The influence of goalkeeper's height on soccer performance: A gender-based analysis

Abstract

The difference in height between men and women goalkeepers (GKs) may influence goalkeeper performance, particularly when considering that both genders compete using goal frames of identical dimensions. The primary objective of this study was to establish the correlation between GKs’ height and their performance during the 2023–2024 UEFA Champions League season, encompassing both women's and men's leagues. A secondary objective was to analyze GKs’ performance overall. In total, 1751 shots on goal were analyzed, utilizing variables such as total shots on goal, goal shots, non-goal shots, effectiveness against shots conceded, expected goals on target (xGOT), class output, and zone output. A descriptive and correlational statistical analysis was conducted, along with a comparative analysis to assess differences between genders. The findings revealed no correlation between GKs’ height and their performance, as measured by the xGOT metric. The “low center” goal zone received the highest percentage of shots on target, while the “low left” and “low right” zones conceded the highest percentage of goals. The main conclusion of this study was GKs’ height should not be regarded as a determining physical characteristic for performance in both leagues. Furthermore, the predictive value of xGOT for a shot on goal resulting in a goal was determined to be 0.61 ± 0.29 for the women's league and 0.60 ± 0.29 for the men's league.