Data report about comparisons of distance, endurance, speed, strength, and training volume in soccer among Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Portugal
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v70.115124Keywords:
Athletic metrics, football, GPS tracking, physical performance, physical fitnessAbstract
Introduction: Considering the sociocultural and economic background of each nation, the technical-tactical and physical demands of soccer may vary. Effective training methods and performance optimization depend on an awareness of these contextual differences.
Objective: This study aimed to compare match running performance metrics (i.e. total distance covered, endurance, speed, strength, and training load) among professional soccer players from Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Portugal.
Methods: 8,914 competitive matches from first-division male players aged 18–35 were analyzed [Brazil (n = 2,534), Saudi Arabia (n = 3,889), and Portugal (n = 2,491)]. Physical performance data were collected using Catapult GPS devices, which tracked total distance covered, endurance, maximum speed, explosive strength, and training load. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: Portuguese players covered the greatest total distance (5859.52 ± 1916.35 m), followed by Saudi players (5341.03 ± 1879.44 m), and Brazilian players (4467.48 ± 2505.83 m). Endurance was also highest in Portugal (7.80 ± 2.17), followed by Saudi Arabia (7.05 ± 1.78) and Brazil (5.18 ± 2.43). Maximum speed was greatest among Portuguese players (4.93 ± 4.34 m/s), compared to Saudi (4.77 ± 5.54 m/s) and Brazilian players (4.46 ± 5.14 m/s). Brazilian players demonstrated the highest strength values (7.84 ± 5.28), while Portuguese players had the lowest (5.84 ± 2.54). Training load was highest in Saudi Arabia (6.42 ± 3.01), slightly above Portugal (6.19 ± 2.30) and Brazil (5.82 ± 3.45).
Conclusion: These findings highlight significant differences in match running performance across Brazilian, Saudi, and Portuguese soccer players. Portuguese and Saudi players demonstrated longer total distance covered compared to Brazilian athletes. These findings are crucial for designing training programs to specific contexts to improve competitive performance.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Sarah Ramos, Lucas de Albuquerque Freire, Bruno Jotta da Costa, Denilson da Silveira Vasconcelos, Leonardo Pereira Massoto Laranjeiras, Rodrigo Cunha de Mello Pedreiro, Ciro José Brito, Diego Ignácio Valenzuela Pérez, Esteban Aedo-Muñoz, Pablo Merino-Muñoz, Bianca Miarka
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