As previous literature updates, I have performed a PubCrawler search looking for football articles in NCBI Medline (PubMed) and GenBank databases.

Following studies were retrieved for this week:

1 Osteochondroma of tibial tuberosity in a young soccer player mimicking an Osgood-Schlatter disease: A case report and literature review

Reference: Radiol Case Rep. 2025 May 24;20(8):4017-4021. doi: 10.1016/j.radcr.2025.05.004. eCollection 2025 Aug.
Authors: Roberto Calbi, Angela Ventura, Annachiara Ceccherini, Roberta Dattoli, Mario Di Diego, Diletta De Lucia, Fabio Laterza, Michele Dezio, Raffaele Garofalo
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12152755/pdf/main.pdf
Summary: We report a case of a 9-year-old male with anterior knee pain and swelling associated with physical activity. The orthopedic surgeon suspected Osgood-Schlatter’s disease. X-ray and MRI showed an osteochondroma of the tibial tuberosity. The patellar tendon partially inserted on the osteochondroma and the tibial tubercle, causing pain associated with physical activity. We chose a conservative management with temporary rest, local application of ice and NSAIDs. After a few weeks, the boy returned to regular training without pain and our final recommendation was only radiological monitoring of the lesion over the time.

2 Cold- and hot-water immersion are not more effective than placebo for the recovery of physical performance and training adaptations in national level soccer players

Reference: Eur J Appl Physiol. 2025 Jun 11. doi: 10.1007/s00421-025-05835-w. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Jannik Gustafsson, Diego Montiel-Rojas, Mattias G A Romare, Elin Johansson, Mattias Folkesson, Marco Pernigoni, Anastasija Frolova, Marius Brazaitis, Tomas Venckunas, Elodie Ponsot, Thomas Chaillou, Peter Edholm
Download link: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00421-025-05835-w.pdf
Summary: Cold- and hot-water immersion (CWI and HWI, respectively) are popular post-exercise recovery methods in competitive soccer. The aims of this study were to (1) compare the effect of post-exercise CWI, HWI and placebo on the recovery of physical performance in national level soccer players, and (2) investigate whether repeated use of these recovery modalities has an impact on training adaptations over a 15 week period. For Part I, 40 male soccer players (15-19 years) were randomized to either CWI (10 °C, 10 min), HWI (42 °C, 20 min), or placebo (6 min, sham laser), applied after a 90 min simulated soccer match (SSM). Physical performance was assessed using submaximal aerobic, 20 m sprint, countermovement jump (CMJ), and knee extension strength tests [i.e., maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and time to exhaustion (TTE) at 60% of MVIC] performed at Pre-SSM and 0, 21 and 45 h Post-SSM. For Part II, 19 participants applied their respective recovery modality (~ twice a week) in their usual training. After 15 weeks, physical performance and body composition were assessed and compared to pre-intervention. All three modalities similarly affected the recovery of physical performance during the 21-45 h Post-SSM period (p < 0.05). Moreover, no significant effects of the recovery modalities on body composition and on development of physical performance were found over the 15 week recovery intervention (p > 0.05). Compared to a placebo, CWI and HWI do not improve post-match recovery of physical performance and do not impact long-term training adaptations in highly trained soccer players.

3 Assessment of the brain impact of soccer heading using pupillary light reflex

Reference: Front Neurol. 2025 May 27:16:1603033. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1603033. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Junzo Nakao, Ai Muroi, Aiki Marushima, Kuniharu Tasaki, Yoshiaki Inoue, Yuji Matsumaru, Eiichi Ishikawa
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12148879/pdf/fneur-16-1603033.pdf
Summary: Soccer heading is linked to adverse cognitive effects and changes similar to traumatic brain injury (TBI). In recent years, pupil light reflex (PLR) analysis via pupillometry offers a practical, reliable and objective neurological assessment for TBI. This is the first study to evaluate brain impact from soccer heading by evaluating PLR. We aimed to evaluate changes in PLR from heading and investigate if rubber balls reduce brain impacts compared with regular soccer balls. Our study involved 30 male healthy volunteer participants aged 18-29 years with >5 years of soccer experience. PLR was measured using the NPi-200 pupillometer system before and after performing every 10 headings, up to 30 headings with regular (session 1) and rubber soccer balls (session 2) in separate sessions. The parameters included neurological pupil index (NPi), constriction rate (CH), constriction velocity (CV), and maximum constriction velocity (MCV). In session 1, CH and MCV significantly decreased compared with the baseline after 30 headings. In session 2, only CH significantly decreased compared with the baseline. CH significantly decreases from the 20th heading onwards in session 1 compared with session 2 (both at 20 and 30 headings; p < 0.001). CV significantly decreased after the 30th heading in session 1 compared with session 2 (p = 0.038). MCV significantly decreased at the 20th (p = 0.037) and 30th (p = 0.010) headings in session 1 compared with session 2. Heading affects PLR, with regular soccer balls causing more significant changes than rubber balls. The use of rubber balls during training may mitigate brain impacts, offering a safer alternative for players.

