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 Evaluation of injury rates in soccer players before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic

Reference: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2025 Oct 31;17(1):313. doi: 10.1186/s13102-025-01233-z.
Authors: Giulia My, Giacomo Farì, Antonella Muscella, Santo Marsigliante
Download link: https://bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s13102-025-01233-z.pdf
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate injury rates among Serie A soccer players across three seasons, highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fifty-four professional soccer players in the Italian Serie were assessed over the course of three seasons, including the 2019/2020 season, which was affected by the pandemic. Injuries were categorized into muscular, skeletal, and articular, and were analyzed according to player roles (defenders, midfielders, and forwards). They were also stratified by the period of the competitive season: (1) preseason, (2) first half of the season, (3) second half of the season, and (4) end of the season. The results indicate a sharp increase in injuries during the post-COVID-19 season (2020/2021), with increases in articular injuries (65%), skeletal injuries (120%), and muscular injuries (65%), compared to the previous seasons. Among player roles, defenders were the most affected by injuries, with a notable increase in the second half of the post-COVID season (36% more injuries compared to the pre-COVID season). The injury rate among midfielders increased by 46% in the post-COVID season compared to the pre-COVID season, with the highest number of injuries occurring at the end of the season. This increased injury rate in defenders and midfielders, who often position themselves in the defensive zone, could be due to muscle mass loss. Further studies are needed to explore this aspect of injury epidemiology in soccer. Ultimately, careful, and gradual training is crucial for preventing injuries and maintaining the quality of soccer players‘ performances.

2 Workload and Enjoyment Perception in Small-Sided Soccer Games: A Systematic Review of Studies in Untrained Children and Adolescents

Reference: Sports Health. 2025 Oct 31:19417381251385590. doi: 10.1177/19417381251385590. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Nicolás Gómez-Álvarez, Leonel Federico-Tuccelli, Paula SanMartín-Godoy, Mario Vieyra-Fuenzalida, Felipe Hermosilla-Palma, Tomás Reyes-Amigo, José Oliveira, Hélder Fonseca
Download link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/19417381251385590
Summary: Small-sided soccer games (SSSG) have been proposed as a strategy to promote the health of children and adolescents. Understanding training loads has a strong influence on program effectiveness. This systematic review aimed to describe the training load and perception of enjoyment during SSSG in untrained children and adolescents. A systematic search on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Scielo databases was performed. Experimental or observational studies conducted in untrained children or adolescents (6 to 18 years) that analyzed internal loads, external loads, or perceived enjoyment during 1 or more SSSG were included. Information on publication type, participants, SSSG characteristics, and main results of the internal and external load and perceived enjoyment was extracted. A total of 15 articles (n = 539 participants, aged 8-18 years) were included. Twenty-one SSSG designs were identified, and the format used most was 3v3. Heartrate (HR) (range 71%-88% of maximum HR) and rate of perceived exertion (range 3-7 of 10 or 12-15 of 20) were the primary measures of internal load, while distance traveled, average speed, and number of accelerations were used to assess external load. Perceived enjoyment was reported using mainly the 16-item PACES or 18-item PACES scale (59.14 or 88.67, respectively). The structural aspects of the game were evaluated in 6 studies, suggesting that the number of players, pitch size, man-marking, and restricting the type of locomotion may affect workload. Contextual factors, such as verbal motivation or sex, can also influence workload. SSSG is associated with moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise and high enjoyment perception. Workload can be affected by structural (number of players, pitch size, man-marking) and contextual factors (verbal encouragement, sex composition), although evidence is still limited.

