| Sumario: | This systematic review analysed the influence of contextual game variables on movement and intensity parameters recorded by Global Positioning System devices in professional football athletes. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 1,401 studies (excluding duplicates) were found in the Medline via PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, resulting in 34 articles included, with 1,039 male professional football players analysed in 1,154 matches. Studies revealed that starters cover a greater total distance per minute compared to substitutes, who perform better in high-intensity activities. The need for points to secure safer standings or avoid relegation significantly influences effort and intensity. The average distance covered per minute is higher during ball-in-play periods, highlighting the importance of high-intensity moments. Game intensity tends to decrease in the second half, with intensity variations across different positions. These results emphasise the complexity of interactions between contextual variables and performance parameters. Practical applications include informing coaches to individualise training and recovery strategies by position and match context.
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