4 Sleep Duration and Sleep Quality as Season-Long Predictors of Ratings of Perceived Exertion and Psychological Well-Being in Female Soccer Athletes

Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2025 Jun 10. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005166. Online ahead of print.
Authors: John William Long, Matthew Gonzalez, John Farrell 3rd, Maria Elena Carmargo, Kelly Cheever
Summary: Sleep’s effect on physiologic and psychological well-being has been examined through cross-sectional studies, but research is limited on the longitudinal impact sleep has on well-being in collegiate athletes. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore daily fluctuations in subjective measures of psychological wellness and physiologic stress (soreness, rating of perceived exertion [RPE]) across a competitive soccer season, and the extent to which sleep duration and quality modify daily measures of wellness. Twenty female collegiate soccer players underwent daily measures of psychological well-being (mental stress, mental fatigue, anxiety, and depression), physical stress (active time, total distance, GPS load, soreness, and RPE), and sleep (duration and quality) across a 120-day competitive season. Generalized linear mixed-effects models with a zero-inflation component were used to examine the effects of sleep duration and quality on measures of physiologic and psychological stress. Sleep duration was a predictor of RPE and anxiety, and there was an interaction between sleep duration and the day of the soccer season affecting RPE, anxiety, and soreness ( p < 0.05). Sleep quality was a predictor of anxiety, mental stress, and RPE ( p < 0.05). Significant interactions were observed between sleep quality and the day of the soccer season affecting soreness, anxiety, mental fatigue, and mental stress (all p < 0.05). Findings suggest sleep duration and sleep quality are protective of measures of psychological well-being, with increasingly protective effects across a competitive soccer season. These findings have utility in helping to maximize both student athlete performance and wellness.

5 A qualitative analysis of female sport experiences in soccer

Reference: Front Sports Act Living. 2025 May 26:7:1585654. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2025.1585654. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Kristy L Smith, Noha El-Haj, Patricia L Weir
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12146340/pdf/fspor-07-1585654.pdf
Summary: Relative Age Effects (RAEs) have the potential to be counterproductive to sport participation rates given the associated selection (dis)advantages and inequitable access to development opportunities for individuals of varying relative age. Previous work has predominantly been quantitative in nature and focused on male athletes, with only a few qualitative studies in the published literature. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine relative age and sport engagement and dropout issues by conducting a qualitative analysis of post-adolescent, female athletes‘ experiences. An invitation to participate in a semi-structured interview (via phone) or online questionnaire (via Qualtrics) was distributed to a targeted sample of post-adolescent (18-19 years of age), current and past female soccer participants from Ontario, Canada (N = 15). Questions focused on reasons for participation and dropout, aspects of programs and relationships that facilitated or discouraged participation, player recommendations for encouraging future participation or reuptake of the activity, perception of abilities at various stages, involvement in other sports, location considerations, and age issues. The three stages of Côté’s Developmental Model of Sport Participation were used to structure the questions in order to explore experiences occurring during specific stages of the athlete’s developmental years. Hierarchical content analysis was used to identify raw data themes, which were grouped into higher order sub-themes and categories. Half year comparisons (H1 vs. H2) revealed similar themes reported by relatively older and younger participants, suggesting relative age was not the most important factor with respect to the players‘ experiences and decisions to continue in the sport when examined from a qualitative lens, although study design may have been a contributing factor. Engaged athletes reported a greater number of themes related to specialization in sport, and dropout athletes reported more negative sport experiences. Sport sampling at young ages (<12 years of age) was associated with ongoing sport participation into the post-adolescent years, with engaged athletes reporting involvement in a greater number of additional sports (beyond soccer), vs. the dropouts. Community size/characteristics reportedly impacted sport experiences, although no clear trends were ascertained. General recommendations for sport practitioners and recommendations for future research are discussed.