3 Use of a Postoperative Brace After ACL Reconstruction in Recreational Soccer Players: Impact on Function, Strength, Pain, Kinesiophobia, Quality of Life, and Return to Sport

Reference: Orthop J Sports Med. 2025 Oct 24;13(10):23259671251386838. doi: 10.1177/23259671251386838. eCollection 2025 Oct.
Authors: Sönmez Sağlam, Veysel Uludağ, Zekeriya Okan Karaduman, Mehmet Arıcan, Mücahid Osman Yücel, Yunus Emre Bulum, Raşit Emin Dalaslan, İsa Alioğlu, İsmail Sav, Şengül Cangur
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12569363/pdf/10.1177_23259671251386838.pdf
Summary: The use of postoperative bracing after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains a topic of debate. Although braces are widely prescribed to enhance joint stability and provide psychological support, their actual impact on functional outcomes, muscle strength, pain, kinesiophobia, quality of life, and return-to-sport (RTS) rates is unclear-particularly in recreational athletes. The purpose was to evaluate the effects of postoperative knee brace use on knee function, muscle strength, pain, kinesiophobia, quality of life, and RTS rates over a 12-month period in recreational soccer players who underwent ACL reconstruction. A total of 50 male recreational soccer players who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction between 2020 and 2023 were included. Postoperative brace use depended on the clinical routines of 2 orthopaedic teams: one routinely prescribed a knee brace, while the other did not. Thus, patients were categorized into brace (n = 25) and no-brace (n = 25) groups accordingly. All patients followed the same standardized rehabilitation program. Assessments were performed preoperatively and at 15 days and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Outcome measures included the visual analog scale for pain, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale, International Knee Documentation Committee score, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, isokinetic muscle strength testing at 60 deg/s and 180 deg/s, the 36-item Short Form Health Survey quality of life assessment, and RTS rates. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups regarding pain, knee function, kinesiophobia, quality of life, or RTS rates at any time point (P > .05). However, baseline isokinetic extension torque at 180 deg/s was significantly higher in the brace group compared with the no-brace group (314.7 ± 66.1 Nm vs. 279.7 ± 59.6 Nm; P = .03). At the 12-month follow-up, this relationship was reversed, with the no-brace group demonstrating significantly greater extension torque at 180 deg/s than the brace group (340.8 ± 62.2 Nm vs. 301.2 ± 57.5 Nm; P = .02). Within-group improvements were observed over time in several parameters, but most did not reach statistical significance (P > .05). Brace use did not provide additional benefit in any of the evaluated outcomes. Postoperative bracing did not lead to improved clinical outcomes, including function, strength, pain, psychological readiness, or RTS success, in recreational soccer players following ACL reconstruction. These findings suggest that routine bracing may not be necessary in this population. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these retrospective observations.

4 Testing the validity of 360-video for analysing visual exploratory activity in soccer

Reference: J Sports Sci. 2025 Oct 30:1-14. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2025.2580838. Online ahead of print.
Authors: James Feist, Naomi Datson, Oliver R Runswick, Chris Pocock
Summary: Extended reality (XR) technologies present new opportunities to measure sports performance in immersive, representative environments. This study aimed to i) assess the construct and face validity of a 360-video simulation for capturing visual exploratory activity (VEA) in women’s soccer and ii) understand players‘ perceptions of acceptability and tolerability of the simulation. Eleven sub-elite women’s soccer players and eleven novices viewed 40 soccer videos in a head-mounted display. Footage was recorded using a stationary GoPro 360 Max camera at eye height in six pitch locations. Participants verbalised and acted out an action response. VEA was measured by the number of ’scans‘ away from the ball before it reached the 360-video camera. Participants answered open-ended questions on acceptability, physical fidelity, and tolerability. Mann-Whitney U tests compared scan frequency and actions per trial between the two groups. Results supported construct and face validity, with good acceptability, tolerability, and physical fidelity. Soccer players (Mdn = 0.31 scans/s) had significantly higher scan frequencies than novices (Mdn = 0.06 scans/s, p < 0.001) and generated significantly more detailed responses per trial (p < 0.001). 360-video offers a valid, acceptable method for capturing VEA. Future work should assess its efficacy for skill development.

