports can see a difference in the goalframes. The scoring system in soccer is simple: put the ball in the net and score a goal.

Rugby is more complicated. Players have to touch the ball down on the opponent’s side of the field to score a try. This is worth five points.

They can also score by kicking the ball between the posts and this is worth either three or two points, depending on the circumstances. 

4. The Goalkeeper

 

Every soccer team must have a goalkeeper in their starting lineup. This player can use their hands and feet to block the ball within their zone on the field.

Rugby doesn’t have a fixed goalkeeper because they have an entire line to protect. The closest similar position is the fullback who starts attacks and is the last line of defense. 

5. Physicality

Both sports are very physical but rugby takes a tougher toll on its athletes. Players throw themselves into tackles and don’t complain.

The same level of aggression is unacceptable in soccer. Also, soccer players are notorious for feigning or exaggerating injuries to gain an advantage. This would never happen in rugby because the player would become a pariah. 

6. Respect

Referees and officials receive much more respect from rugby players than their soccer players. Firstly, the captain is the only member of the team who is allowed to speak to the referee.

It’s common to see entire soccer teams swarm around the referee when they don’t like a decision. This is a smart rule in rugby because it has created a culture of respect. 

7. Sin Bin

Yellow cards feature in both sports. When a player receives two, they must leave the field. However, a single yellow card has a profound impact on rugby.

This means a player must sit out for ten minutes, while the game continues without them or a replacement.

It’s common for opposition teams to score when players are sin-binned. Many soccer fans think that their sport would benefit from this system. 

8. Global Domination

While some European nations like England and France are competitive in both sports, other countries dominate.

Brazil has five FIFA World Cups to their name but makes no impression in rugby. The same can be said of New Zealand, whose All-Blacks are the most famous team in the sport.

Meanwhile, rugby fans revere the Pacific Islands for producing some of the best talents for their teams.  

9. High Scoring v Low Scoring

The nature of the two team’s scoring systems means that there is a big difference between their final scores.

It’s common for rugby teams to go deep into double digits. When teams finish the game with less than ten points, they have played very poorly.

But if a soccer team loses by a margin of five or six goals, this is a very heavy loss. The pace of the games is very different because of these rulesets.

10 . No Forward Passes

Both sports require the ball to go from one side of the field to the other. However, rugby players are unable to throw the ball forward.

Instead, they gradually move up the field as a collective, passing the ball back until one player rushes free or kicks upfield. Soccer doesn’t have any restraints like this. 

Similarities Between Soccer and Rugby

 

1. Origin

Soccer and rugby were more or less the same game until 1839 when the first rugby rules were clearly defined.

Before this, both teams used round balls and were referred to as ‘football’ in the United Kingdom.

Over time the two sports diverged dramatically from each other. 

2. Creative Hub

Both sports rely on a creative player who acts as a conduit for the rest of the team. In soccer, this takes the form of a creative midfielder who sprays passes around the field.

Rugby uses a flyhalf whose role is very similar to the quarterbacks in NFL. Flyhalves and creative soccer players also receive a lot of adulation from the fans. 

3. Playing Field

Soccer and rugby share the fact that they take place on a playing field or pitch. The dimensions of the field are slightly different but each team tries to protect their half while attacking the other side.

They also have markings on the field for different moments of the game. 

4. Penalty Shootouts

It’s the most dramatic way to finish a football match, but did you know that penalty shootouts also occur in rugby?

It’s extremely rare, but when a knockout game ends with the same score after extra time, it goes to a shootout.

Every player tries to kick the ball between the posts until somebody misses. It’s agonizing to watch but incredibly entertaining. 

5. World Cup

On an international level, the pinnacle of both sports is their respective World Cups. These take place every four years and see the best countries in the world compete for glory.

While the Rugby World Cup is a smaller scale tournament than its soccer equivalent, it’s still very entertaining and massive for the countries involved. 

6. Games of Two Halves

Rugby games last for eighty minutes and are divided into two 40 minute halves. Meanwhile, soccer games are 90 minutes with additional extra minutes in each of their halves.

Both see the teams swap sides at the end of the half. This can be an advantage or problem depending on the weather because of the wind or sun.

7. Injury Time

Usually, games in both sports go into overtime. In soccer, the referee adds a few extra minutes to make up for time lost because of injuries or substitutions.

Meanwhile, in rugby, play continues after 80 minutes until the ball goes dead. The referee won’t stop the game until an error occurs or the ball leaves the field. 

8. Attack and Defense

These are team sports so everybody on the field has a role. Different body types are required for these roles.

For example, center-backs in soccer are typically broader and stronger than attacking players. Furthermore, in rugby, the props are gigantic men with broad frames.

Their appearance is very different from the wingers, who are the most agile players on the field. 

9. Video Referee

Video replays are a key part of both sports in the modern era. In rugby, the referee may call on the Television Match Official (TMO) to check moments of controversy.

These could be disputed tries or a potential foul. In soccer, the Video Assistant Referee fills a similar role.

The main difference between the two is that rugby referees wear a microphone so everybody can hear their rationale at the time. 

10. Offside Rule

In soccer, it is illegal to pass to one of your players if they are standing beyond the last opposition defender. At this point, they are in an offside position.

However, if they burst past the defender after the ball leaves the passer’s foot, this is fine. We talked about how rugby players can’t throw the ball forward. While this is a difference between the two sports, it is also an offside rule.  

Although popular, they share some similarities and differences. What are they?

Both sports have two goals, one at each end of the field, and they both aim to outscore their opponent to win the game. The main difference is that soccer is played on a grassy pitch while hockey is played on an ice rink.

I will explore the similarities and differences between the two sports. The fan base of both sports keeps increasing, so you should know the similarities and differences.

Soccer vs hockey: 10 differences

1. Similar History

Although crude forms of these sports have been played worldwide, the notable period when these sports came to the fore was the 19th century. Also, the two sports share fundamental and cultural similarities.

2. Team-Sport

Teams usually play hockey and soccer. The best players in each sport thrive based on the performance of the team. Hence, any laxity from any member of the team could spell dire consequences for them.

In some cases, such as penalty kicks (in soccer) and face-offs (in Hockey), the individual brilliance of the players might come to the fore.

3. Use of Uniforms

Soccer and hockey teams both use uniforms. The uniforms are for ease of identification. The team logos are usually displayed in front of the jerseys to show club or national team loyalty.

The jerseys feature pullover shirts, shorts, and high socks.

4. Scoring 

The players are aware that they cannot score from the sides of the goalpost. Hence, a goal only stands when they tuck the ball/puck into the net.

5. Possession 

In the game of soccer and Hockey, possession is key to winning a game. Any team that cannot keep the ball/puck for a minimum of ten seconds cannot go on the offensive and might not score. 

