This study aimed to provide reference values for anthropometric characteristics of elite male and female soccer players, comparing them to a general population control group. The study involved 357 elite soccer players (184 males and 173 females) from the Italian Serie A and 363 individuals from the general population (188 males and 175 females). Anthropometric measurements, including stature, body mass, circumferences, skinfolds, breadths, and somatotype, were taken according to ISAK guidelines. The results showed that soccer players had lower values for the sum of eight skinfolds, indicating less adipose tissue, and higher values for body mass and circumferences, suggesting greater muscle mass. The somatotype analysis revealed that male soccer players were ectomorphic mesomorphs, while female players were balanced mesomorphs, differing from the endomorphic mesomorphs in the general population. The study provides sex- and role-specific anthropometric standards for elite soccer players, which can be useful for evaluating body composition without using predictive equations. These reference values can help tailor training and nutrition plans to individual athletes, considering their unique demands and roles in the game.This study aimed to provide reference values for anthropometric characteristics of elite male and female soccer players, comparing them to a general population control group. The study involved 357 elite soccer players (184 males and 173 females) from the Italian Serie A and 363 individuals from the general population (188 males and 175 females). Anthropometric measurements, including stature, body mass, circumferences, skinfolds, breadths, and somatotype, were taken according to ISAK guidelines. The results showed that soccer players had lower values for the sum of eight skinfolds, indicating less adipose tissue, and higher values for body mass and circumferences, suggesting greater muscle mass. The somatotype analysis revealed that male soccer players were ectomorphic mesomorphs, while female players were balanced mesomorphs, differing from the endomorphic mesomorphs in the general population. The study provides sex- and role-specific anthropometric standards for elite soccer players, which can be useful for evaluating body composition without using predictive equations. These reference values can help tailor training and nutrition plans to individual athletes, considering their unique demands and roles in the game.