6 Injury incidence and prevention beliefs in Brazilian amateur soccer: a cross-sectional study

Reference: Physiother Theory Pract. 2025 Jun 9:1-11. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2025.2517837. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Larissa Peter Medeiros, Tamiris Beppler Martins, Giuliano Mannrich, João Barboza Da Silva Neto, Rodrigo Okubo
Summary: Soccer, the world’s most popular sport, provides health benefits but also poses risks, especially in unsupervised amateur play. Musculoskeletal injuries affect both individual and team performance, underscoring the need to explore contributing factors, attitudes, and barriers to injury prevention programs for a safer sporting environment. The aim was to analyze the incidence of injuries among amateur soccer players, explore beliefs related to injury prevention, and identify the preventive strategies adopted by this population. This was a retrospective epidemiological, cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive study utilizing a quantitative approach. Data were collected via a digital survey from June 10 to August 31, 2024. Among 90 respondents, 88 were analyzed, with an injury incidence rate of 11.46 per 1,000 hours. The knee (21.8%) and ankle (20.9%) were most affected, followed by the thigh (10.9%), hip/groin (9.1%), and lower back (9.1%). Injuries caused absence from soccer in 86% of cases (mean recovery: 30 ± 70 days). Physiotherapy was sought by 43.8%, physician consultation by 38.5%, while 12.3% did not seek medical help. Although 90.9% valued injury prevention, 33% had never received guidance. Main reported causes were insufficient recovery (35%) and excessive matches (30%). Additionally, 65% acknowledged their coach’s influence on prevention adherence. Open-ended responses highlighted intrinsic risks and extrinsic factors. The findings indicate a moderate injury incidence, particularly in the lower limbs, reinforcing the multifactorial nature of injuries in amateur soccer. Despite recognizing the importance of injury prevention, many players lack guidance and structured prevention programs.

7 Agility and Not Change of Direction Speed Discriminates Competitive Level in Young Soccer Players

Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2025 Jun 10. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005172. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Glauber B Menezes, Ricardo S Oliveira, Jon L Oliver, Rhodri S Lloyd, Arnaldo L Mortatti
Summary: This study aimed to examine the discriminant ability of agility and change of direction speed (CODS) among young soccer players. Eighty-seven male soccer players (U-15 age group) were analyzed and grouped based on competitive level as nonelite, subelite, and elite players. Anthropometry, maturity offset, agility (perception-decision time, and movement response time), and CODS were assessed. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was applied to obtain the standardized coefficients of each variable in the model and the accuracy of the model comparing the predicted with the true group. Aiming to describe the discriminant ability of CODS and agility, all LDA models also included subjects age, maturity offset, and training age. Standard discriminant function (SDF) revealed that CODS (SDF = -0.012) or perception-decision (SDF = -0.380) time has a reduced discriminatory ability compared with age and maturity offset. When considering all variables, movement response time (SDF = -0.726) and maturity offset (SDF = 0.595) contributed the most to the discriminant ability of the models (75% accuracy). Moreover, movement response time correctly classified elite (accuracy >84%) compared with subelite and nonelite players. Our results indicate that agility tests with specific stimuli are better than CODS tests at distinguishing young soccer players of different competitive levels, even when considering the effects of age, maturity status, and training age. In addition, the movement response time emerges as the primary factor influencing agility performance in young athletes. Monitoring these qualities may help coaches in the talent identification and development program.

8 Change of Direction Density: A Novel Consideration of Consecutive Changes of Direction in Elite Youth Soccer

Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2025 Jun 10. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005145. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Oliver J Morgan, Barry Drust, Jack David Ade, Mark A Robinson
Summary: This study aimed to characterize change of directions (CODs) based on density (number of CODs within 10 seconds), locomotor activity (walk, jog, stride, and sprint), and movement direction pre- and post-COD (forwards, sideways, and backwards), relative to playing position. In total, 24 elite male English Premier League academy soccer players (mean ± SD; age: 19.0 ± 1.9 years, height: 179.9 ± 7.0 cm and body mass: 71.9 ± 6.4 kg) were individually filmed during 10 competitive matches. In total, 7,399 CODs were observed. Level of significance was p ≤ 0.05. An average of 84 ± 23 multiple COD events per player, per game occurred with no significant difference between position. Six CODs within 10 seconds were the average maximum density across positions (1.4 ± 1.2), with 9 CODs within 10 seconds being the maximum observed. Overall, 94% of multiple COD events were 2, 3, and 4 CODs within 10 seconds collectively, and were each performed significantly more than all other density categories (5-9 CODs in 10 seconds) (p < 0.001). Jogging and striding pre- and post-COD were the most common locomotor activities (p < 0.05). Change of directions were rarely surrounded by sprinting (1.4 ± 1.4) with <1% of total CODs with a sprint (pre and post) with approximately half of CODs (53%) occurring in a forward movement pre- and post-COD. Change of directions seem to be performed as multiple events, in multiple directions, at mostly submaximal locomotor activities, with some positional differences for movement direction and locomotor activity pre- and post-COD. These data provide valuable guidance for practitioners for testing, conditioning, and rehabilitating soccer players.

