IPA: /ˈpleɪ.ər/
KK: /ˈpleɪər/
A person or thing that takes part in a game, sport, or activity.
She is a talented player on the basketball team.
Player → It is formed from "play" (from Old English *plegian*, meaning to engage in activity for enjoyment) and "-er" (meaning a person who). A player is a person who engages in play or games.
Think of someone who is 'engaging in activity for enjoyment' — that's what a player does.