In both sports, possession is fought over by the players until a scoring opportunity opens up.

Most times, the tactical nous of the coach comes to the fore in setting the team’s formation to retain possession and convert it to a goal-scoring opportunity 

6. Fouls

Soccer and Hockey are controlled by some on-pitch rules enforced by the referees. Thus, some conduct could result in fouls being awarded for or against either team.

A free-kick in soccer can be likened to the power play in Hockey if placed accurately.

Usually, referees use yellow or red cards depending on the severity of the foul committed.

 Yellow cards are used as a warning, while the red card sends a player off.

When a player receives more than one yellow card in a game, it results in a sending off by the referee and could carry additional punishment such as a game suspension or a fine as the case may be.

7. Center man or Midfielder 

The role of a centerman in hockey and a midfielder in soccer are similar. They have both defensive and offensive responsibilities as they have to ensure a balance in play.

In both sports, the center man and the Midfielder have to control the tempo of play to ensure that the opposing team does not dominate the game.

Once the midfield or center battle is lost, one’s team might most likely lose the game.

8. Wingers

Wingers in soccer and Hockey are similar. They have to penetrate the corners and then get the ball or puck towards the net or goal.

This is the same with Hockey. However, in Hockey, the singers can go behind the net, while this does not apply to soccer. 

9. Deception 

Both sports feature lots of skills and games to outsmart opponents. These skills and fakes play a vital role in these sports as it could be the market between teams that will score the winning points and the losers.

 Certain players are known to be cast in applying these skills, and defenders in both sports tend to fall for their trickery each time.

10. Choosing the players 

The choice of players in both sports rests with the coach. This is why the coach needs to have the tactical nous to field the best players for each position on the pitch/rink. 

 For instance, if a hockey coach mismatches their 1st liners with the 4th liners, it could have a chaotic effect on their game flow and lead to a loss.

 The same applies to a soccer game where the coach has to select skilled players, tactically intelligent, and have the perfect chemistry and team spirit to execute their game plan. Failure to do so leads to a loss or tie.

Soccer vs hockey: 10 similarities

1. Pitch

There are two types of Hockey; field hockey and ice hockey. This is where the differences come in.

 In soccer, the pitch is usually grassy. The turf pitch could be either natural or artificial. In ice hockey, the pitch is made of a surface made of ice. Professionally it is called an ice rink. 

 Most countries that have a sufficient supply of ice are known to favor the sport a lot. However, in recent times, artificial ice rinks have been made for indoor games. This could serve an all-year purpose rather than seasonal.

The dimensions of a hockey pitch/rink also differ from that of a football pitch.

Typically the dimensions of a  hockey pitch are 100 yards (91.4m) long and 60 yards (55m) wide, while the length of a foot football pitch is between 100 yards (90m) and 130 yards(120m), and the width not less than 50 yards (45m) and not more than 100 yards (90m).

2. Equipment

The size of the ball in Hockey differs from that of football. Also, in soccer, equipment is not needed while equipment is needed to play Hockey

3. Players

A typical hockey team features six players per team, while a soccer team features eleven players.

4. Duration

The duration of a football game is ninety minutes, divided into 45-minute halves. Sometimes, in competitive matches, there could be extra time of 30 minutes, 15-minutes per half.  If the scores are tied at the end of extra time, they result in penalties 

 However, in the game of Hockey, the duration is sixty minutes with three-20 minute periods. Hockey allows overtime of five minutes.

Therein, each team plays with four skaters instead of five. If the scores are still tied at the end of overtime, they result in penalties.

5. Technique 

The technique used to progress the ball/puck in both sports differ.  In soccer, the players use their feet to progress the ball up and down the pitch, while the hockey players use their sticks to move the puck on the pitch.

 In soccer, a player can show individual technique mastery by dribbling opponents.

However, in Hockey, the passing and shooting happen at mercurial speeds. Hence, the keeper has to display lots of awareness to stop the ball.

6. Goalposts

Both sports aim to outscore their opponents. However, the goalposts of Hockey are smaller than that of a soccer goalpost.

The dimensions of a soccer goalpost go thus; the distance between the posts is 7.320m, and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2.44m.

The goalpost and the crossbar have the same width and depth of 12cm.

In Hockey, the goalpost is 72 inches (180 cm) wide by 48 inches (120 cm) tall, and the footprint of the goal is 40 inches (100 cm) deep.

7. Referee and Umpire

In soccer, there is usually one referee and two assistant referees. In some highly competitive games, there might be the fourth official.

Also, lately, due to the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), there is the VAR official too.

Also, a head referee is usually present to enforce the laws and rules of the game. For hockey, we have two umpires and two linesmen assigned to each game. 

8. Rules and laws

In soccer, some laws guide the game and must be adhered to by both players and officials. These laws are not as much as we have in Hockey

In Hockey, there are lots of rules that guide the game. That’s not all; in Hockey, officials are allowed on the playing surface.

However, soccer does not allow the officials on the play surface. At most, they are allowed on the edges or stay in the dugout.

9. Diving

Although discouraged, a lot of diving happens in soccer. This does not occur in Hockey.

10. Commercial breaks 

Anyone who has watched a soccer game knows that the games are usually intense, and one would be dismayed in case of a break in-between the game.

The only time a break happens in soccer is during half-time or after the game.

The purpose of the smooth flow is to ensure full concentration and intensity among the players.

The only case where a break in-between a game is permitted is in cases of weather disruptions.

Although it is pretty much the same with hockey, the game allows some commercial breaks in-between the period.

I have played both sports actively and won competitions through them. Playing the game of soccer and Hockey requires consistent training. Both sports come with their pros and cons. Do you want to know? Join us for subsequent stories.

To play soccer, you must first understand the rules and the structure of the game. You must also acquire the necessary competence and player placements on the field. When learning how to play soccer, it’s also necessary to spend time on the pitch playing soccer. 

This guide was created to provide you with a full summary of all the essential information you’ll need to play the game.

If you’re a coach or a parent searching for a tool to teach others how to play soccer, this guide can help.

So, in this post, we’ve prepared eight simple step-by-step instructions to help you play soccer like a pro while also having fun.

1. Understand the Rules Of Soccer

Knowing how to play soccer requires a basic understanding of the rules. It might be perplexing if you aren’t knowledgeable as to what is and isn’t allowed. 

The basic rules of soccer are summarized below. 

Soccer rules:

• The team that scores or wins against the other with the most goals is the winner. 
• The ball must pass the goal line for a goal to be scored. 
• With no issue, the period of a soccer game is 90 minutes. 
• Each 45-minute half of a game is played. 
• Each squad can only have 11 players. 
• In the game of soccer, each team must have a minimum of 7 players. 
• Just the goalkeeper is entitled to touch the ball with his hands if any other team player does, it would be blown as a foul.
• If the ball is taken out of play, the opposing side will reintroduce it. 
• Any play that is deemed irresponsible, reckless, or excessively violent is considered a violation. 
• A penalty kick will be given to the opposing team if an offense is committed.

