Virtua Pro Football is Sega's attempt to compete with the FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer series. It's more similar to those than the more arcade based games in the Virtua Striker series. Controls work as can be expected and include short and long passes, crosses, shots and different defence options.
The game features over 250 teams in twelve leagues (including three licensed ones; Dutch Eredivisie and Gouden Gids Divisie and Spanish LFP Primera Division). Competitions that the player can compete in are domestic leagues, club cups, international cup and custom leagues and cups. The player mode allows the player to create and develop his own footballer.
The player's life is divided into practice, rest and going out. Practice involves mini games that increase skills but also risk injuries. Rest is needed at times to avoid this. Going out means interacting with people, becoming known to supporters and the public, and buying items. The player can also attend events such as comments from the coach, meetings with the press and contract negotiations.
The game features a play book mode where the player can create his own tactics for set pieces. Additionally, teams created in Sega's other football game, Let's Make A Soccer Team! , can be imported into Virtua Pro Football.