Professional soccer players typically run about 6 to 8 miles per game, which is roughly 10 to 13 kilometers. A common average is around 7 miles, and midfielders often cover the most ground, sometimes closer to 9 to 10 miles in a match.

What affects the distance

  • Position matters: midfielders usually run the most, while defenders and forwards generally cover less.
  • Match style matters: a fast, high-pressing game usually means more running.
  • Extra time matters: if a match goes longer than 90 minutes, the total distance rises.

A simple way to think about it

A full match can be about the same as running a 10K race for top-level players. That is a lot of movement, especially because it includes sprinting, jogging, walking, and repeated changes of direction rather than steady pace running.

Typical ranges

[2][1] [5][10] [8][10]
Player type Typical distance per game
Outfield player average About 6 to 8 miles, or 10 to 13 km
Midfielders Often near 9 to 10 miles, or around 15 km
Top-level match example About 7 miles is a widely cited average
TL;DR: most professional soccer players run about 10 to 13 km per game, with midfielders usually covering the most ground.