These are the most fundamental soccer rules. I recommend that you study the rules in greater detail if you truly want to learn how to play soccer. However, this basic overview should be sufficient to get you started.

2. Learn the Positions

Perhaps you’re concerned about which positions are the most important in soccer. You’re about to learn. 

The players’ places on the pitch are the second item you should be aware of when playing soccer. The maximum number of players a team could have on the pitch at any given time is 11, as stated in the rules.

A team will almost always begin a game with 11 players on the field. The only time this does not apply is during a young soccer game. 

Youth soccer games are frequently played on fields that are smaller than a full-size pitch. Because of the limited space, there are fewer players on the pitch at any given moment. 

There are four main positions in soccer:

• Goalkeeper
• Defense
• Midfield
• and Forwards

Each of these domains can be further divided into sub-categories. Let’s take a look at the above-mentioned primary soccer positions.

• The goalkeeper: The goalie is the player who is ultimately in charge of stopping the opposition side from scoring a goal. They usually stay inside the penalty area and therefore are situated in front of their team’s goal. To play goalie, a person must be prepared to put himself between both the ball as well as the goal he or she is defending in any circumstance. A goalie must also have quick reflexes as well as the ability to efficiently transmit the ball to the rest of his squad.

• The defense: A defense player’s job is to keep the ball and the opposing team’s players from gaining access to their team’s goal. Attempting a tackle on defense requires a defender to be powerful and confident. They must be constantly aware of the positions of all other players on the pitch. They should also be willing to cover for another member of their squad if necessary.

• The midfield: A midfielder is a player that serves as a link between the defense as well as the attacking players. On its way from the back towards the front of the soccer pitch, the ball frequently passes via the midfield players. Midfielders are frequently in charge of launching an attack. A player must be physically fit to play in the middle. They frequently survive longer on the squad than just about any other player. A midfielder’s passing ability is also important because they are responsible for moving the ball around the field.

• The forward: A soccer team’s forward is highly committed to scoring and creating goals. They are close to the opponent’s goal and try to score whenever possible. To play forward in soccer, a player must aim to create chances to shoot at a goal. To increase their chances of getting the ball and getting a shot, they must continually be seeking for and advancing into open space. They must be mindful of where the other players, particularly the goalkeeper, are on the pitch.

3. Discern the Structure of a Game

Understanding the organization of a soccer game, as well as the formation of a team, is another important factor to consider if you want to play soccer efficiently. Let’s take a short look at how a soccer game is structured. 

To begin, a soccer match lasts 90 minutes. There are two 45-minute halves to this. Quarters are used in some sports, while halves are used in soccer.

During a soccer match, there are no timeouts; simply the occasional refreshments interval if the referee deems it necessary.

Soccer, unlike some other team sports, does not have a stopwatch. The referee will keep note of how long the game has been stopped due to an injury or some other reason. This time will be added to the conclusion of the half by the referee. 

This is why some game finishes after 92, 93, or 94 minutes instead of at 90 minutes. 

If a game ends in a draw during a competition, extra time may be added at the end of the match. This is because a final competition requires a winner to be determined.

If this occurs, the game will be extended by 30 minutes. If the scores are still equal afterward, a penalty-kick competition, often known as penalities, will be held until a winner is determined.

4. Possess the Right Equipment

The next point we’ll cover in this tutorial is why it’s important to play soccer with the proper gear. Without the proper equipment, it is impossible to play soccer. 

The soccer ball is the most significant piece of equipment. You’d have a bunch of people racing around a field if you didn’t have a soccer ball! 

Let us start with the football gear. You don’t need to buy a design ball if you’re just getting started with soccer. After you’ve had a ball, you should consider what you’ll wear.

Pick something that you are comfy with while you are just practicing or kicking a ball around with teammates. Clothes that just don’t hinder your mobility and allow you to move freely are ideal. 

When you engage in a structured game, though, you will likely be required to dress in a specified manner. 

In most soccer games, a player must wear the following items:

• The team’s jersey
• Shorts
• Long socks
• Shin guards
• Appropriate soccer boots or footwear

When you join a soccer team, you will almost always be given a jersey, shorts, and socks. This is because each player on a team must wear uniforms that match so that players, supporters, as well as the referee, can easily recognize each team’s members. 

It’s worth possessing these items of clothes even if you’re not playing an official game. This provides you the freedom to play soccer whenever you want.

As a player, though, you must furnish your shin guards and boots. 

Cleats are worn by the majority of soccer players. Soccer cleats provide your feet with stability and support. They also give the player’s foot and the surface more traction as they travel about the field. 

Even though there are hundreds of various soccer cleats to pick from while shopping for them.

You’ll feel indecisive because you’ll be choosing from a variety of options, yet you’ll still need to acquire something. You’ll also need a pair of shin protectors if you want to play soccer.

While playing the game, players wear shin guards to protect their shins against harm. There are several cases of experience that being struck full force by another person’s foot or shin while not having shin guards may be excruciatingly painful! 

If you want shin guards that cover your entire shin, we suggest these from Amazon. As you can see, they have a lot of positive feedback.

These are also an excellent option if you’re looking for anything smaller and lighter.

5. Learn the Basic Skills

You’re quite well on your way to learning how to play soccer at this juncture. It’s time to acquire the basic abilities required to be efficient on the field now that you know the soccer positions, structure, and the proper equipment. 

While there are many diverse soccer skills to learn, we’ve divided them into three categories to help you get started.

a) Passing the ball

One of the most fundamental abilities in soccer is passing the ball effectively. 

If you can accomplish this well, you might be one of the team’s most prominent players. The inside of your foot should be used to pass the ball accurately.

Perhaps you’re wondering how to pass a ball. 

To pass the ball properly, your foot must create a somewhat flat surface on which you may push the ball towards the next player without it moving in the wrong direction. 

Finding a second player and passing the ball back and forth between the two of you is the most effective approach to practice this. If you can’t locate somebody to practice with, rebounding the ball against a wall would suffice.

The more you practice this, the more at ease you’ll be with the ball. You’ll have a better sense of how the ball goes, how much effort is required to kick it, and how it feels to catch it.

b) Scoring a goal

The next skill to master is goal-scoring. This is another crucial skill, but many individuals assume they don’t need to learn how to score a goal, which is why they often miss out on a one-on-one goal opportunity against a goalkeeper.

Goals are the most important aspect of soccer. The game is won by the squad that scores the most goals! 

You must master this skill since you do not want to miss out on any opportunities to help your squad. 

