In modern society, proficiency in a foreign language is an indispensable asset for athletes, enhancing their ability to communicate in diverse professional settings. This study investigates the English language needs of undergraduate students specializing in Physical Education and Sports Science, focusing on the perceived inadequacies of commonly used English for Academic and Specific Purposes (EAP/ESP) textbooks. The study aims to bridge the gap between learners' needs and the instructional materials provided. Employing a needs analysis approach, the research involved 60 undergraduate students (30 males and 30 females) aged 19 to 25 from the Physical Education Faculty of Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran branch. Additionally, three faculty members with Ph.D. qualifications participated in semi-structured interviews to share their perspectives on language requirements in the curriculum. The findings reveal a significant recognition of English as a critical component in the professional development of student-athletes. However, discrepancies were noted between students’ and faculty members’ perceptions regarding the adequacy of current EAP/ESP textbooks in meeting academic and professional demands. The findings confirm English as vital for student-athletes' professional development. The needs analysis questionnaire demonstrated strong reliability (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.82), and EFA identified a four-factor structure—Content (50%), Appearance (22.7%), Perceived Importance (13.6%), and Perceived Effect (13.6%)—with robust construct validity (KMO = 0.623; χ²(231) = 1047.71, p < .001). These results underscore the importance of incorporating tailored language programs into sports education to prepare students for successful careers in an increasingly interconnected world.