Are reserve team players recognized as professional players in professional football?

The professional identity of reserve team players in professional football has been controversial. They play different roles at the club and league levels than first-team players. Although a number of factors may affect their status as professional players, reserve team players are generally considered professional players in professional football.

Reserve team players usually sign contracts with the club, under which they will play for the club. This contract clearly defines their responsibilities and obligations in the club and arranges their remuneration. This suggests an employment relationship between reserve team players and the club, allowing them to be recognized as professional players.

Reserve team players will play in professional leagues. Although they may not have had a chance to make an appearance in the game, they are still involved in the league's training plan and season schedule. They may get some opportunities in reserve games to show their strength and potential. This experience of participating in the professional league has given reserve team players a certain place in professional football.

In addition, reserve team players will also receive professional training and guidance similar to that of first-team players. They will receive the guidance of the club's coaching team for technical and physical training. The provision of this professional training further demonstrates their identity as professional players.

Reserve team players can also participate in some professional football-related activities. They may participate in club promotions, charity events or friendlies. These activities also require reserve team players to have the image and professionalism of professional players, thereby further confirming their professional identity.

Although in some cases reserve team players are not promoted to professional contract status as first-team players, they are mostly recognized as professional players in professional football. The contracts they sign, the leagues they play in, the training they receive and the related activities they participate in all reflect their status as professional players. For reserve team players, demonstrating their strength and further entering the professional team has become an opportunity for them to be promoted to professional players.