5 Touch restriction during small-sided games in soccer-effects on physiological, physical and technical and tactical performance

Reference: Front Sports Act Living. 2025 Oct 14:7:1705921. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2025.1705921. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Michael C Rumpf, Johannes Jäger, Stefan Altmann, Matthias Lochmann
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12558969/pdf/fspor-07-1705921.pdf
Summary: Limited time and space availability during matches forces soccer players to utilize one-touch (1-touch) or two-touch (2-touch) passes to successfully maintain ball possession. Consequently, coaches replicate game demands during training, implementing touch restrictions into small-sided games (SSGs). 1-touch and 2-touch play increases the intensity and the perceived exertion of the SSGs in adult soccer. Physical variables that are associated with greater external load, such as sprinting or high-intensity running increased with touch restriction independent of skill level and player numbers. 1- and 2-touch play increase the players‘ technical engagement with the game (e.g., number of passes), however, resulting in positive (%successful passes) as well as negative (%unsuccessful passes) outcomes. Very scarce scientific resources exist with regards to tactical changes with touch restrictions in SSGs indicating indifferent results across age groups and limited tactical variables. Depending on the training goal, coaches can apply touch-restrictions to increase or decrease physical, physiological, technical and tactical activity of players.

6 Hydration Status of Elite Youth Soccer Players: Training Versus FIFA Competition

Reference: Life (Basel). 2025 Oct 2;15(10):1546. doi: 10.3390/life15101546.
Authors: Carlos Jorquera-Aguilera, Guillermo Droppelmann-Díaz, Luis Romero-Vera, Oscar Andrades-Ramírez, César Barrientos-Bustamante, Carlos Cofré-Acevedo, Jaime Silva-Rojas, Sergio Araya-Sierralta, David Ulloa-Díaz
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12565253/pdf/life-15-01546.pdf
Summary: Optimal hydration is crucial for maintaining health and athletic performance in young soccer players. This requires constant monitoring by medical and sports teams during training sessions and competitions. The purpose of this study was to examine hydration status based on variations in body weight, fluid intake, and urine specific gravity during three training sessions and a FIFA competition in elite U-17 youth soccer players, national team members. Twenty-one elite soccer players, aged 17.2 ± 0.29 years, with a body weight of 72.1 ± 6.95 kg and a height of 1.80 ± 0.05 m, participated in the study. To determine hydration status, percentage weight loss, fluid intake, and urine density were measured during three training sessions and one FIFA-level competition. Differences in body weight were observed in two of the training sessions, with greater variation in the competition (3.5% of BW, p < 0.001). Significant differences were found between weight losses in training sessions vs. matches. An increase in initial weight was associated with lower urine density. Regression coefficients showed that differences in body weight can predict urine density during training and competition (p < 0.05). A decrease in final body weight could be a valid indicator as a predictor of higher urinary density.

7 Effect of Low-Load and Low-Volume Squat Training Combined with Plyometrics During a Full Season on Physical Performance in Young Soccer Players

Reference: Sports (Basel). 2025 Oct 11;13(10):360. doi: 10.3390/sports13100360.
Authors: Felipe Franco-Márquez, Carmen Serrano-Cañadillas, Juan Manuel Yáñez-García, Juan José González-Badillo, David Rodríguez-Rosell
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12568174/pdf/sports-13-00360.pdf
Summary: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a 24-week low-load, low-volume resistance training (RT) program combined with plyometric exercises on the physical performance of U-15 male soccer players. Thirty-two young soccer players were divided into a strength training group (STG) and a control group (CG). The STG added two RT sessions per week-using moderate loads (45-60% 1RM) and a low number of repetitions per set-combined with plyometrics to their regular soccer training, while the CG continued with only the field soccer training. Performance assessments (a running sprint test, a countermovement jump, and a progressive loading test in a full squat exercise) were conducted before and after each of three 8-week periods. Significant ‚time × group‘ interaction in favor of STG was observed for T20 (p < 0.05), CMJ (p < 0.001), and all variables (p < 0.001) assessed during the full squat exercise. Significant changes between groups were observed in T10 (Post 1 and Post 3, p < 0.05), CMJ (Post 1, Post 2, and Post 3, p < 0.05-0.001), and all strength variables (Post 1, Post 2, and Post 3, p < 0.05-0.001). The findings of this study suggest that a training program based on weightlifting with light loads for a few repetitions per set combined with jumps and sprint exercises, in addition to regular soccer training, induces greater and earlier improvements in strength and sport-related actions (jumping and sprinting), compared with only field soccer training. Coaches and strength-conditioning coaches should consider using RT with low loads and low volume and performing each repetition as fast as possible as an effective stimulus to improve physical performance in key match-determining actions efficiently.

