Definition

Noun: A person who participates in the sport of soccer as a competitor. This term specifically refers to an athlete whose primary sporting activity is playing soccer.

Usage

The term "soccer player" is used to identify an individual who plays the sport of soccer, either professionally or as an amateur. It is a compound noun where "soccer" specifies the type of player.

Examples

• The talented soccer player scored the winning goal in the final minute.
• She has trained for years to become a professional soccer player.
• Many young soccer players look up to international stars as role models.

Advanced Usage

• "Soccer player" vs. "Footballer": In British and international English, "footballer" is the more common term for a person who plays association football (soccer). "Soccer player" is primarily used in regions like North America and Australia where "football" can refer to other sports (e.g., American football, Australian rules football).

Variants and Related Words

• Footballer (n): The British English equivalent for a soccer player.
• Striker (n): A soccer player whose main role is to score goals; a forward.
• Goalkeeper (n): A soccer player who defends the goal.
• Midfielder (n): A soccer player who operates in the central area of the field.

Synonyms

• Footballer (chiefly British)
• Football player (in contexts where "football" unambiguously means soccer)

Antonyms

• Non-athlete
• Spectator
• Coach (while involved in the sport, a coach is not a player)

Related Phrases

• Professional soccer player: A soccer player who is paid to play the sport.
• Amateur soccer player: A soccer player who does not get paid to play.
• National team soccer player: A soccer player who represents their country in international competitions.

Noun

1. an athlete who plays soccer