footballer
n. countable A2 Elementary UK //fˈʊtbɔːlɐ// foot·baller
n. a person who plays the game of football, especially as a professional job.
n. a person who plays football, particularly one who does so professionally.
The young footballer dreams of playing for a famous club.
After the match, the footballer stayed on the pitch to sign autographs for the traveling fans.
While many young athletes aspire to become a professional footballer, only a small percentage possess the combination of physical discipline and tactical intelligence required to succeed at the highest level.
From football + -er. For the kyphosid sense, named for the resemblance of their stripes to football uniforms.