What Do You Call a Football Player? Term Explained

By Sarah Miller · March 14, 2026

A football player is commonly referred to as a footballer in British English and other regions outside North America, while in the United States and Canada, the term soccer player is typically used to distinguish the sport from American football. This distinction reflects regional language preferences and helps avoid confusion between different sports that share the name “football.” The roles, positions, and levels of play vary widely across professional, collegiate, and amateur leagues worldwide.

Understanding the Terminology: Footballer vs. Soccer Player

The naming of a participant in the sport known globally as football depends largely on geography and linguistic tradition. In most countries, particularly in Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia, someone who plays football is called a footballer. However, in North America, where “football” refers to American football, the same athlete is referred to as a soccer player.

Why the Difference Exists

Historical Development: The sport originated in England as “association football,” later shortened to “football.”
Linguistic Clarity: In the U.S., “soccer” was derived from “assoc” (short for association) to differentiate it from rugby and American football.
Global Standardization: FIFA, the international governing body, uses “football” universally, reinforcing “footballer” as the global standard.

Roles and Positions of a Football Player

Football players are categorized by their on-field roles, each requiring specific skills and physical attributes. These positions are broadly grouped into four categories:

Goalkeeper: The only player allowed to use hands within the penalty area; responsible for preventing goals.
Defenders: Includes center-backs, full-backs, and wing-backs; tasked with stopping opposition attacks.
Midfielders: Playmakers who control the flow of the game; can be defensive, central, or attacking.
Forwards: Strikers and wingers focused on scoring goals and creating offensive opportunities.

Professional Pathways and Career Levels

Becoming a professional football player involves years of training, youth academy development, and competitive progression. Players may compete at various levels:

Youth Leagues
College/University (especially in the U.S.)
Semi-Professional Clubs
Professional Domestic Leagues (e.g., Premier League, La Liga)
International Competitions (e.g., FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro)

League	Country	Avg. Player Salary (USD/year)	Top Club (2024)	Notable Player Example
English Premier League	England	$3.8 million	Manchester City	Kevin De Bruyne
La Liga	Spain	$2.1 million	Real Madrid	Jude Bellingham
Bundesliga	Germany	$1.7 million	Bayer Leverkusen	Florian Wirtz
Serie A	Italy	$1.4 million	Napoli	Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Major League Soccer	USA/Canada	$670,000	LA Galaxy	Carlos Vela

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a clear disparity in average earnings between European top-flight leagues and Major League Soccer, reflecting differences in market size, broadcasting revenue, and global popularity. The Premier League leads in player compensation, aligning with its status as the most-watched football league globally. Rising salaries in leagues like MLS indicate growing investment and competitiveness in North American soccer.

Common Titles and Nicknames in Football

Beyond formal terms like “footballer” or “soccer player,” athletes often acquire nicknames based on playing style, appearance, or cultural significance:

The Magician: Often used for creative midfielders like Mesut Özil.
El Fenómeno: Refers to Ronaldo Nazário for his explosive impact.

CR7:

King of the Pitch: Used for dominant players like Lionel Messi.
Wall: A nickname for impenetrable defenders like Virgil van Dijk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Football Players

What do you call a person who plays football?

A person who plays football is called a footballer in most of the world and a soccer player in the United States and Canada to distinguish the sport from American football.

Is “footballer” correct in American English?

While “footballer” is understood, it is not commonly used in American English. Americans typically say “soccer player” to avoid confusion with American football.

What are the main positions in football?

The four main positions are goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and forward. Each has specialized roles, such as center-back (defender), attacking midfielder, or striker (forward).

How do you become a professional football player?

To become a professional, players usually join youth academies, progress through club systems, perform in competitive matches, and get scouted. In the U.S., college soccer also serves as a pathway to professional leagues.

Who are some of the most famous football players?

Legendary players include Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pelé, Diego Maradona, and Zinedine Zidane. Current stars include Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham.