* A squad of footballers - This is the most common and straightforward option.
* A team of footballers - Similar to "squad," but emphasizes the unity of the group.
* A side of footballers - A more informal, British English term.
* A bunch of footballers - A casual, informal option.
You can also use creative options based on the context, like:
* A galaxy of stars (if referring to a team of famous players)
* A pack of predators (if referring to a very aggressive team)
Ultimately, the best collective noun will depend on the specific situation and the tone you want to convey.