Getting in front of a goal and practicing is the greatest method to do this. If you’re looking for a simple goal to set up in your backyard, this Amazon goal is a great choice.

However, here’s a quick rundown of the most important things to keep in mind when taking a shot: 

• Before shooting, decide what you want to achieve. 
• Toss the ball in the location you want it to go with the toes of your standing foot. 
• For maximum force, strike the ball with your top foot. 
• For maximum accuracy, hit the ball with your inner foot. 
• For stability, keep your arms high.

c) Looking for space

Unfortunately, many novice players overlook this skill and its importance. When mastered, though, it can make a significant difference in a player’s performance and effectiveness. 

This ability entails simply being aware of your surroundings and dominating that area. This is true both with and without the ball.

Once you have the ball in your hands, you could either run with it into open space or pass it to a teammate. 

Too several players are so concentrated on themselves or the ball that they lose track of their surroundings and wind up colliding with opposing players.

Before they get the ball, a good player would already be aware of their surroundings. They’ll rush into that spot before an opponent. 

When another member of your team gets the ball, try to maneuver into open space. This gives that player a passing option that they wouldn’t have if opponents were around them.

6. Constantly Improve Your Fitness

You must maintain a consistent exercise regimen to enjoy and play soccer efficiently. You don’t want to run out of energy on the field or become a liability to your squad. There’s always space for improvement, no matter how fit you are. 

There are a variety of strategies to stay healthy or increase your fitness for soccer. However, we’ve discovered that following what professionals do is the best way to go about it.

Professional athletes and their coaches employ a variety of strategies to increase their fitness levels, which have been developed over extensive experience and research.

It will benefit to adopt their guidance because they know how it works best. You might enroll in an online fitness school or organize a series of specialized workouts that will prepare you to play soccer effectively.

7. Join a Competitive Team

While you’re learning how to play soccer and doing so well, you’ll probably conclude that it’s time to join a team. 

This step, however, may not apply to everyone. All you want to do maybe figure out how to play the game and have fun with your friends. And that’s fantastic! 

If you want to improve your soccer game and take it to the next level, joining a team is a good option. It has the potential to be extremely satisfying and rewarding.

Joining a team entails first determining whether teams are holding auditions in your region— a quick Google search should reveal this information—and then signing up. 

This does need some dedication. You will be needed to attend at minimum one training session during the week and be available to play in the game most weeks. However, the advantages should outweigh the disadvantages!

8. Reflect and Improve

Taking a moment and evaluating how you’re doing is the final step in playing soccer well. If you’re serious about improving your soccer skills, you’ll put in the effort. One of the most effective methods to do so is to evaluate your performance honestly.

This can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Observing better players than yourself, as we have indicated in the previous stage, is a terrific method to improve your abilities.

Take note of what There are a variety of strategies to stay healthy or increase your fitness for soccer. However, we’ve discovered that following what professionals do is the best way to go about it.

Professional athletes and their coaches employ a variety of strategies to increase their fitness levels, which have been developed over extensive experience and research.

It will benefit to adopt their guidance because they know how it works best. You might enroll in an online fitness school or organize a series of specialized workouts that will prepare you to play soccer effectively.

7. Join a Competitive Team

While you’re learning how to play soccer and doing so well, you’ll probably conclude that it’s time to join a team. 

This step, however, may not be applicable to everyone. It’s possible that all you want to do is figure out how to play the game and have fun with your friends. And that’s fantastic! 

If you really want to improve your soccer game and take it to the next level, joining a team is a good option. It has the potential to be extremely satisfying and rewarding.

Joining a team entails first determining whether teams are holding auditions in your region— a quick Google search should reveal this information—and then signing up. 

This does need some dedication. You will be needed to attend at minimum one training session during the week and be available to play in the game most weeks. However, the advantages should outweigh the disadvantages!

8. Reflect and Improve

Taking a moment and evaluating how you’re doing is the final step in playing soccer well. If you’re serious about improving your soccer skills, you’ll put in the effort.

One of the most effective methods to do so is to evaluate your performance honestly.

Fortunately, this can be fulfilled in a plethora of ways. Observing better players than yourself, as we have indicated in the previous stage, is a terrific method to improve your own abilities.

Take note of what they’re doing and imitate it. Alternatively, you may ask them to show you how to do what they’re doing.

It would be beneficial to ask anyone you trust to give me their view on where you need to improve and expand yourself in that area while reflecting on and evaluating your own performance.

To summarize, learning how to play soccer is the first step in becoming a great player. You will find yourself playing soccer like a pro and loving the game at all times if the knowledge presented above is critically studied and practiced on the soccer field.

How long should I practice soccer a day?

While spending hours on the field kicking the ball aimlessly might seem like a fun way of spending your afternoon, in most cases it is counter-productive.

Even an hour of planned and organized training is better than an entire afternoon of mindless running after the ball.

In case you can’t prepare your own effective practices, you can take a quick look at the list above and follow the basics before moving on to the more advanced practice routines.

Being involved in soccer on a daily basis is a great recipe for success, just like with any other sport.

Whether it’s learning something new about the rules behind the game, watching games on TV to gain some insight into how the stars do things, or actually practicing and honing a new skill, daily work is one of the best investments for your future.

Invest an hour of your time every day into a planned soccer routine, and you’ll start noticing improvements in no time.

Is soccer easy to learn?

Just like any other sport, picking up soccer is not a hard thing to do. It can be done much easier than following the guide above: Get a ball, take it to a field, and have fun.

However, some things are more rewarding when done the right way. After investing a little time and effort, soccer can become a source of an insane amount of fun, spread throughout the player’s life. 

Soccer can be an excellent energy outlet that connects the players with their peers. The rules aren’t too complex, while the mechanics of the game can be learned by anyone in a matter of weeks.

This is what makes it an excellent sport for children, as well as for adults who are looking to blow some steam.

With a few hours of training every week, anyone can understand the game enough to have fun, while a more serious commitment to the sport is necessary for those who have higher ambitions.

How long does it take to get good at soccer?

Getting the grasp on the basics of soccer is something that occurs fairly quickly, and can be achieved in a matter of weeks. However, getting good at soccer is a long-term task that can take years to achieve.

Typically, soccer beginners take at least a year or two to become good at the game. It should be kept in mind that soccer skill development, just like with any other sport, is a highly individual thing; some might take months to learn what others only need hours for.

For those who wish to make a career in soccer, learning the game is not enough; they need to master it.

Experts suggest that three hours of daily practice is necessary to achieve this, over the course of a few years, depending on the player’s abilities.

The best way to become good at soccer is to fall in love with the sport. When there’s passion, there will also be the willingness to progress and master the game, and there’s no better motivation than that.

Futsal, however, has long sat in the shadows of its massive behemoth that is world soccer.

