The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthropometric profile, total energy value of the diet and macronutrient intake of professional soccer players, as well as verifying the differences among tactical positions: goalkeepers (n = 12), center backs (n = 20), median fields (n = 41), running backs (n = 21) and strikers (n = 24) in the studied variables. The sample was composed by 118 professional players (23 years ± 5 years) of the elite of the São Paulo state. All the evaluations were accomplished during the competitive period. Body composition was determined through skin folds measurement and the dietary data obtained through usual food intake. The goalkeepers and center backs were shown taller, heavier and with larger amount of lean mass than the other athletes, even so without significant differences among body fat percentage. The dietary habits of these athletes indicate a lower carbohydrate ingestion, hyperprotein and tendency to hyperlipidic diet. Thus, we can conclude that there are nutritional inadequacies and anthropometric differences among the players and their tactical positions. The results of the present study suggest that nutritional interventions are accomplished in the soccer elite, seeking to maximize the athletic performance.
Nutrition; Body composition; Skin folds
