01 Oct Differences in match-running performances across racial groups in professional soccer players
Are black players inherently more athletic?
It is a stereotype that has existed for decades in sport. But what happens when we test it with objective match data from elite professional soccer?
This study analysed 4,011 individual match observations from the 2018–2019 Spanish LaLiga season, including 3,319 observations from white players and 692 from black players. Only outfield players who completed the full match were included. Players were classified into five positions: central defenders (CD), full backs (FB), central midfielders (CM), external midfielders (EM), and forwards (F).
Match-running performance was measured using total distance (TD), high-intensity running distance (HIR > 24 km/h), number of high-intensity efforts, and average speed.
Technical–tactical performance was also assessed through offensive and defensive volume.
The results challenge simplistic assumptions.
When all players were analysed together, white players covered slightly more total distance and had a higher average speed.
However, the differences were small.
More importantly, the differences depended on playing position.
There were no differences between white and black players in match-running performance for central defenders and forwards.
In other words, in these roles, physical output was comparable across groups.
The differences appeared primarily in midfield and full-back positions.
White central midfielders showed higher total distance, high-intensity running, number of high-intensity efforts, and average speed compared to black central midfielders.
White full backs and external midfielders also covered more total distance and showed slightly higher average speed.
However, black central midfielders demonstrated higher defensive volume.
These findings highlight a crucial point.
Match-running performance is not determined by race.
It is influenced by positional role, tactical context, age, and team demands.
Age emerged as a significant factor.
Across almost all positions, younger players demonstrated superior physical performance.
Total distance, high-intensity running, number of high-intensity efforts, and average speed all declined with age.
These declines were especially pronounced for full backs and central midfielders.
However, older players showed higher offensive and overall game volume.
This suggests a compensation mechanism.
As physical capacity declines, technical–tactical involvement may increase.
Experience appears to partially offset physical reductions.
This aligns with previous research showing that older players tend to improve decision-making, passing efficiency, and tactical positioning.
The study also reinforces well-established positional differences.
Central midfielders covered the greatest total distance.
External midfielders and full backs performed the highest high-intensity and sprint distances.
Central defenders and central midfielders generally covered shorter high-intensity distances compared to wide players.
These patterns are consistent with modern tactical demands.
The broader implication of this study is important.
The stereotype that black players are naturally superior athletically is not supported by objective match-running data in elite Spanish soccer.
Performance differences, where present, are small, position-specific, and influenced by multiple contextual variables.
Soccer is complex.
Match-running performance depends on tactical system, match importance, opposition quality, team strategy, and role within the team.
Reducing performance to racial explanations oversimplifies a multidimensional reality.
For coaches and performance analysts, the practical message is clear.
Recruitment, selection and performance evaluation should focus on positional demands, tactical fit and individual characteristics.
Age-related decline must be managed differently depending on position.
Full backs and central midfielders may require more careful load management as they age.
Technical contribution should also be considered alongside physical output.
Athletic performance in soccer cannot be explained by stereotypes.
It must be understood through context, role and data.