8 Post-Exercise Recovery Modalities in Male and Female Soccer Players of All Ages and Competitive Levels: A Systematic Review

Reference: Sports (Basel). 2025 Oct 2;13(10):343. doi: 10.3390/sports13100343.
Authors: Emaly Vatne, Jose M Oliva-Lozano, Catherine Saenz, Rick Cost, Josh Hagen
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12567902/pdf/sports-13-00343.pdf
Summary: Optimal recovery supports health and enhances performance in soccer players, yet the empirical evidence on various recovery strategies in soccer is complex to interpret. This review aimed to summarize the literature on post-exercise recovery modalities in male and female soccer players of all ages and competition levels. Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, SPORTDiscuss, and Web of Science were systematically searched until 17 October 2023. Randomized controlled trials or within-subjects crossover design studies that examined the effects of post-exercise recovery interventions on physical, psychological, or performance outcomes in soccer players were included. A single reviewer extracted data and assessed study quality using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Overall, 41 studies were included in the final review. The recovery strategies represented in these studies were organized into the following categories: active recovery, blood flow restriction, cold water immersion, contrast water therapy, compression garments, active cool-down, cryotherapy, cold garments, sleep and daytime nap, pneumatic cooling, foam rolling, mindfulness interventions, nutritional intervention, and static stretching. The findings demonstrated that cold-water immersion consistently improved jump performance and perceptions of fatigue, soreness, and overall well-being. Other recovery strategies, such as active recovery, compression therapy, sleep interventions, and nutrition supplementation, also positively impacted recovery, albeit with varying levels of effectiveness and evidence. However, the studies exhibited heterogeneity in methods, outcome measures, and recovery intervention protocols, posing challenges for generalizability. This review summarizes recovery strategies for soccer players, emphasizing the need for practitioners, coaches, and athletes to individualize interventions based on athletes‘ needs, preferences, and competition level.

9 Comparative Analysis of Speed-Power Performance and Sport-Specific Skills Among Elite Youth Soccer Players with Different Start Procedures

Reference: Sports (Basel). 2025 Oct 2;13(10):341. doi: 10.3390/sports13100341.
Authors: Eduard Bezuglov, Anton Emanov, Timur Vakhidov, Elizaveta Kapralova, Georgiy Malyakin, Vyacheslav Kolesnichenko, Zbigniew Waśkiewicz, Larisa Smekalkina, Mikhail Vinogradov
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12568230/pdf/sports-13-00341.pdfAbstract
Summary: Accurate interpretation of physical test results is essential to objectively measure parameters both at a single point in time and throughout longitudinal assessments. This is particularly relevant for tests of speed and change of direction, which are among the most commonly used assessments for soccer players at different levels. This study aimed to quantify the impact of start-line distance (30 cm vs. 100 cm) on linear sprint splits (5-30 m), change-of-direction (COD), and T-test performance in elite youth soccer players, while also examining potential order effects. The study involved 82 youth soccer players (14-19 y; 180.68 ± 6.97 cm; 71.65 ± 7.91 kg; BMI 21.90 ± 1.57) from an elite academy, divided into two groups. The first group started trials at 30 cm from the starting line, then at 100 cm, while the second group performed in the reverse order. All participants underwent a standard sequence of tests: anthropometric measurements, 5, 10, 20, and 30 m sprints, change-of-direction running, and the T-test. The longer start (100 cm) improved sprint times with large effects tapering with distance: 5 m (Hedges‘ g = 1.00, 95% CI 0.80-1.25; Δ = 0.076 s, 0.060-0.093; 6.99%), 10 m (g = 1.37, 1.14-1.68; Δ = 0.102 s, 0.086-0.119; 5.63%), 20 m (g = 1.58, 1.36-1.88; Δ = 0.112 s, 0.096-0.127; 3.66%), 30 m (g = 1.48, 1.26-1.80; Δ = 0.114 s, 0.097-0.131; 2.71%). COD also improved (rank-biserial r = 0.516, 0.294-0.717; Δ = 0.075 s, 0.034-0.116; 1.00%) and the T-test improved (g = 0.61, 0.37-0.86; Δ = 0.107 s, 0.068-0.145; 1.26%). Order effects on Δ were evident for 30 m (Welch t = -3.05, p_Holm = 0.0157, d = -0.67) and COD (MWU p_Holm = 0.0048, r = -0.43). Protocols must specify and report the start geometry; the order should be randomised or counter-balanced, particularly for 30 m and COD.

