Stamina, or endurance, refers to a player’s ability to sustain physical and mental performance over the course of an entire match. It encompasses both aerobic capacity for prolonged efforts and anaerobic capacity for short bursts of intense activity. High stamina allows players to maintain their intensity, concentration, and effectiveness in key moments, even during the later stages of the game. This attribute is vital for all positions, as it supports continuous movement, quick recovery, and consistent decision-making under fatigue.
Stamina can be the difference between fading out and stepping up when it matters most. A player with strong endurance can continue making smart runs, recover defensively, or press opponents late in the game when others are tiring. Midfielders especially benefit from stamina, as they cover large areas of the pitch and need to be involved in both attacking and defensive phases. But even strikers, defenders, and goalkeepers gain an edge when they can stay sharp and physically ready for key moments.