At heart, the principles are the same: Score more goals than your opponent.

However, while soccer is famous for its slow-building tempo, futsal is building a larger audience base because of its fast-paced nature.

Yet, speed isn’t the only difference between the two similar sports. In this article, let’s take a look at 11 key differences that make each side stand out.

Soccer

Likely because of soccer’s rather vibrant following worldwide, everyone has some idea of what the general rules are.

Soccer can be enjoyed individually, especially in training, practicing skill moves, and hitting a target.

However, the beauty of the game is in the interaction with teammates. With soccer, passing the ball to link up with your teammates and scoring goals is very vital.

There are usually two obvious phases at every given point in any soccer game: the offensive (also called attacking) and defensive phases.

The team holding onto the ball at any point is usually the team in the offensive phase, while the team looking to steal the ball is the defending team.

The key aim is for your team to defend properly when the other team has the ball, and find a way to score when you are on the offensive.

Some basic rules are set against how you defend when the other team has the ball. For example, you can’t use your hands to touch the ball (unless you’re the goalkeeper, of course). You also aren’t allowed to hurt an opponent deliberately.

If you commit a foul by breaking any of those general rules, the referee will penalize your team and might even penalize you as well.

The referee decides if a game is being played fairly, and will intervene when any rules are broken. If you tackle another player roughly, the ref might warn you with a yellow card, or hand you a straight red card if your tackle violated any major rules.

Futsal

Similar to soccer, a notable number of former professional soccer players have gone on to play futsal.

Superstars like Ronaldinho, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, and even Diego Maradona have all delved into futsal after their careers in soccer.

Some players grew up with futsal as their access to the world of soccer; Lionel Messi, Kaka, Zico, and Pele have all credited futsal for developing their skills.

Popular for its basketball court appeal, futsal prides itself in the one key difference it has with soccer: high-intensity play. In futsal, something is always happening.

Blink, and you could miss a searing goal, a wonderfully crafted back-heel pass, or even a howler by the goalkeeper.

With five players on each team (four outfield players and a goalkeeper), all players have to contribute to both the offensive and defensive phases of the game.

The goalkeeper might choose to stick to the post area, but often, goalies are seen venturing out and even taking shots at goal as well.

The outfield players usually include a goal-scorer (although anyone can score), two players who veer out to each wing to add some width to the team, and one player who sits ahead of the goalkeeper.

Fouls are a tricky business in futsal. If you commit more than 5 fouls in a half, the other side gets awarded a free kick. Yellow cards and red cards are also used by the ref for warnings and dismissals respectively.

Interestingly, when you are sent for a red card offense, another player on your team can take your spot after 2 minutes have elapsed.

Soccer vs Futsal: 11 Key Differences

Location

While futsal can be easily played on any hard surface (indoors and outdoors), soccer requires a full-sized pitch.

With futsal, all you really need are a ball, some shoes, and a few teammates who are as skillful as you. For soccer, you need to find a minimum of 10 other people to join you before you can start a game.

Game speed

It’s often usual for a soccer game to go a few long minutes without any serious action from either side. With futsal, this is impossible.

While soccer players can choose to reduce and control the tempo of the game by passing vertically across the field, futsal players have no such space.

Added to the rule in futsal that goalkeepers must not hold onto the ball for more than four seconds, there is little opportunity to waste any time. Referees tend to be a lot more lenient with soccer goalkeepers who waste time.

Increased player touches

A large soccer field with 22 players on it will likely see some players get much fewer touches on the ball than others.

This is the opposite with futsal which has 10 players running around on a much smaller pitch. According to Dr. Emilio Miranda from Sao Paolo University, a futsal player will have 600% more touches on the ball than a soccer player.

Player roles

In soccer, the large pitch sizes make it important for each player to acknowledge and understand the tactical role they play in their area of the field.

Defenders are more inclined to focus on contributing defensively to the game. Midfielders are there to link the defense to the attack, and the attack is likely to focus on scoring goals. In futsal, there are only 5 players on each team.

With futsal, each player has to be adept in both attacking and defending.

Skillsets

Similar to the player roles, skills are what allow a particular player performs well in their given or natural role. In soccer, a midfielder might have great passing skills but poor heading skills.

Or, a defender might have great tackling skills but little passing vision. In futsal, each player (irrespective of position) needs flair, creativity, and out-of-the-box thinking to adapt to the fast-paced rigor of the game.

Unbelievable passes, crazy moves, and shocker goals are more likely to show up in futsal than on a soccer field.

Field dynamics

Down to the issue of pitch size, the futsal pitch is rather significantly smaller than soccer. So, rather than long, over-the-defense through-balls which we might often see in soccer, you’re likely to experience a shorter passing style of play in futsal.

A lot of focus in futsal is in retaining possession of the ball, rather than overly quick counterattacks.

Futsal players are more aware of their surroundings because any tiny lapse in concentration can lead to the opponent stealing the ball and scoring within 5 seconds.

Red card substitution

Any lover of soccer would laugh you in the face if you mentioned substituting a player who receives a red card. However, this is the norm in futsal.

While a red card in soccer means that the team has to make do with only 10 men for the rest of the match, futsal allows a player to be replaced two minutes after they’ve been sent off.

The Clock

In soccer, the match really goes on for 90+ minutes. The “+” is essentially added by the referee based on whatever may have stopped the game during the original 90 minutes.

The counting clock never stops with soccer. With futsal, however, it does. Futsal allows you to call for one timeout per half while the clock pauses. 

Unlimited Substitutions

In soccer, you have 11 players on your team alongside a bench of five to seven players (depending on the tournament). From these five to seven, you can choose three who will replace tired or injured players during the course of the game.

With futsal, it’s very different. You can substitute whoever you want, and for as many times as you want. The futsal bench has 12 substitutions, which means you can effectively change your squad 3 times.

No Offsides

Futsal players have the freedom to roam across the ends of the pitch, rather than have to stick to a defensive line. In soccer, the offside rule – which tends to cause controversy – is an important part of the game.

If an attacker is behind the defensive line and the ball is passed to that attacker, then the attacker has been caught offside. Due to the size of the smaller futsal field, however, the offside rule does not exist.

Attackers can run behind defenders without being penalized for an offside position.

Different Ball Bounce

The Futsal ball is one size lower than the standard soccer ball and is usually filled with cotton to improve its unique bounce.

Notably, the futsal ball bounces less than the soccer ball. This means that futsal players will find it a lot easier to control the ball better.

According to FIFA, an official futsal ball should have 30% less bounce. In fact, you often don’t get more than two bounces consecutively.

Statistically, the more time the ball spends on the ground, the easier it is for you to handle it, control it, and find that game-winning goal.

They enforce the rules and discipline the players (and managers too) on the field. Notably, referees solely have the authority to start, pause, resume or end soccer games when they wish.

