Neuromuscular Performance of High-Level Football Goalkeepers by Age Category and Sex: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Goalkeeper actions directly influence match outcomes and overall team performance. Neuromuscular determinants (e.g., perception–action coupling, reaction speed, rate of force development (RFD), balance, etc.) translate into higher save probability, faster second actions, and more accurate distribution. Objectives: This systematic review analysed neuromuscular performance factors in 11-a-side football goalkeepers and examined how these factors evolve across age and sex groups. Methods: The review adhered to the PRISMA 2020 Statement guidelines. A systematic search was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, Dialnet, LILACS, and Scopus databases. Studies that assessed any aspect of goalkeepers’ neuromuscular performance except for aerobic endurance and VO₂ max (due to the short duration of goalkeeping actions) were included, regardless of the type of observational design. Results: Thirty-five studies were finally included in the synthesis, encompassing neuromuscular performance factors such as agility, speed, anaerobic power, strength, flexibility, and dynamic balance and coordination. The findings underscore the need for neuromuscular training for goalkeepers, particularly agility training. Neuromuscular performance improves with age, especially in linear speed, agility, change-of-direction speed, strength, and power; however, flexibility shows no significant progression. This review identifies key tests for evaluating goalkeepers’ neuromuscular capacities across major performance domains. Conclusions: Although sex differences are apparent, the main limitation is the lack of research on neuromuscular performance in male and female goalkeepers, making it difficult to define indicators for different age and sex categories.