9 Stress fracture risk factors in soccer players: A systematic review

Reference: Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2025 Apr 2;87(6):3736-3747. doi: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000003136. eCollection 2025 Jun.
Authors: Amir Human Hoveidaei, Iman Menbari Oskouie, Shima Karbasi, Shayan Eghdami, Seyed Hossein Hosseini-Asl, Amin Nakhostin-Ansari, Bijan Forogh, Masumeh Bagherzadeh Cham, Janet D Conway
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12140768/pdf/ms9-87-3736.pdf
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review to evaluate stress fracture risk factors in soccer players, aiming to enhance injury prevention strategies. We conducted a systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, focusing on professional soccer players. Database searches (Medline, Scopus, CENTRAL, Embase, and Web of Science) used predefined terms in November 2024. Bias assessment employed Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument tools, and descriptive synthesis was used due to limited meta-analyzable data. Our systematic review analyzed 26 studies with 8514 participants. Young age was a risk factor in four studies, and female gender in one. High body mass index, increased training hours, competitions, and intense preseason training also raised risk. Anatomical factors included lower calcaneal pitch angle, wider medial malleolar slip angle, higher Talocalcaneal angle, and lower limb varus malalignment. Stress fractures were higher among midfielders in one study, while two others found no positional differences. Additional risks were elevated parathyroid hormone, higher bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, lower 25OH levels, fasting, and perceived stress from negative life events. Soccer players face a heightened risk of stress fractures due to the repetitive forces involved in the sport, a significant concern given its global popularity. Although this review identified several risk factors, ongoing controversies remain, primarily due to the limited number of studies and the complex, multifactorial nature of stress fractures.

10 Systematic video analysis of 57 hamstring injuries in women’s football (soccer): injury mechanisms, situational patterns and biomechanics

Reference: Br J Sports Med. 2025 Jun 8:bjsports-2024-109157. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-109157. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Alessandro Pellegrini, Alice Ranzini, Fabio Esposito, Francesco Della Villa, Matteo Zago
Summary: The aim was to investigate the occurrence and inciting events of hamstring injuries (HSIs) in elite women’s football through video analysis, describing the mechanism, situational patterns and biomechanics of the sport-specific activities performed before and at the time of injury. A descriptive observational study was conducted using video analysis of HSIs from top national and international women’s football competitions across seven seasons (2017/2018 to 2023/2024). Three raters independently categorised HSIs following the Football Injury Inciting Circumstances Classification System and analysed joint and trunk kinematics. Among 109 identified HSIs, 57 (52%) were eligible for analysis. Most injuries (74%) were non-contact, with 51% occurring during running and 49% during stretch-type movements, including kicking and duelling. These patterns involved ball interaction in 68% and duels in 51% of cases. Injuries predominantly occurred in offensive situations (72%), with moderate to high horizontal speed and minimal vertical movement. Biomechanical analysis indicated frequent knee extension and hip flexion. HSIs in women’s football predominantly occur during movements with high eccentric demand of the hamstring muscles, with non-contact mechanisms being most common. HSIs are not solely linked to high-speed running but can also occur during propulsion and braking phases, or overstretching activities with an open or closed kinetic chain. HSIs often resulted from complex movements involving multiple tasks simultaneously under high physical and mental demands, in unpredictable and evolving scenarios.

11 Annual level changes of serum neuronal and glial biomarkers in a German professional football club

Reference: J Neurol. 2025 Jun 13;272(7):461. doi: 10.1007/s00415-025-13176-z.
Authors: Robert Marshall, Samir Abu-Rumeileh, Lisa Habeck, Petra Steinacker, Matteo Foschi, Kai Wohlfahrt, René Schwesig, Helge Riepenhof, Jan-Niklas Droste, Lorenzo Barba, Markus Otto
Summary: Professional football players (PFP) experience repeated mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and have an increased long-term dementia risk. We aimed to assess annual level changes of blood neuronal (neurofilament light chain, NfL) and astroglial (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP) biomarkers in PFPs over 2 years. We measured with commercial immunoassays NfL and GFAP concentrations n = 129 serum samples obtained from n = 43 male PFPs playing for a German professional football team. Samples were collected at five time points over 2 years and before/after an index match. Associations between blood markers and potential sources of neuronal damage, such as intense physical activity, injuries, and headers, were tested. Serum NfL and GFAP concentrations in PFPs were significantly different at repeated measurements (p < 0.001) but were not associated with metrics of physical activity, total time of physical activity, total number of headers, and headers-per-match. After injuries with mild TBI, serum NfL and GFAP increased and returned to normal levels within few days. Before and after an index match, serum levels of NfL and GFAP were not significantly different, nor they were significantly associated with physical activity and headers. Serum NfL and GFAP may be used to monitor PFP over time. Repeated headers and intense physical activity in PFPs seem to be safe on a neurochemical level.

