Footballer CV example

You already know the value of good communication and smart positioning: so structuring your CV the right way should be a breeze. Recruiters and coaches don’t want to hunt for information, so a clean, direct layout will give them everything they need fast.

This guide will walk you through writing a CV that showcases your playing experience and achievements, as well as your off-pitch strengths – so you can position yourself as a reliable addition to any team.

Just like any competent formation, your CV needs structure and purpose. A well-organised layout lets coaches and scouts quickly assess your experience and potential, so don’t force them to navigate through a mess of an application: otherwise they’ll just move onto the next player.

Here’s the layout to follow:

• Name and contact details – These personal details sit at the top to provide easy access for prospective employers.
• Profile – Kick off with a short paragraph introducing you and your career to date.
• Core skills – Give a brief bullet-point summary of your key strengths and attributes.
• Work experience – Go over a record of clubs, appearances, and roles in reverse chronological order.
• Education & certifications – Walk recruiters through your football-related training and academic qualifications.
• Additional info – Optionally include things like honours, related hobbies, and professional awards and memberships.
  

Don’t let poor formatting be the red card that ends your shot at the role. Use bullet points to make your format easy to skim, and divide your CV into clear sections. Stick to two pages in length to cover all the essentials without boring recruiters, and choose a clean, professional font – your footwork can do the flair: your CV should keep things sharp and structured.

This is your first touch – make it sharp. Give the reader a clear idea of your playing background and what you bring to the squad. Whether you’re an academy graduate or a semi-pro standout, the profile should highlight your playing style, experience, and your goals (pun intended) – without going into too much detail.

If you’re newer to the field (pun intended, again), consider a personal statement, which gives you greater room to discuss your aspirations. An accompanying cover letter would be a nice touch to boost your application.

Here’s what to include:

• Where you’ve played – Mention clubs, academies, or leagues you’ve featured in.
• Your top qualifications – Highlight key training, academies, or football development programmes.
• Essential traits – Show your approach to the game – discipline, leadership, fitness, or tactical understanding.
• Position and playing style – Mention your role (e.g. winger, centre-back) and how you contribute to the team.
• Career goals or ambitions – State what you’re looking for – whether it’s a professional contract, development opportunity, or transition into coaching.

This section is a quick summary of your strengths on and off the ball. It’s ideal for tailoring to different roles or clubs – whether you’re targeting a specific league or position.

Stick to qualities that reflect your playing ability, mentality, and contribution to a team environment. Keep the list of your CV skills focused and easy to scan, so coaches and scouts can immediately spot what makes you stand out.

This is where you outline your playing career so far. Include clubs, academies, and trials – whether professional or amateur – and explain your role and impact in each team.

List your experience in reverse chronological order. Include your position, club name, and dates played. Then, use bullet points to explain your responsibilities (e.g. training, match preparation, leadership) and any standout contributions. A useful tip is to use numbers wherever possible to make these achievements feel more tangible to the reader.

• Outline – Briefly describe the club or team and your role within the squad.
• Responsibilities – Use action words like “represented,” “trained,” “contributed,” or “supported” to show your role in matches and team activities.
• Achievements – Highlight milestones like “scored 12 goals in the 2022/23 season,” “appointed team captain,” or “helped secure league promotion.”

While performance on the pitch is key, education and training can still boost your profile – especially if you’re looking at academies, scholarships, or dual-career pathways.

Include football-specific development (e.g. academy training, coaching certifications), and general education like school qualifications or sports science diplomas. If you’ve taken leadership or fitness courses, those are worth a brief note too.