Centre Back CV Guide
How to write a centre back CV in 2026. The duels and aerial data scouts want and how to position yourself as a stopper, sweeper or ball playing centre back.
Centre back recruitment splits into three archetypes: aggressive stopper, deep sweeper and ball playing defender. A CV that picks one and proves it with data beats a general defender CV every time.
Lead with height, foot, age and minutes. Then headline two or three duels metrics. Then add passing data if you play out from the back.
Key steps
- 1
List physical basics first
Height, weight, dominant foot, age. Centre back recruitment filters start here.
- 2
Pick your archetype
Stopper, sweeper or ball player. Write the bio and stats around that one identity.
- 3
Lead with duels and aerial wins
Duels won per ninety and aerial duel win percentage. These are the headline defender stats.
- 4
Add passing data if relevant
Pass completion, progressive passes, line breaking passes. Only include if you play in a possession system.
- 5
Show one mistake and recovery clip
Showing how you respond to a mistake on video is rare and scouts notice it. Include one.
Frequently asked questions
How tall do centre backs need to be in 2026?
Average is 6 foot 1 in senior football. Shorter centre backs can compete with strong jumping, positioning and aerial timing. List your real height and your standing reach.
Do centre backs need ball playing stats on their CV?
Yes if you want to be recruited by possession based clubs. Pass completion in the opposition half and progressive passes per ninety are the standard metrics.
What video should a centre back share?
One clip of a one v one defensive action, one aerial duel won, one pass into midfield and one recovery run. Four clips can be enough.
CV guides by position
Keep going. These guides pair well with what you just read.
Striker CV Guide
What scouts look for in a forward.
Winger CV Guide
Pace, end product and the stats wingers must show.
Midfielder CV Guide
Number 6, 8 and 10. Positioning yourself clearly.
Fullback CV Guide
Modern fullback CV: defending and crossing data.
Goalkeeper CV Guide
Save percentage and distribution stats that matter.