12 Effect of football cleat stud shape, sex and fatigue state on plantar loading during lateral cutting

Reference: BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2025 Jun 8;11(2):e002517. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2025-002517. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Emily Karolidis, Alex Denton, Michael Hahn
Download link: https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/bmjosem/11/2/e002517.full.pdf
Summary: Consequential interactions at the cleat-surface interface are associated with non-contact torsional injury mechanics, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, in football.This study investigates the effect of sex and fatigue on plantar pressure distribution and centre of pressure excursion in cleated footwear geometries of higher (bladed) and lower (elliptical) available traction to better understand the aetiology of female injury patterns. College-aged football participants (10 male, 10 female) performed a fatiguing running and cutting protocol in cleated footwear of different stud shapes. Insole pressure was recorded during intermittent lateral cuts across a multistage fatigue protocol. Peak plantar pressure during the initial cutting stance and centre of pressure trajectory across the full cutting stance were compared across both cleat types and with fatigue progression. Significant main and interaction effects of sex, cleat and fatigue were found on peak pressure across the anterior heel, medial forefoot and lateral toes. Results suggest elliptical cleats increased peak pressure during the initial cutting stance compared with bladed cleats. Systemic fatigue progression increased the mediolateral centre of pressure excursion and posterolateral peak pressure. This posterolateral deviation is largest among females in the bladed cleat, potentially indicative of instability. Results suggest optimising cleated footwear for female athletes during their most susceptible fatigued state. Data suggest improving lateral and posterior stud arrangement on a female-informed cleat design to reduce posterolateral excursion during cutting stance.

13 The royal Dutch football association (KNVB) relative age solutions project-part two: an adapted e-Delphi study

Reference: Front Sports Act Living. 2025 May 29:7:1565819. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2025.1565819. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Adam Leigh Kelly, Frederike Zwenk, David Mann, Jan Verbeek
Download link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2025.1565819/full
Summary: Following the lack of widely implemented interventions to mitigate Relative Age Effects (RAEs) in sports, the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) called on stakeholders to propose relative age solutions in youth soccer (Part One). This initial study yielded 13 lower-order potential solutions, many of which remain hypothetical. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate these solutions to overcome RAEs in youth soccer using a two-round adapted e-Delphi study. Fifteen international experts, including both researchers and practitioners, rated (out of 9) each solution on how likely it is to directly and indirectly mitigate RAEs (Round 1) and how feasible it is to implement (Round 2). Findings indicated that „rotating cut-off dates“ was perceived as the most effective solution to mitigate direct and indirect RAEs (6.2 ± 1.6), although it was not rated particularly feasible (4.6 ± 2.5). In comparison, while „cueing differences in age“ was perceived as the most feasible solution (6.7 ± 2.1), it was deemed less useful for mitigating RAEs (5.2 ± 2.3). Taken together, „cueing differences in age“ was considered the most viable solution across both rounds (5.8 ± 2.3). Interestingly, highly rated solutions perceived to effectively moderate RAEs were generally expected to be more challenging to implement. Results also showed regular disagreement amongst the international experts, highlighting that creating consensus on possible relative age solutions may be difficult to achieve in youth soccer. Moving forward, the highest rated solutions should be designed, implemented, and evaluated based on their effectiveness and feasibility in practice.

14 Training forecast to football athletes using Hopfield neural networks based on Markov matrix

Reference: PLoS One. 2025 Jun 12;20(6):e0317604. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0317604. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Hongxing Peng, Li Li, Long Cheng
Download link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0317604
Summary: This paper proposes a neural network based on the Markov probability transition matrix to predict the training performance of football athletes. Firstly, seven training indicators affecting the training performance are designed by the Event-group training theory. Then, a discrete Hopfield neural network is employed according to the seven training indicators. To improve the forecast ability of the discrete Hopfield neural network, the Markov probability transition matrix is used to calculate the activation probability of neurons. Finally, experimental results indicate that the proposed model defeats against the competitors in the forecast of training performance of football athletes. And the proposed model can find the major training indicators that have direct effects on the training performance, which can provide scientific suggestions for coaches to customize training plans. We demonstrate that the seven training indicators can sufficiently evaluate the effectiveness of training plans in the improvement in terms of training performance for football athletes.