10 Attentional Focus and Practice Autonomy Enhance Penalty Kick Accuracy in Soccer

Reference: Sports (Basel). 2025 Oct 1;13(10):332. doi: 10.3390/sports13100332.
Authors: Tomasz Niźnikowski, Jerzy Sadowski, Andrzej Mastalerz, Jared Porter, Hubert Makaruk, Emilio Fernández-Rodríguez, Marcin Starzak, Oscar Romero-Ramos, Janusz Zieliński, Anna Bodasińska, Agata Chaliburda, Paweł Różański 
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12568229/pdf/sports-13-00332.pdf
Summary: This study investigated the immediate and cumulative effects of attentional focus (external vs. internal), practice autonomy, and their combination on soccer penalty kick performance. Ninety physically active male university students (average age 22.8 ± 1.5 years) were selected from a pool of 330 students who completed a 60 h university soccer course. Participants were randomly divided into six groups: external focus with target choice (EF-TC), external focus without target choice (EF-NTC), internal focus with target choice (IF-TC), internal focus without target choice (IF-NTC), autonomy support (AS), and a control group (C). The EF-TC group demonstrated significantly higher accuracy than the IF-TC, IF-NTC, and C groups while performing comparably to the EF-NTC and AS groups in between-group analyses. Notably, the EF-NTC group showed the largest within-group improvement from pre-test to acquisition. The findings indicate that combining attentional focus with practice autonomy enhances the accuracy of penalty kicks, emphasizing the potential of tailored training methods for improving penalty kick performance in soccer.

11 Timing of ACL injuries during elite male football (soccer) matches-Impact of player position, substitutes, contact mechanisms, possession status and situational pattern: An analysis of 369 ACL injuries

Reference: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2025 Oct 28. doi: 10.1002/ksa.70161. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Matthew Buckthorpe, Stefano Di Paolo, Alberto Grassi, Filippo Toserelli, Francesco Della Villa
Download link: https://esskajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ksa.70161
Summary: The aim was to document the timing of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries according to match minute and effective minutes played during football matches, considering player position, substitutions, contact mechanism, possession status and situational pattern. This was a subsequent analysis of previously published video analysis studies of ACL injuries in professional men’s football. Only those injuries with videos in which the exact moment of the injury could be determined were included. For each video, we were concerned with the phase of the game when the ACL injury occurred (match minute) and the number of minutes played by the ACL injured player, correcting for substitutions. To allow for comparison of injury distribution across categories, frequency was reported as percentage observations in each respective time window (15 min). The relative risk (RR) of sustaining an ACL injury in the different 15-min periods was computed. Significance testing (one-way analysis of variance or independent t-test) and regression analysis were performed to determine differences in timing for the categories. Injury timing data were reported for 369 ACL injuries. More injuries occurred during the first (n = 216, 59%) than second (n = 153, 41%) half (p < 0.01). When considering the minutes played, 87 (24%), 167 (46%) and 246 (67%) ACL injuries occurred in the first 15, 30 and 45 min, respectively. RR for all injuries for each 15-min period was >1 in the first 45 min of effective gameplay and <1 in the second 45 min. Substitutes had a significantly earlier ACL injury timing than starters (19.7 ± 20.1 vs. 39.7 ± 24.3 min, p < 0.001), with high RR in the first 15 min (3.21). More ACL injuries occur in the first 45 min of match play; among substitutes injuries occur 20 min earlier than in starters. Higher match intensity and lack of preparation (e.g., warm up) are likely explanatory.

