Psicología del jugador suplente en el fútbol

The objective of this work is to gain more in-depth knowledge about the team players called “substitutes”, and to explore the impact of this condition at psychological level and on their sports performance. To this effect, a professional experience with a soccer goalkeeper is presented, and the practical implications are reflected from the author’s 25-year experience as an applied sports psychologist. It is seen that the state of mind and stress of the substitute player is not the same as that of the starting player, and his performance may decrease in this situation. There are certain psychosocial, emotional and sports preparation factors that can help the player to get out of that position and achieve tenure. Commitment to change and improvement, reflection and personal introspection, having a good dialogue with the coach so as not to take it personally and wanting to grow, striving every day from the field and invisible training, are the key to overcome the stress of not playing and be able to come out stronger. It is concluded that the substitute player, based on personal support and psychological training, can improve his emotional state, optimize his preparation and sports performance, as well as achieve more assiduous playing participation and even become a starting player.