15 A cross-sectional latent class analysis of self-reported snus use in men’s and women’s professional football in England

Reference: J Sci Med Sport. 2025 May 27:S1440-2440(25)00154-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2025.05.008. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Daniel Read, Ed Cope, Michael Bennett, Lee Taylor
Download link: https://www.jsams.org/action/showPdf?pii=S1440-2440%2825%2900154-9
Summary: Anecdotally, snus is widely used in Europe by professional footballers. However, prevalence and motivations for use have not been determined, alongside a lack of robust data regarding its use on player health and performance. The aims of the current research were to assess snus use amongst professional football players and categorise users through latent class analysis (LCA). Mixed-method design involving a cross-sectional survey study of 628 male and 51 female professional footballers in England, and 16 semi-structured interviews with multidisciplinary football staff conducted during the 2023-24 season. The survey included self-reported questions concerning prevalence, motivations, sources, and perceived effects. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and LCA to categorise players through their behaviours. Interview questions addressed perceived prevalence and behaviours, performance and health impacts, and support required. Interview data was analysed using mixed coding to contextualise quantitative analysis. Overall, 18 % and 22 % of male and female footballers reported using snus, rising to 42 % and 39 % respectively for lifetime use. Snus use was initiated and motivated by a mix of factors including socialisation, boredom, relaxation, cravings, and stress management. Players were separated into three classes: occasional, daily, and habitual users demonstrating distinct profiles. Snus use appears commonplace in both men’s and women’s professional football, motivated by a complex set of personal and social factors. The identified types of snus users can inform personalised approaches to education and cessation interventions.

16 Elite football players achieve pre-injury running performance despite MRI lesions after return to play without increased risk of recurrence

Reference: Res Sports Med. 2025 Jun 10:1-11. doi: 10.1080/15438627.2025.2517225. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Eduard Bezuglov, Sergey Izmailov, Evgeny Goncharov, Alesya Grinchenko, Omid Etemad, Mikhail Vinogradov, Matvey Irinin, Georgiy Malyakin
Summary: Aim of this prospective cohort study was to assess the value of MRI findings as a return to play (RTP) criterion in relation of safety to achieve pre-injury running performance in the initial days after RTP. All acute non-contact muscle injuries sustained by first-team and farm-team football players of a leading country club from January 2023 to December 2024 were analysed. The rehabilitation was performed according to the control chaos continuum framework. A total of 69 acute primary non-contact muscle injuries occurred during the study period. In twelve cases, MRI was performed both immediately after injury and after RTP (control MRI). The Players returning to play after 29 ± 15.53 days. Control MRI showed that while the degree of injury remained unchanged, the volume of the oedema had decreased (p < 0.001). Peak speed, deceleration, and acceleration intensity were comparable to pre-injury levels post-RTP (p = 0.237, p = 0.184, and p = 0.398, respectively). MRI changes persist after RTP seeming not to impair the ability to perform sport-specific activities at pre-injury levels, nor did they increase the risk of injury recurrence in the participants of this study.

17 Impact of on-field repeated sprint training on aerobic fitness and anaerobic performance in football athletes: A matched-pair design

Reference: PLoS One. 2025 Jun 9;20(6):e0323573. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0323573. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Ramita Gupta, Moattar Raza Rizvi, Ankita Sharma, Shweta Sharma, Abdul Rahim Shaik, Mohamed K Seyam, Shahid Raza, Mastour Saeed Alshahrani, Batool Abdulelah Alkhamis, Hani Hassan Alnakhli, Lama Moraya Alsalm, Fuzail Ahmad, Irshad Ahmad
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12148171/pdf/pone.0323573.pdf
Summary: Repeated sprint ability (RSA) is essential for football performance, especially in maintaining high-intensity efforts throughout a match. Repeated sprint training (RST) improves both aerobic and anaerobic capacities; however, its effects on players in different positional roles remain underexplored, particularly with regard to tailored conditioning protocols. This study assessed the impact of on-field RST on physical performance metrics, including aerobic capacity (VO₂max), sprint speed (10m DASH), vertical jump height (VJH), and power output, with a focus on positional differences among forwards, defenders, and goalkeepers. Forty male football players (aged 18-25 years) were purposively sampled and matched by position before allocation into experimental (RST) and control groups. The experimental group completed a structured four-week RST program, while the control group continued routine football training involving technical, tactical, and endurance drills. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the Cooper Test (aerobic capacity), VO₂max, VJH, power output, and 10m DASH. After 4 weeks of RST, significant mprovements were observed in the experimental group. VO2max increased by 4.4 ml/kg/min (95% CI: 2.9 to 6.0; p < 0.001, d = 1.31), and 10m sprint time decreased by 0.32 seconds (95% CI: -0.45 to -0.19; p < 0.001, d = 1.36) in forwards. VJH improved significantly (p < 0.001) among defenders (Δ = 3.44 cm, 95% CI: 1.76 to 5.12, d = 1.06), while power improvements were most notable in defenders (Δ = 43.44W, 95% CI: 28.62 to 58.26, d = 1.00). Goalkeepers showed modest, non-significant improvements. Significant positional differences were identified for VJH and power output (p < 0.001). RST significantly enhanced physical performance metrics, particularly for forwards and defenders. The findings emphasize the importance of positional specificity in training programs to optimize football performance.

