Inspired by the terminology that is common in the mainstream football media and in football video games, SciSports identified 22 Player Roles in collaboration with football practitioners. SciSports defined those Player Roles as sets of characterising tasks and duties that players in those roles typically carry out in matches. For example, a Target Man is expected to excel in aerial duels, to hold on to the ball higher up the pitch to bring additional teammates into play, and to convert crosses with powerful headers, among others. However, additional Player Roles might be introduced or obsolete Player Roles might disappear in the future as football is ever-evolving.

For a complete overview of all 22 roles, please see this article.