Why Google Docs is a Good Starting Point
You don't need design software or to spend money on premium templates to create your first footballer CV. Google Docs is free, works on any device with internet, and allows you to export to PDF in seconds.
In this guide, we explain step-by-step how to create a professional CV in Google Docs with all the information a scout needs to evaluate you.
Step 1: Set Up the Document
Open Google Docs at docs.google.com and create a blank document. Before writing anything, configure the basic structure:
- Margins: go to File > Page setup and set margins to 2 cm on all sides. This gives you more usable space than the default margins.
- Typography: use a clean, professional font. Montserrat, Open Sans, or Roboto work well. Avoid decorative or cursive fonts: a scout wants to read quickly, not admire your typography.
- Font size: 11pt for body text, 14-16pt for your name and section titles. Keep consistency throughout the document.
- Line spacing: 1.15 or 1.25. Enough so it doesn't look cramped, but without wasting space.
A key tip: limit the CV to one page. Two pages maximum. Scouts receive dozens of profiles weekly and need to scan information quickly. If your CV is five pages, they probably won't read it fully.
Step 2: Essential Sections
A footballer CV is not the same as a conventional job resume. The sections differ and so does the relevant information. Your document should include, in this order:
Header with Personal Data
Your full name in large font, followed by:
- Date of birth and age
- Nationality (if you have dual nationality or an EU passport, indicate it: this is crucial information for European clubs)
- Primary position and secondary positions
- Dominant foot
- Current height and weight
Include a professional profile photo to the right of the header. In Google Docs, you can insert an image and use "Wrap text" to place it beside your data. Use a photo in sportswear on a neutral background.
Club History
Create a table with columns for: club, period (month/year - month/year), category or division, and country. Include all teams you've played for, from youth to present. Continuity shows commitment, even in regional divisions.
In Google Docs, insert the table via Insert > Table. Use thin borders (0.5pt) in light gray for a professional look.
Sports Statistics
Another table with the most relevant statistics according to your position:
- For forwards and attacking midfielders: matches played, goals, assists, minutes.
- For central midfielders: matches, recoveries, key passes, goals.
- For defenders: matches, duels won, interceptions, goals.
- For goalkeepers: matches, clean sheets, penalties saved.
Do not inflate numbers. An experienced scout quickly detects when statistics don't match what the video shows.
Achievements and Recognitions
Titles won, individual awards, call-ups to regional or national teams. It doesn't have to be a Copa Libertadores: a local league championship or best player award is valid information that adds value.
Link to Highlights Video
Include a link to your highlights video on YouTube or Google Drive. This is possibly the most important element of the entire CV. A three to five-minute video, starting with your best plays in the first thirty seconds, can determine if a scout contacts you or dismisses you.
Make sure the video is public or has permissions so anyone with the link can view it.
Contact Information
Email, phone number with country code, and if you have an agent, their name and contact. Provide both options: some scouts prefer to speak directly with the player, others with the agent.
Step 3: Apply Professional Formatting
With the sections complete, spend a few minutes on visual formatting. You don't need to be a designer, but these details make a difference:
- Section separators: use horizontal lines (Insert > Horizontal line) to divide sections and improve readability.
- Bold labels: bold labels like "Position:", "Dominant foot:", "Email:" so they scan quickly.
- Color in moderation: use a single accent color for section titles. No more than two colors in the entire document.
- No spelling errors: proofread the entire document. A CV with mistakes conveys unprofessionalism.
Step 4: Export as PDF and Share
Export your CV as a PDF via File > Download > PDF Document. PDF preserves exact formatting on any device and looks more professional than sending a .docx or an editable link.
- By email: attach the PDF with a brief message: who you are, your position, why you're interested in that club, and a link to your video. Three paragraphs, no more.
- By WhatsApp: send the PDF as a file, not as a photo (quality is lost).
- Printed: if attending a trial in person, bring two or three copies. Having a paper to hand over remains a professional gesture.
Complementary Free Tools
Besides Google Docs, there are other free tools that can help you:
- Canva (free plan): has adaptable resume templates for a sports CV. The design looks more polished but is less flexible for tables.
- Adobe Express: free CV templates with professional design. Only requires creating an account.
- Google Slides: for a more visual format, you can create your CV as a single slide with more control over element placement.
Limitations of a Static CV
A CV made in Google Docs serves its purpose as a first step but has real limitations you should know:
- It is a static file. Every time your stats change or you add a club, you must edit the document, export a new PDF, and resend it. In practice, many players stop updating it.
- It does not support embedded video. You can include a link, but the scout has to copy the URL and paste it into the browser. Every extra step is an opportunity to lose interest.
- It has no visibility. A PDF on your computer is found by no one. Your CV only reaches people you send it to, one by one.
- It does not convey verifiable trust. Anyone can write whatever they want in a document. There is no way for a scout to verify your data without researching on their own.
From Static Document to Digital Profile
The CV in Google Docs is a good starting point, and this guide gives you the tools to make it well. But if you are seriously seeking opportunities, at some point you will need something beyond a PDF file.
A profile on Futbol CV solves those limitations: your information updates in one place, videos play directly on your profile, and scouts can find you with filters by position, age, country, and more. All accessible with a single link.
If you have already made your CV in Google Docs, you have the information ready. Create your free profile on Futbol CV and secure your spot. You will be able to use the same data from your document and have real digital presence where scouts look for players.