Effect of Warm-Up Using Different Types of Stretching on Physical Performance in Soccer Players: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Objective: To analyze, through a systematic review with meta-analysis, the acute effects of warm-up based on different types of stretching on physical performance in soccer players. Methods: The PRISMA guidelines were followed, and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO. The search was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science through June 2026. We included randomized and non-randomized controlled trials comparing warm-ups involving static, dynamic, or ballistic stretching against conventional warm-ups or active controls in healthy soccer players. Methodological quality was assessed using TESTEX, risk of bias using RoB 2, and certainty of evidence using GRADE. Effects were calculated using Hedges’ g with random-effects models. Results: Six studies were included, resulting in a limited evidence base. Different types of stretching were reported, with dynamic stretching producing favorable effects on countermovement jump performance compared with control conditions (ES = 0.555; 95% CI: 0.306 to 0.804; p < 0.001) and on 10 m sprint performance (ES = 0.397; 95% CI: 0.191 to 0.603; p < 0.001). For the 30 m sprint, dynamic stretching showed a favorable but non-significant effect (ES = 0.328; 95% CI: −0.258 to 0.914; p = 0.273), with substantial heterogeneity. Dynamic stretching also showed a favorable but imprecise and non-significant effect on dominant-foot ball-kicking speed (ES = 2.496; 95% CI: −2.240 to 7.232; p = 0.302). Ballistic stretching improved countermovement jump performance compared with control conditions (p < 0.001), whereas static stretching showed trivial, inconsistent, or unfavorable effects, including a small adverse effect on 10 m sprint performance (ES = −0.209; 95% CI: −0.398 to −0.019; p = 0.031). Heterogeneity ranged from moderate to substantial, and the GRADE certainty of evidence was low because of serious risk of bias and inconsistency. Conclusions: Dynamic stretching may acutely improve selected explosive performance outcomes in soccer players; however, the low certainty of evidence and substantial heterogeneity preclude definitive recommendations.