12 Effects of resisted sprint training on agility and change-of-direction performance in soccer players: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Reference: PeerJ. 2025 Oct 23:13:e20084. doi: 10.7717/peerj.20084. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Zongwei He, Tianyu Duan, Dongyu Li, Xuan Zhang
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12554313/pdf/peerj-13-20084.pdf
Summary: Agility and change-of-direction (COD) are essential for success in soccer, influencing performance and injury risk. Resisted sprint training (RST) has shown promise in enhancing these skills by improving muscle strength and neuromuscular coordination. However, the effects of vertical and horizontal RST on agility and COD performance remain inadequately explored. A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar without date restrictions, following PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they involved healthy soccer players, RST interventions, and assessed agility or COD speed. Data extraction and quality assessment were executed independently by two reviewers; statistical analyses employed RevMan and Stata software packages. This meta-analysis included 13 studies, which collectively generated 35 groups based on experiment and control protocols. The demonstrated a statistically significant improvement of RST on agility and COD performance (SMD = -0.31, 95% CI [-0.44 to -0.17], p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed a trend towards greater improvements with vertically resisted sprinting (SMD = -0.36, p = 0.009), compared to horizontally resisted sprinting (SMD = -0.13, p = 0.25) although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.07). Elite athletes demonstrated significant enhancements in agility and COD (SMD = -0.45, p < 0.001). In contrast, amateur athletes displayed no significant improvements (SMD = -0.05, p = 0.77). RST outperformed unresisted sprinting (SMD = -0.29, p < 0.05) and alternative training (SMD = -0.36, p < 0.001), indicating its effectiveness across various comparators. RST significantly enhances agility and change-of-direction performance in soccer players, particularly among elite athletes. Vertical resisted sprinting is more effective than horizontal resistance, supporting its integration into training programs for improved athletic performance.PROSPERO registration number (CRD42024608859).

13 Potential head injuries in men’s football, futsal and beach soccer: Distinct exposure-adjusted frequency and patterns from a comparative video analysis

Reference: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2025 Oct 27. doi: 10.1002/ksa.70158. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Yavuz Lima, Levend Karaçoban, Andreas Serner, Kerry Peek, Ogün Köyağasıoğlu
Summary: Football, futsal and beach soccer differ in playing conditions, but data on differences in head injury characteristics are limited. The aim of this study was to systematically analyse and compare potential head injuries in these disciplines. Footage from 148 matches across three men’s international tournaments (2022 FIFA World Cup, 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup and 2024 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup) were reviewed to identify potential head injuries (any event where a player remained down >5 s and/or requested medical-attention with the body part involving head/neck), player actions, visible signs of possible concussion, medical-assessments and outcomes. Incidence rates (IRs; number of potential head injuries per 1000 match-hours) were reported separately for each discipline based on official and total exposure times (the duration from initial to final whistle). A total of 395 potential head injuries were identified: 186 (IR:85.8/1000 match-hours) in football, 86 (IR:247.8) in futsal and 123 (IR:627.5) in beach soccer. After exposure adjustment, IRs were 76.4, 122.3 and 383.2, respectively. Direct opponent contact was the main mechanism for all disciplines (football 81.5%, futsal 76.2%, beach soccer 78.9%). Unintentional ball-to-head impacts accounted for 6% of cases (football), 16.7% (futsal), and 13.8% (beach soccer). In beach soccer, 17.9% of injuries were associated with overhead kicks. Visible signs of a possible concussion were observed in 16.3% of cases (football), 9.5% (futsal) and 20.3% (beach soccer). Incidence and patterns of potential head injuries differ across football, futsal and beach soccer, underscoring the need for individual recognition in all three disciplines. Ball-related impacts contributed significantly to the differences in IRs and overhead kicks posing a unique risk in beach soccer. Targeted preventive strategies, such as specific drills on safe blocking in futsal, and training to improve the safe execution of overhead kicks in beach soccer, may help reduce these risks.

