Longitudinal changes in goalkeeper running performance and ball-related match actions in the Chinese Super League: A 13-season study

This study examined longitudinal changes in goalkeeper match performance in the Chinese Super League from 2012 to 2024. A total of 6096 match observations from 270 professional goalkeepers were analysed. Running and technical data were obtained using a semi-automated optical tracking system, and seasonal trends were examined using mixed effects models. The results showed significant changes in both running and technical performance over time. In running performance, total distance (β = 0.90, p < .05), average speed (β = 0.056, p < .01), moderate speed running actions (β = 0.014, p < .001), and walking distance (β = 0.81, p < .001) increased significantly, whereas jump frequency decreased (β = 0.0038, p < .001). In technical performance, total passes (β = 0.032, p < .001), successful passes (β = 0.017, p < .001), long passes (β = 0.033, p < .001), and receptions (β = 0.0042, p < .001) increased significantly. By contrast, clearances (β = 0.0094, p < .001), average distribution length (β = 1.9, p < .001), and individual possessions (β = 0.0061, p < .05) decreased. These findings indicate that goalkeepers have become more involved in possession and build up play in modern professional football.