18 The socio-economic cost of anterior cruciate ligament injuries and lateral ankle sprains in amateur football and basketball

Reference: J Athl Train. 2025 Jun 9. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-0487.24. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Nikki Rommers, Lieselot Longé, Winnie Debecker, Nikie Peeters, Bruno Tassignon, Eva Huysmans, Koen Putman, Johan Vanlauwe, David Beckwée, Nicky Van Melick, Christophe Eechaute
Download link: https://nata.kglmeridian.com/meridian/nata/published/rest/pdf-watermark/v1/journals/attr/aop/article-10.4085-1062-6050-0487.24/article-10.4085-1062-6050-0487.24.pdf/watermark-pdf/
Summary: Football and basketball are high risk sports for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and lateral ankle sprains (LAS). These injuries have a high recurrence rate and long-term consequences in terms of early-onset osteoarthritis, as well as lack of return to preinjury level. To (1) prospectively record the socio-economic costs associated with non-contact ACL injuries LAS in amateur football and basketball, and (2) to determine the association between costsand the degree of implementing preventive neuromuscular training (NMT). Prospective cohort study Setting: Amateur football and basketball teams (3221 players) were followed-up during one season. All direct and indirect costs of sustained non-contact ACL injuries and LAS were registered until return to play and was described on a player-level. The degree of implementing NMT was documented twice per season. The degree of implementing NMT duringpre-season and mid-season was documented. The incidence proportion of ACL injuries and LAS was estimated at 0.01 and 0.03 injuries per player season, respectively. Thirty percent of the ACL injuries and 65% of the LAS represented a recurrent injury. The mean total cost per ACL injury and LAS was €6340.7 and €731.6, respectively. Over 90% of the injured players did not implement preventive NMT or implemented it inadequately. The high costs of ACL injuries and LAS and the observation that preventive NMT is scarcely implemented in amateur football and basketball emphasizes an urgent need for policy makersto focus on injury prevention.

19 Prevalence and predictors of problem gambling among Swedish male elite football players: a cross-sectional study

Reference: BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2025 Jun 1;11(2):e002360. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2024-002360. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Håkan Wall, Johanna Gripenberg, Tobias H Elgan
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12142082/pdf/bmjsem-11-2.pdf
Summary: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of problem gambling and gambling behaviours among Swedish elite male football players and explore their awareness of gambling-related policies within their clubs. A secondary objective was to identify factors associated with problem gambling in this group. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2021 among players from the 32 clubs in Sweden’s top two football leagues (Allsvenskan and Superettan). Data were collected through an online survey utilising the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) alongside additional questions on gambling types, mental health, alcohol use, match-fixing and policy awareness. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to analyse predictors of problem gambling. A total of 416 footballers participated, yielding a response rate of 58%. The prevalence of gambling in the past year and problem gambling (PGSI score≥3) was 60.6% and 6.6%, respectively. While 72% of past-year gamblers reported engaging in sports betting, only slots (OR=7.46, p=0.01) and bingo (OR=6.08, p=0.02) were significant predictors of problem gambling. Only 32% of respondents were aware of a gambling policy within their clubs. Additionally, 17.8% reported depressive symptoms, while 13.9% experienced anxiety. This study highlights the high prevalence of problem gambling among elite Swedish footballers, with slots and bingo posing higher risks. Sports betting, while prevalent, may contribute to the gamblification of football. The role of gambling sponsorships in normalising gambling among footballers requires further investigation. There is a need for longitudinal studies on gambling behaviours and policy awareness within clubs, and comprehensive preventive strategies to address gambling-related harm among footballers.