Today, it’s hard to imagine a game of soccer without a ref in charge, but things were very different four centuries ago. As funny as it sounds, in-game disputes were once handled between the players themselves.

Over the years, games became more competitive and referees became a necessity. By 1891, soccer laws were properly restructured to improve and enhance the work of the referees.

Soccer, and the part refs play, has continued to evolve. Now, there are assistant referees who are positioned down each flank as extra eyes for the referee, as well as a fourth official.

More recently, the controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has been introduced into modern soccer.

However, these additions don’t take away the ref’s authority and veto power on the pitch. The ref’s decision against your team, as ridiculous as you believe it to be, is final.

So understandably, it’s not an easy thing to referee a game. This is why the very best referees in the world are celebrated. They stay unbiased and fair in their decision-making, which further improves soccer as a whole.

These great referees are proudly known for their fairness and experience in judging play. They temper anger with mercy, and this endears them to the fans and players of both opposing sides.

Certainly, quite a few of them have been mired in controversy of some sort. However, their tenacity and willingness to improve ensured that they remained at the pinnacles of their respective careers.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the 15 best soccer referees of all time.

1. Mark Geiger

Known popularly during this time officiating in the MLS, Geiger is currently the senior director of match officials at the Professional Referee Organization.

Notably, he was on the FIFA International Referees List for 11 years, and he also participated in two World Cups. Geiger is one of the few best referees in the world that hail from the United States, unlike others who come from Europe.

In fact, Mark Geiger was the first American ref to officiate a knockout game during a World Cup.

Geiger has successfully maintained his unbiased nature during important matches, one particularly controversial incident stands out.

The star referee awarded a 90-minute penalty on behalf of Mexico against Panama during their Gold Cup semi-final matchup in 2015.

Mark Geiger has officially refereed 93 MLS games and 6 FIFA World Cup games. In his 93 appearances in the MLS, Geiger showed just 21 red cards and gave 26 penalties.

2. Martin Atkinson

Known worldwide for his stamina, unbiased decisions, and long-term officiating experience, Atkinson is arguably one of the best referees in the world.

The star official is yet to retire, and he remains a valued English Premier League referee. Since mid-August, he has already officiated 3 games, dishing out 8 yellow cards and 1 red card.

Atkinson started his refereeing career at the very young age of 16 at his local team. By the time he was 30, he became an assistant referee in the Premier League and a referee in lower leagues.

Since 2005 when he officiated his first Premier League game, Atkinson has appeared as the main referee in 381 top-level games. He began refereeing continental and international matches in 2007 and has appeared in 41 such games so far.

Throughout his illustrious career, Atkinson has shown 95 red cards and over two thousand yellow cards.

3. Nestor Pitana

Starting his refereeing career in his home country Argentina, Pitana has become a household name in soccer worldwide. 

The former actor has successfully refereed in two World Cups and a Copa America in the last decade. Starting at the Primera B Nacional in Argentina in 2006, Pitana worked his way up to the echelons of Argentine soccer.

Outside the Primera Division de Argentina – where he has refereed 269 games – Nestor Pitana has officiated 267 Conmebol games, including two games in the Copa America 2015.

He began officiating FIFA games in 2011, and so far, Pitana has 26 such games under his belt.

Most recently, he officiated the final game of the 2018 World Cup: France vs Croatia. Ironically, his biggest controversy as a ref came during that all-important champion-deciding game.

His decision to award a penalty to France in regards to a handball has been criticized by both pundits and fans on both sides.

Nestor Pitana is notably one of the few world-renowned referees outside Europe.

4. Cüneyt Çakır

A long-standing member of both FIFA and UEFA referee lists, Çakır has achieved great progress in world soccer since his time as an insurance agent.

Regarded as one of the best refs in the world, the Turk has officiated domestic games in his homeland since 2001.

Asides from his consistent appearances in the top Turkish league, Çakır has also officiated international games and important Turkish Super Lig games.

His most notable games have included the UEFA Champions League 2012 semi-final between Barcelona and Chelsea, as well as the UEFA Champions League 2015 final between Barcelona and Juventus.

Cüneyt Çakır also officiated six games in the two World Cups of the previous decade.

Controversially, the Turkey-born referee can be quite strict. He is notable for sending off important players during important games, although pundits will argue that he merely stuck to the rules of the game.

5. Bjorn Kuipers

Ever since he was awarded his FIFA badge in 2006, the Dutchman has been appointed to officiate a stunning 10 international finals. Similarly, on the domestic front, Kuipers has officiated 8 finals.

The now-retired referee started off his career in the Dutch second-tier league in 2002. By 2005, he was overseeing important Eredivisie games.

A year later, he was awarded his FIFA badge, and he quickly rose through the ranks to officiate the European U-21 Championship Finals in 2006 and 2009.

In the last decade, Kuipers has officiated in the FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, the Euros, Europa League Finals, and UEFA Champions League Finals. 

Not one for many controversies, a Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City earlier this year saw Kuipers on the line for investigation.

Kuipers, who officiated the game, was accused of insulting two PSG players on the pitch.

6. Frank De Bleeckere

Starting his career in 1984, De Bleeckere became the first referee to win the Belgian Professional Referee of the Year award seven times in thirteen years.

He began officiating international games in 2001 and went on to officiate 7 World Cup matches till his retirement in 2012.

Not one to keep his cards in his pocket, De Bleeckere was notable for his no-nonsense manner while officiating. In the 2006 World Cup alone, he oversaw four games and handed out 19 yellow cards.

His penchant for strictness has also shown up in many important tournament games. While sometimes seen as controversial by pundits, De Bleeckere’s decisions to caution and send off players remained steadfast.

In 47 Champions League games, the former referee showed 164 yellow cards, as well as 7 straight reds.

7. Oscar Ruiz

Known as perhaps the best Colombian referee in the country’s history, the former referee joined FIFA’s ranks in 1995. Over the course of 16 years, Ruiz would go on to officiate games at three different World Cups.

Not one to become enmeshed in controversies, Oscar Ruiz had a relatively stable career for many years.

His major – and perhaps only – controversy came a year before his retirement during the 2010 World Cup. Ruiz’s decision to send Yoann Gourcuff off during a France-South Africa group game has been described as unnecessary and severe.

Today, the former star referee works as a referee instructor within FIFA and CONMEBOL.

His expertise on the pitch will certainly improve the new generation of referees in South America.

8. Pedro Proença

From the start of his career within Portugal in 1998 to his retirement in 2015, Proença built a brilliant reputation that pronounced him the best referee in Portugal.

With his career unmarred by any controversies, the Portuguese star official was elected as president of the Liga Portugal in 2015.

