Choosing the right gift for everyone in your life can be a big challenge. However, there are plenty of awesome gift ideas for the soccer players in your life.
This guide can help you pick the perfect gift for a soccer player you know, no matter what the event or price range.
As a professional soccer player who’s played for over 20 years, these are some of the items I use often or wish I was gifted!
Keep reading to learn my top soccer player gift ideas!
Soccer Player Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Grip Socks
Many soccer players cut their game socks so that they can wear their preferred socks underneath. Furthermore, regular crew socks are commonplace at training sessions, especially for higher level athletes. A nice pair of training/ game crew socks is a great affordable stocking stuffer for soccer players!
Of course, you could always get a nice classic bundle of Nike or Adidas crew socks. However, many soccer players enjoy grip socks. There are several highly rated grip sock brands available on Amazon, like this set of 4 from Blitzu for under $20.
Training Cones
Cones are one of the best pieces of equipment an athlete can own. They’re great for individual ball handling drills, agility activities, and much more. Training cones are an inexpensive gift that any dedicated soccer player is sure to love!
Soccer Bag Keychain
Keychains are a simple, fun way to personalize a soccer or gym bag. Include some of these in a stocking or samll gift basket for a soccer player. You can opt for a keychain of something they like, for example a soccer ball, Manchester United logo, or their number. Another option is to get a useful keychain, like one with a study hair tie or tiny flashlight.
Hair Ties, Headbands, etc.
If you’re shopping for a soccer player with longer hair, then consider hair accessories. They’ll need some way to keep their hair out of their face during training and games! Some great options include:
Fitness Tracker Accessories
Fitness trackers, like heart-rate monitors and watches tend to be more expensive (we’ll get to those gifts later). If you know the athlete already has one of these, or will be getting them from someone, then consider including fitness tracker accessories. A heart-rate strap replacement band or watch bands are some examples.
Water Bottle
Hydration is crucial for all athletes. Not only do they need to have enough fluid during training, they also need to drink it throughout the day. A nice-quality water bottle is a practical gift that they’re sure to get plenty of use out of. When it comes to water bottle gifts, there are tons of various options. A few examples include:
- Sports water bottle – Lightweight, squeezable, simple drinking nozzle.
- Insulating bottle with straw lid – Keeps drinks nice and cold, durable, popular/trendy.
- Gallon bottle with oz labels – Great for long days and helps keep track of water intake.
Shoe Deodorizer
Any shoes that you sweat in are bound to get stinky. Add grass, rain, and long hours of training and you get a recipe for a stinky disaster. It’s no secret that soccer cleats tend to smell. A shoe deodorizer helps absorb moisture and smell, keeping the cleats smelling fresh. It’s a simple gift that can help a soccer player keep their car and bag odor-free.
One option is a set of shoe deodorizer balls. The athlete can keep at least one ball in each cleat when not in use. It’s a quick and easy way to control the smell. Another choice is a deodorizing spray that they can spritz in the shoes.
Gifts for Soccer Players Under $75
Soccer Bag
While soccer players could use a normal backpack or duffel, a soccer-specific bag makes much more sense. These bags typically have a separate compartment for cleats and may even include a ball pocket. They help the athlete to separate shoes from extra clothes or other items.
There are plenty of affordable soccer bags like this one from YOPEPEK. Of course, some athletes may prefer a specific brand, style, and/or color as well.
Automatic Ball Pump
Automatic ball pumps are extremely convenient and fit right into any soccer bag. They’re a great practical gift idea for athletes, especially when training alone. Using an automatic pump saves a ton of time and effort when pumping up multiple balls.
Soccer Player Gifts for Under $150
Official Jersey
Many soccer players are also soccer fans. For these athletes, an official jersey from their favorite team can mean the world. The good news is that there are great options for every price point.
An official jersey is identical to the one worn by the players, where as a replica is an authentic jsery that’s designed for fans. Both are authentic and created by the organization. Of course, official jerseys are significantly more expensive than replicas. A branded t-shirt is the least expensive option, and may be under $30.
- Official jersey example – Nike USWNT Away Jersey for $140
- Replica jersey example – Puma Men’s Arsenal Replica Jersey 2014/2015 for $60
- T-Shirt – Barcelona Licensed Cotton Tee for $28
Soccer Ball
A soccer ball is one of the most fundamental pieces of equipment for the game. Regardless of which level soccer player you’re shopping for, a ball is a great bet. They can use it for solo training, team practices, pick-up games, and more. Youth club players are often required to bring their own ball to practice as well.
The great thing about soccer ball gifts is that there are many price points to choose from. The nicest, pro-style ball will be close to $150 or even more, but there are several quality options for lower price points. A few ball options to consider are:
- Adidas FIFA Pro World Cup Qatar 2022 Ball for $165
- Nike Academy Team Ball for around $50
- Derbystar Bundesliga Replica for $40
Cleats
Along with a soccer ball, cleats are one of the most important soccer items. Any soccer player could use a quality pair cleats for the next season! Keep in mind that some players may play on different surfaces, including natural grass, artificial grass, futsal court, etc. Some cleats are multi purpose, but others may be best suites for a specific surface. The soccer player in your life may already have cleats for one surface but could use a pair for another surface.