20 Effect of basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation training on the knowledge and attitudes of professional football players and coaches

Reference: SAGE Open Med. 2025 Jun 5:13:20503121251341107. doi: 10.1177/20503121251341107. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Rafael González-Moret, Isabel Almodóvar-Fernández, Sara Simón-Montolio, Héctor Usó-Vicent, Paula Sánchez Thevenet, Antonio Real-Fernández
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12144391/pdf/10.1177_20503121251341107.pdf
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the change in attitudes and knowledge about basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation in football professionals following a training intervention and to examine its correlation with sociodemographic variables. The study consists of two phases. The first phase involves an observational cross-sectional study to assess the level of attitude and knowledge in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The second phase includes an educational intervention consisting of a training and practical session on basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation, with a pre-post single-group study. The questionnaire was completed by football professionals from the Spanish first division and their coaches, with N = 206 in the first phase and N = 70, 30 days after the training intervention in the second phase. A possible limitation is that the final sample size is smaller than the initial one; however, it still exceeds the estimated minimum. A two-phase statistical analysis was conducted: a cross-sectional analysis using nonparametric tests (Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman) assessed baseline attitude and knowledge in relation to sociodemographic variables, followed by a pre-post intervention analysis using parametric (t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson) or nonparametric tests depending on data distribution to evaluate intra- and inter-group changes. Normality was tested with the Shapiro-Wilk test and appropriate tests were applied accordingly. There is a significant increase (p < 0.001) in the average attitude of participants between before (4.25 ± 0.39) and after (4.40 ± 0.41) the intervention. Knowledge also shows a significant increase (p < 0.001) between before (5.66 ± 1.92) and after (7.60 ± 1.84) the intervention. There is no significant correlation with age, gender, professional category, or levels of knowledge and attitudes. The basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation training intervention has proven beneficial, regardless of gender, educational level, or category studied (players/coaches).

21 Long-Term Health Effects of Football and Zumba Among Norwegian Female Hospital Employees: A 4-Year Follow-Up of a Cluster-Randomized Trial

Reference: Eur J Sport Sci. 2025 Jun;25(6):e12330. doi: 10.1002/ejsc.12330.
Authors: Svein Barene, Peter Krustrup, Sigbjørn Litleskare, Andreas Holtermann
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12144847/pdf/EJSC-25-e12330.pdf
Summary: We evaluated the long-term effects 4 years after a worksite exercise intervention among female hospital employees. In 2011, 107 female hospital employees were randomized into the two exercise groups, football and Zumba, offered 1-2 exercise sessions over 40 weeks, and a control group. Aerobic fitness, body composition, blood cholesterol, self-reported job satisfaction, work-related perceived physical exertion, and stress were measured at baseline, at the end of the intervention (40 weeks), and 4 years later. In this 4-year follow-up study, which consisted of 43 participants divided into a combined intervention group (n = 31) and controls (n = 12), we examined the long-term effects after the intervention without continued support from the workplace or the research team. Compared with the controls, the intervention group had higher relative (p < 0.01) and absolute (p < 0.05) aerobic fitness, as well as higher power output at exhaustion during an incremental cycling test (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the intervention group had a higher job satisfaction (p < 0.05) compared to controls. On the contrary, the intervention group had less favorable results compared to controls related to perceived physical exertion at work (p < 0.05) and self-reported stress (p < 0.05). Our study indicates that a worksite exercise intervention has long-term beneficial effects on aerobic fitness, exercise capacity, and job satisfaction, although it might have side effects of higher work-related physical exhaustion and stress. These findings provide valuable insight into the long-term health effects of a worksite physical exercise intervention under real-world conditions without continued project support.

22 Perspectives on data analytics for gaining a competitive advantage in football: harnessing data for decision support

Reference: Sci Med Footb. 2025 Jun 7:1-9. doi: 10.1080/24733938.2025.2517056. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Anne Hecksteden, Matthias Kempe, Julian Berger
Summary: In this issue, Olthof and Davis highlight the potential of computational methods for gaining a competitive advantage in football and call for a closer collaboration between football and data science experts to fully leverage these opportunities. While we agree in principle with both aspects, we would like to amend some considerations that may contribute nuances to this perspective.Sustained success in a competitive environment results from a stream of good, well-informed decisions. Computational methods may support decision making in football by alleviating information overload, time constraints, unintended variation, and human biases. The advantages for data management and automated feature extraction are beyond doubt. However, as also emphasized by Olthof and Davis, the critical part of decision making is a prediction task: Forecasting the potential outcome of the available options and choosing between options based on limited amounts of information. Over the last two decades, the use of large amounts of data for the construction of sophisticated metrics and predictive models has gained widespread use in elite football. However, high-dimensional, data-driven algorithms don’t necessarily provide the most accurate and helpful predictions. Rather, deliberately sparse, interpretable models that leverage data-driven modelling as well as domain expertise have repeatedly shown to have competitive predictive performance while at the same time avoiding the downsides of black-box algorithms for decision support. We illustrate this ‚less-can-be-more‘ effect with two worked examples based on real-world data. Finally, predictability of an outcome can be low even in principle, putting hard limits to predictive accuracy regardless of modelling strategy.