After officiating domestic games for five years, Proença was promoted to FIFA’s referee ranks in 2003. He had the honor of officiating UEFA Cup matches, U-19 Championships, and eventually the Euros.

He also became the first Portuguese referee to officiate a European Championship final (Spain vs Italy in 2012), and he also refereed the UEFA Champions League final of the same year.

Some of his awards include “Best Referee 2010-11” by the PFF and “Best Referee of 2012” by the IFFHS.

9. Howard Webb

Notably, the England-born star ref was the very first referee to officiate the finals of both the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup in the same year.

Known for his authoritativeness on the pitch, as well as his strict and unbiased approach, Webb is arguably one of the best referees in soccer history.

The now-retired referee notably issued 68 red cards in the 534 games he officiated. On average, he issued three yellow cards per game as well.

Quick to pluck the cards from his pocket, Howard Webb broke the record for the number of yellow cards issued in a World Cup final. The 2010 World Cup final between the Netherlands and Spain saw an astonishing 14 yellow cards issued.

After his refereeing career, Webb became the technical director of the PGMOL (the main body responsible for match officials in England). He also became the director of referees in Saudi Arabia.

10. Pierluigi Collina

Starting his 10-year FIFA career in 1995, the former Italian referee was named FIFA’s “Best Referee of the Year” six consecutive times.

To date, this record remains unbroken, and Collina is regarded as one of the best referees in the history of international soccer.

Pierluigi Collina was also vindicated in the most shocking match-fixing scandals in European history: Calciopoli. Notably, the instigators of the scandal had plans to punish Collina for his unbiased objectivity during games.

The revelations of these plans vindicated the referee and also improved his international standing.

When he reached the mandatory retirement age, Italy’s soccer federation raised the age level in order to keep Collina as a referee.

However, he ultimately resigned. Today, Collina is a member of the UEFA Referees Committee, Chairman of FIFA referees committee, and Head of Referees in Ukraine.

11. Felix Brych

Currently refereeing in the bigger stages of German domestic soccer, alongside his international and European duties, Brych is one of the biggest referee names out of Bavaria.

Having gotten his FIFA badge in 2007, Brych was quick to rise through the ranks. By 2012, he officiated the Barcelona-Chelsea Champions League semi-final.

In 2014, he refereed the Europa League Final, and in 2017 he refereed the Champions League final.

His most controversial moment, to date, was the Switzerland-Serbia match during the 2018 World Cup.

His decision not to award a penalty to Serbia was highly criticized and created a lot of controversies. FIFA ensured, afterward, that Bryce wouldn’t oversee any of the remaining games at the 2018 World Cup.

However, this controversy hasn’t deterred Felix Brych from refereeing two games at the recent Euro 2020. His awards include IFFHS World’s Best Man Referee of the Decade 2011-2020.

12. Michel Vautrot

The oldest man on this list of referees, Vautrot’s brilliant capacity to oversee the game ensured his success in the 70s and 80s.

He notably officiated five games in two World Cups which were held in 1982 and 1990 consecutively. He also refereed the finals of the Club World Cup in 1983 and the European Cup Final in 1986.

Vautrot has been honored by France, having been awarded Chevalier and Officer of the French Order of Merit. The IFFHS also awarded him as the World’s Best Referee twice in a row.

One single controversy nearly marred Vautrot’s illustrious career: the Vautrot Scandal. Dino Viola, the former president of Roma, attempted to bribe Michel Vautrot with £50,000 in order to make the referee more lenient towards Roma in the semi-finals.

The scandal saw people receive jail times and saw Viola get banned from soccer. Fortunately for Vautrot, he was vindicated during investigations.

13. Peter Mikkelsen

The former referee, who passed away in 2019, was one of the best referees in the game. He was also acknowledged as one of the pioneers of Danish refereeing. The IFFHS awarded the Dane with the prestigious “World’s Best Referee” twice.

Quick to build his illustrious career with a firm and unbiased hand on the pitch, it came as no surprise when FIFA picked Mikkelsento to officiate in the 1990 World Cup, even though he was just 30 years old.

Although he was young, he took charge of two matches. By 1994, he was given three games to officiate. UEFA European Championships also provided him with a great presence on the big stage, even in his earlier years.

Plying much of his trade with Denmark’s top league and international fixtures, Mikkelsen gained a reputation for staying controversy-free throughout his career.

He retired in 1998 and left the world of refereeing entirely, choosing to work in the HR department of F-Group (a company in Denmark).

14. Sandor Puhl

If Mikkelsen wasn’t marked with controversy, Sandor Puhl is the stark opposite. On one of the biggest stages of world soccer, Puhl was highly criticized for his decision-making by both pundits, players, and FIFA too.

The event took place during the 1994 World Cup quarter-final between Spain and Italy.

An Italian player had elbowed a Spaniard inside the penalty box, and even though the impact broke the Spaniard’s nose, Puhl did not give a penalty or a card. After the match, he was heavily criticized by FIFA and ended up getting suspended.

The Hungarian bounced back in fine fashion, eventually winning the award for “World’s Best Referee” four times in a row from 1994 to 1997.

Sandor Puhl recently passed on after he was diagnosed with COVID-19. Before his death, the star served as the Deputy Chairman of soccer in Hungary.

15. Kim Milton Nielsen

Yet another Dutchman on this list, Nielsen started officiating important Danish games aged just 25.

By the time he turned 28, FIFA’s list had come calling and he remained FIFA-listed until 2005.

Nielsen’s competence and unbiased approach ensured that, even when controversies came knocking, he would be free from criticism.

He notably took charge of the England-Argentina World Cup clash where he sent David Beckham off with a red card. He also took charge of Manchester United’s game against Villareal where he showed Wayne Rooney a second yellow card for sarcastic behavior.

Nielsen has also officiated other important games, with the UEFA Cup final and the Champions League final easily coming to mind.

Retiring at the mandatory age limit of 45, it is quite possible that Nielsen could have given us a few more years of brilliance outside the age limit.

As a Sunday league football manager and an avid player, I know how important cleats are in improving your game.

I did some research to discover if Puma’s Neymar-inspired cleats are the best in the market.

I was eager to check out these cleats from the start, and I wasn’t disappointed at first glance.

The FUTURE Z 1.1 cleats are as dramatic as the soccer pro they were built for – dynamic, contrasting, and bold. It is immediately clear that Neymar had a hand in the design, with the colors stylishly matching Paris Saint-Germain’s fourth kit.

However, the aesthetic appeal isn’t the most important (or useful) feature. Puma mentioned that the cleats have a FUZIONFIT+ compression band, as well as GripControl Pro and Nano Grip technology.

But how do these features benefit your feet when you play soccer?

Well, I have answers. I recently took out the “Z” cleats to test on the field, and this detailed review is what I learned.