Additionally, the price point for cleats can vary immensely depending on the model, store, promotions, etc. However, it’s possible to get high-quality cleats for under $150. Purchasing the model from the year before or during a promotion can help.
Here are a few options to consider:
Fitness Tracker
Modern technology helps athletes train smarter than ever before. Tracking workouts, games, and recover helps athletes unlock their true potential. Many elite soccer players would love a fitness tracker! Note that the price of a fitness tracker depends on exactly what you’re looking at, and many are easily well over $150.
However, it is possible to find some workout tracking devices under that price point. I personally use the Polar H10 heart rate monitor with the Polar Vantage M watch. Just the H10 is under $100, and you can use the phone app to track data or load the data from the H10 after the workout. But, if you only use the app and H10, it won’t track distance, as this is not a GPS tracker. Be sure to learn about any fitrness tracker you’re considering as a gift, as many soccer players will want the GPS function.
Some other options to consider include:
Soccer Tracker
There aren’t many of these available, but a soccer-specific training tracker is a super cool and useful gift for elite players. I haven’t gotten the chance to use it yet, but the Playmaker wearable tracker looks incredible. You fit it on your cleats and it tracks ball metrics as well as GPS metrics. After the session, you can view your posessions, releases, technical involvement, and more.
Massage Gun
Massage is helpful for recovery and rehab, and a massage gun empowers athletes to recover at home. A massage gun is an excellent gift for soccer players and athletes. While some massage guns can cost hundreds of dollars, there are also plenty of quality options for less. Just be sure to check the ratings and reviews first! Look for a massage gun with several attachments and a carrying case as well.
Supplements
While supplements don’t replace a quality diet, they can help fill nutritional gaps. Many athletes use them to assist in recovery, muscle development, and more. As a note, if you are shopping for a college athlete, then all supplements must adhere to NCAA guidelines. Check the NCAA banned substances list to learn more.
Here are two of my favorite supplement options:
Vital Proteins Collagen Powder
Collagen may support joint function, which is important for athletes. Ankle, knee, and other lower-body joint issues are a common concern for soccer players. Collagen powder (along with other training and lifestyle adjustments) may be able to keep joints healthy, especially in athletes that previously had surgery.
The Vital Proteins Collagen Powder is one of the highest-rated options for collagen supplements. It can make a great present for athletes, especially those who’ve underwent surgery in the past.
Protein Powder
Protein is perhaps the most common supplement out there for athletes. It can help ensure they meet daily protein requirements, which is important for growing and sustaining muscle. Whey protein is a common option, but there are also plant-based, vegan protein supplements available.
Training Shoes (gym, running, etc.)
Soccer training isn’t only limited to the field. High-level players also train with indoor and outdoor running as well as gym workouts. For that reason, training shoes are another helpful gift. Of course, shoes can be more or less than $150 depending on the details. But, there are plenty of great, affordable options out there.
A few examples include:
- Nike Men’s Free Run $82-$160
- Adidas Originals $85
- Adidas Ultraboost $59-$180
- PUMA Unisex-Adult Axelion Cross-Trainer $37- $81
Rebound Wall/Board
Training at home can be challenging, but a rebound wall makes all of the difference. There are endless ways for players to improve using a replay wall, including for both indoor and outdoor training. If you are shopping for a dedicated player who’s looking to get better, then a rebound wall is a perfect gift.
Private Soccer Training
Let’s face it, there are many players who already have it all when it comes to equipment and gear. One of the best gifts you can possibly give is experience. Gift individual training to help a player improve their game and enjoy one-on-one (or small group training).
Individual Soccer Lessons
One option for gifting training is to pay for private lessons from a coach. Depending on the price, you may want to purchase one lesson or a series of lessons. For a ball park, I offer soccer lessons around Milwaukee (when I’m not playing overseas) for $50/hr per lesson, with a discount for multiple students or multiple lessons purchased at once.
Find a reputable coach in your area and inquire about purchasing lessons for someone else. They may offer discounts or deals for lesson packages, so be sure to ask!
Soccer Training Subscription Plan
Working with a private soccer coach is not the only option! You could also purchase an at-home training plan subscription. One of the best ones I’ve seen for soccer players is Techne Futbol. Developed by former Pro Yael Averbuch, Techne offers detailed lesson plans and challenges to help soccer players of all ages improve their technique and comfort. Their plan options start at $9.99/month and go up to $38 per month.
What Are Your Soccer Player Gift Recommendations?
This gift guide shares some of my must-have soccer items, including ones I have and ones I’d love to receive as gifts. Hopefully, these gift ideas for soccer players can help you find the right one for your loved one. All of the soccer players unsure what to ask for for their birthday or holiday gift can consider some of the above!
Am I missing something? If you have any other awesome gift ideas for athletes and soccer players, drop a comment below. I’d love to build out this guide so that it’s even more helpful!
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