In this easy drawing tutorial, you will learn how to draw a football player.
We will build the helmet, face, gear, and football using simple shapes.
Take your time, and keep your lines light until the end.
What You Will Need
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Black marker or pen
- Coloring tools (optional)
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- Crayola Coloring Set (140 Pieces – Mega Value!)
- 24 Colored Crayon Set
- A4 Printer Paper
- Crayola Coloring Pencils
- HP Home Printer with Instant Ink!
Time needed:
17 minutes.
Step-by-Step Drawing Guide
Step 1: Sketch the Helmet Base
Start with a rounded dome shape for the top of the football player’s helmet.
Add a wide opening across the lower half for the face area, then draw oval ear pads on both sides.
Finish with a curved lower edge for the chin area and two simple panel lines for structure.
Pro Tip: Keep both ear pads the same height and make the face opening level.
Step 2: Add the Facial Expression
Inside the face opening, draw two oval eyes and add a small curved eyebrow above each one.
Place a tiny nose between the eyes using a short curved line.
Below that, draw an open smiling mouth with a large curved outline, then add a smaller inner curve for the tongue or mouth depth.
Pro Tip: Keep both eyes evenly spaced from the face edges for a cute, balanced look.
Step 3: Add Shoulder Pads and Upper Body
Under the helmet, draw two rounded shoulder pads, like thick curved cushions on each side.
Pull a curved line down from the left pad for a short sleeve, then sketch a larger curve for the chest outline.
Add a few short curved lines on the right to suggest the arm and simple jersey folds.
Pro Tip: Make the shoulder pads slightly wider than the helmet for a strong football player look.
Step 4: Finish the Arms, Gloves, and Jersey Hem
Add a small V-shaped neckline under the helmet to connect the head and body.
Extend a simple tube-shaped arm from the left shoulder pad and attach a rounded glove for the hand.
On the right, draw a bent forearm with a clenched glove, then sweep a long curve for the jersey hem.
Pro Tip: Keep both gloves similar in size, and make the fist glove slightly rounder.
Step 5: Add the Football in the Hand
Draw a tilted oval next to the right glove to form the football, letting it touch the hand.
Add a curved band across the middle, then draw a few short stitch lines for detail.
Slightly refine the outer edge so the ball feels fuller and more football-shaped.
Pro Tip: Make both ends a bit pointier so it doesn’t look like a round ball.
Step 6: Add the Shorts and Legs
Under the jersey hem, draw a wide shorts shape that drops down into two pant legs.
Leave a small notch in the center to separate the left and right legs clearly.
Round the bottom edges slightly so the football player looks extra cute and sturdy.
Pro Tip: Keep the shorts about as wide as the shoulder pads for balanced proportions.
Step 7: Draw the Lower Legs and Sock Tops
Under the shorts, extend two short lower legs using simple vertical lines.
Add a small curved line near the top of each leg to show the sock edge or padding.
Keep both legs a similar length so the football player stands evenly.
Pro Tip: Don’t make the lower legs too long, so there’s room to add shoes later.
Step 8: Draw the Cleat and Studs
On the left foot, draw a rounded cleat with a curved sole to show thickness.
Add a few short curved lines on top for laces or panels, then dot small studs under the sole.
Tilt the shoe slightly outward to make the football player’s stance feel lively.
Pro Tip: Make the sole a bit wider than the lower leg so the shoe feels stable.
Step 9: Add the Second Cleat
Draw the second cleat under the right leg, matching the left shoe but angled slightly to the right.
Add a few short lines for laces or panels, and curve the sole to show thickness.
Dot small studs under the sole so both shoes share the same football cleat detail.
Pro Tip: Keep both shoes similar in size, and make the farther one slightly smaller.
Step 10: Color in your drawing!
Fun Facts
- Football helmets have thick padding to help protect players during impacts.
- The pointed football shape helps it spiral through the air when thrown well.
- Shoulder pads spread out force, helping players stay safer during tackles.
Pin it now, Draw later!
Trace your final lines with a pen, then erase leftover pencil marks gently.
Add jersey numbers, stripes, or team colors to make your football player unique.
You now know how to draw a football player step by step—try drawing a whole team next!
Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide
FREE Download Printable Football Player Drawing Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the football player look more athletic?
Widen the shoulders slightly and make the legs a bit longer, but keep the head big for a cute style.
What if my helmet opening looks uneven?
Redraw the opening as one smooth curve first, then add the cheek sides afterward.
How do I color this drawing nicely?
Use one main team color for the jersey, a second color for stripes, and keep the helmet slightly darker for contrast.