We’ll discuss in-depth features about the cleats, how they affect your game on the field, and other alternatives you might prefer instead.

FUTURE Z Overview

Cleats are external protrusions under sporting shoes specifically made to improve traction on soft or slippery surfaces.

The Z boasts a stylish,  luminous design in black, white, and yellow. Customized for Neymar, these are Puma’s most advanced set of soccer cleats.

It does make sense that they would put their all into this lustrous pair: the sporting behemoth signed a mega-deal with Neymar!

These are arguably some of the best soccer cleats I’ve worn. For me, it solves the six most important areas of concern when buying cleats: fit, traction, touch, durability, style, and price.

So let’s take a look at some of these concerns and how Neymar’s soccer cleats tackle each one.

The fit

How comfortable you are (how the cleats fit) can determine how efficient you’ll be while playing during a game. The fit is that important!

On the first try, I admit I found the cleats a little “off” in the ankle and the lace areas.  After a few minutes, however, it felt much better. Puma’s use of knit coating ensures that the cleats adapt to the shape of your feet.

Removing the NETFIT lacing system on previous cleat designs, Puma decided to go with a FUZIONFIT+ compression band system.

This knit construction is designed to keep your mid-foot secured in place during the game.

Notably, others have complained that the FUZIONFIT+ band seems to wear better on slightly narrower feet.

So if you have wider feet than normal, you may find the fit somewhat uncomfortable.

Nonetheless, there is a general feeling of unity with the cleats and the feet. Your cleats will stick tightly to your soles, which gives a sturdy feeling of aid while you move on the pitch.

Puma calls this the Dynamic Motion System sole, and I think it’s brilliant, especially during quick direction changes during a match.

The traction

Neymar is well-known for his flair on the field. Elusive movements, dribbling skills, soft touches on the ball, and fast directional changes: Neymar is nearly unrivaled in skill.

With his input clearly on these cleats, their underside would certainly be built to suit his needs.

Neymar’s quick turns and movements will need lots of traction, and that’s what this pair of cleats offers. The underside is completely redesigned with what Puma calls an advanced stud configuration.

The transparent studs help with multidirectional traction, and they showcase the pair’s underside designs as well.

These cleats enhance agility and movement, even in the rain. Tried and tested, I thoroughly enjoyed playing in them, even if I’m not near as good as the Brazilian star.

The touch

Akin to the feeling of a second skin, Neymar’s soccer cleats have a good (but soft) grip. When I put on these cleats for the first time, I loved how soft and supple the material is.

There’s also a cushion-like lining that adds a padded piece of extra comfort to the interior.

Puma explains that the NanoGrip technology is used to improve cushioning, and I can’t argue with them there.

The sole and sides of the foot are cushioned and stick to your feet in any situation.

It makes sense that these cleats were made especially for Neymar. The cushioned insides and subtle knitting on the FUZIONFIT+ band are built to enhance his dynamism on the field.

The durability

On the day I tried the cleats out, I played in the rain on a synthetic pitch. I also tested them out on natural grass as well.

The brooding black and yellow graphics might look like they’re prone to getting stained, but this wasn’t the case.

Cleaning mud off the cleats was a fairly straightforward affair, and they were looking good as new afterward. With proper cleaning and care, there’s no need to worry about durability with your pair of Future Z 1.1 cleats.

I used a mixture of laundry detergent and water to wash out the stains and then wiped the cleats clean. This simple solution works quite well, so there’s no need for costly maintenance with these cleats.

The style

This pair of cleats take a vibrant turn from its predecessor’s simpler white-based designs. The daring black and bright yellow colors make a clear, bold statement from the get-go.

After all, it’s hard for your opponents to ignore your cleats when they’re that shouty and beautiful.

The “Future” brand is proclaimed in a sharp white font on the sides of the cleats, while the Puma’s telltale logo sits boldly on the front and back.

The yellow studs at the bottom of the cleats enhance the fluent black and yellow design that crisscrosses the entire pair.

In the middle of the cleats, Puma’s FUZIONFIT+ tech sits in black and white stripes with yellow laces diagonally striped across.

This is a prominent shift from the previous pairs within the Future brand of cleats which had little dark aesthetics.

If you’re a fashionista – like Neymar, then you should have no problems mixing your style with your game on the pitch.

These cleats let you do just that, as they replace their predecessor’s simpler colors with vibrance and graphic design.

The price

Adidas and Nike both have cleats that exceed Puma’s range on Amazon, yet I’d argue that there’s little difference in quality.

This is certainly great news for Puma lovers, but it will likely snatch some Nike and Adidas fans along the way. With Neymar wearing the exuberant pair at PSG, Puma’s presence on soccer fields will certainly catapult this season.

Alternatives

Honestly, Puma’s Future collection of cleats won’t be a great fit for everyone. With Neymar’s input in the design and the features that Puma proudly promotes, it’s clear that these cleats are made to fit the Brazilian captain’s style of play.

For other less skillful players, there might be better alternatives out there.

If you love to drive down the flanks and power shots at goal, Nike’s Mercurial Superfly 8 might be your best bet. If you’re a playmaker with great passing vision, Adidas’ Copa Sense could improve your game.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some alternatives for players who don’t play the Neymar way.

Puma Ultra

Outside the legacy of Puma’s Future brand, the Ultra brand has some defining cleats too. A little older than this current Future Z edition, Ultra cleats focus on speed and power, unlike Future’s focus on fit and maneuverability.

It’s also cheaper by $50, so it’s a great alternative for your pocket too.

Adidas Copa Sense

While you’ll have to part ways with $275, it would all be for the right reasons.

Continuing the legacy of the Copa cleats series in fine fashion, the new Copa Sense features SENSEPODS and TOUCHPODS to provide extra control and comfort. For a skillful first touch and an increased passing range, these will offer you the right features.

Nike Mercurial Superfly 8

The Mercurial lineup of cleats arguably sets the standard for delivering speed and lightweight performance. The new Superfly 8 is no different.

Collared at the ankle in Nike’s renowned style, these cleats will set you back by nearly $300. Mercurial cleats, especially the Vapors and Superflys, are legendary for their traction and acceleration aid.

Verdict

Puma’s new limited edition cleats are, by far, the best for skillful dribblers who prefer finesse and flair over speed and power. It’s arguably worth every penny too.

It has optimal cushioning, an anti-slip design, and adaptive skin that fits your feet. This offers your feet superior softness and comfort.

The dynamic graphics are bold and fashionable, putting these cleats at the forefront of football fashion.

So, if you enjoy showboating and skillful playmaking, these are the best cleats you’ll find in the market. If they’re good enough for Neymar, they’ll certainly be great for you!

Where to buy

You can purchase Neymar’s soccer cleats on Amazon. With shipping available across the US, you can place your order today and join your squad with your new cleats next weekend!