**Background:** Kinanthropometry is the science of measuring human body composition, and in soccer, body composition directly affects performance. The physical demands of modern soccer have increased, requiring updated body composition reference values. The main methods used to assess body composition in athletes are anthropometry (skinfold measurements with equations), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Each method has different principles, advantages, and limitations, and there is no consensus on which method or equation provides the most accurate assessment for professional male soccer players. This study aimed to describe anthropometric, body composition, and somatotype characteristics of professional male soccer players and compare values across methods and equations.
**Methods:** The systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and searched PubMed-MEDLINE, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science from January 2000 to November 2021. The search strategy used MeSH terms and keywords related to soccer, anthropometry, body composition, and somatotype, excluding youth, amateur, female, and other non-professional populations. Inclusion criteria were original studies on professional/elite male soccer players reporting body composition data. Two authors independently screened articles and extracted data. Study quality was assessed using the Agency for Health Research and Quality (AHRQ) Methodology Checklist, with scores above 8 considered high quality. Random-effects meta-analysis using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) was performed in R software version 3.6.0, calculating pooled summary means and 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was measured using I² statistics, with I² ≥ 75% considered high heterogeneity. Egger's test assessed publication bias when at least 10 studies were available.
**Key Results:** Seventy-four articles were included in the systematic review and 73 in the meta-analysis, comprising 5,197 professional male soccer players. Thirty-two studies used anthropometry, 21 used BIA, 13 used DXA, and the remainder used combinations. The pooled mean age was 24.50 years. Overall mean values were: height 179.76 cm, weight 76.29 kg, fat mass 12.48 kg, fat mass percentage 11.85%, fat-free mass 66.10 kg, fat-free mass percentage 81.36%, muscle mass 39.28 kg, and muscle mass percentage 52.03%. Significant differences between methods were found for height (p = 0.001, with BIA showing the greatest height), fat mass in kg (p < 0.0001, with anthropometry showing the highest value), fat mass percentage (p < 0.0001, with DXA showing the highest value at 13.46%), and fat-free mass in kg (p = 0.0004, with anthropometry showing the highest value). No significant differences were found for age (p = 0.45), weight (p = 0.11), fat-free mass percentage (p = 0.59), muscle mass in kg (p = 0.37), or muscle mass percentage (p = 0.38). For fat mass percentage equations, significant differences were observed across groups (p < 0.001), with Durnin and Womersley (1974) and Faulkner (1968) yielding the highest values, and Carter (1982) and Yuhasz (1974) the lowest. The mean sum of six skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, supraspinale, abdominal, anterior thigh, calf) was 52.18 mm, and the sum of eight skinfolds was 59.93 mm. Somatotype means were endomorphy 2.32, mesomorphy 5.15, and ectomorphy 2.32, indicating a balanced mesomorphic somatotype. Bone mineral content averaged 3.17 kg, bone mineral density 1.33 g/cm³, and body water 47.52 L.
**Clinical Implications:** This study provides the first comprehensive meta-analysis of body composition in professional male soccer players, establishing reference ranges that can guide medical and technical staff in player assessment and monitoring. The significant differences between measurement methods and equations highlight the critical importance of using consistent methodology when tracking individual players over time or comparing across studies. DXA yields the highest fat mass percentage estimates (mean 13.46%), while anthropometry produces the lowest, meaning method choice directly affects clinical interpretation. The balanced mesomorphic somatotype (mesomorphy 5.15) reflects the muscular, athletic build typical of elite soccer players. The findings support using multiple assessment methods when possible—anthropometry for field-based tracking, BIA for hydration status, and DXA for gold-standard bone and body composition assessment. The study also identifies important gaps: few studies report bone mineral content, bone mineral density, or body water, despite their relevance to player health and performance. Future research should standardize protocols, report playing positions and seasonal timing, and extend these analyses to women's professional soccer.