ANTHROPOMETRIC PROFILE AT U-15 TO PROFESSIONAL ON BRAZILIAN NATIONAL TEAM SOCCER PLAYERS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although competitiveness rises progressively increases according to age groups, players must stand out in their playing position at all ages to win a spot on their National Teams. The differences among match physical and technical demands could also influence which anthropometrical aspects would be most importantly considered for National Team selection. Objectives: This study aimed describe and compare the anthropometric profile of soccer players from U15 to professional categories of the Brazilian National Soccer Team. Methods: The sample consisted of 673 players from the categories U15, U17, U20, U23 and PRO. Measurements of height, body mass, and sum of seven skinfolds from the Brazilian Football Confederation database between 2013 and 2021 were used to describe the players’ anthropometric profile. Players were grouped according to categories, playing position, and those who were selected or not selected. Results: As expected, the results indicate that body mass increases with age and stabilizes from category U23 onwards. Body mass and the sum of seven skinfolds increase within the U15 category (U15.1 vs. U15.2), while height and body mass increase within the U17 category (U17.1 vs. U17.2). Defenders and fullbacks stabilize body mass and stature prior to U17, while midfielders, strikers, and goalkeepers stabilize body mass later, with midfielders and strikers at U20, and goalkeepers at U23. Goalkeepers and defenders were the players with the greatest height and body mass compared to the other positions in all categories. The selected and non-selected players in the different categories had similar anthropometric profiles. Conclusion: From the results, there is a diversity in anthropometric profile within the positions and a difference in maturation according to the players’ positions. This study can be used by coaches, physical trainers and sport scientists as normative data about the anthropometric profile of Brazilian men's soccer teams, establishing a benchmark. Level of Evidence III; Retrospective and Comparative Study.