14 Effects of four different times of day on various aspects of maximal short-term physical performance in young soccer players

Reference: PeerJ. 2025 Oct 22:13:e20065. doi: 10.7717/peerj.20065. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Houda Bougrine, Nidhal Nasser, Imed Gandouzi, Halil Ibrahim Ceylan, Majdi Bouazizi, Thierry Paillard, Ismail Dergaa, Valentina Stefanica, Abderraouf Ben Abderrahman
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12553368/pdf/peerj-13-20065.pdf
Summary: The time of day (TOD) has a significant influence on physical performance through circadian rhythms, which regulate body temperature, muscle function, and hormone levels. While extensively studied in adults, the impact of TOD on adolescent athletes remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of TOD on maximal short-term physical performance in adolescent soccer players, to guide evidence-based decisions regarding the structuring of training and competition schedules. Nineteen male adolescent soccer players (mean age: 14.58 ± 0.7 years) participated in a randomized trial, performing at four TOD sessions (08:00 h, 11:00 h, 15:00 h, and 18:00 h) with recovery periods of at least 48 hours between sessions. Performance metrics included oral temperature (OT), medicine ball throw (MBT), 5-meter sprint (5m-T), 20-meter sprint (20m-T), Illinois Agility Test (IAT), and Illinois Agility Test with Ball (IAT-B). Results revealed significant TOD effects. OT increased notably from 08:00 to 18:00 (p < 0.001). Physical performance metrics (MBT, 5m-T, 20m-T, IAT, and IAT-B) improved significantly at 11:00, 15:00, and 18:00 (all p < 0.05) relative to 08:00. The 18:00 session consistently produced the highest performance levels. At the same time, no significant differences were observed between 11:00 and 15:00 (all p > 0.05). Our results suggest that time of day significantly influences short-term maximal physical performance in adolescent male soccer players, with peak performance levels consistently observed in the late afternoon (18:00 h). This appears to reflect diurnal variations in core temperature, hormonal activity, and neuromuscular readiness, which likely enhance sprint speed, agility, and explosive power at this time. These findings indicate that coaches and youth sport practitioners should consider scheduling high-intensity training sessions and performance assessments in the late afternoon to optimize physiological conditions for training and evaluation. Aligning training and competition timing with circadian rhythms may therefore support improved athletic output and more accurate performance monitoring in youth soccer settings.

15 Exploring body composition and physical condition profiles in relation to playing time in professional soccer: a principal components analysis and Gradient Boosting approach

Reference: Front Physiol. 2025 Oct 10:16:1659313. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2025.1659313. eCollection 2025.
Authors: David Ulloa-Díaz, Gabriel Fábrica-Barrios, Carlos Jorquera-Aguilera, Francisco Guede-Rojas, Jorge Pérez-Contreras, Demetrio Lozano-Jarque, Claudio Carvajal-Parodi, Luis Romero-Vera
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12549671/pdf/fphys-16-1659313.pdf
Summary: This study aimed to explore whether a predictive model based on body composition and physical condition could estimate seasonal playing time in professional soccer players. 24 professional soccer players with 5-7 years of professional experience participated. Body composition and physical condition variables were assessed, and total minutes played during the season were recorded as the dependent variable. Correlations between variables were examined to reduce multicollinearity, followed by a principal component analysis (PCA) of the selected predictors. The first three components were used as inputs in a Gradient Boosting model. Model performance was evaluated using 5-fold cross-validation and leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV). High intercorrelations among independent variables (r > 0.70) justified dimensionality reduction through PCA. The first three components explained 70% of the total variance. However, no direct correlations were observed between individual variables and minutes played, and the Gradient Boosting model did not achieve positive predictive performance under cross-validation (5-fold CV: R 2 = -0.04; LOOCV: R 2 < 0). In this small dataset, a multivariate approach combining PCA and Gradient Boosting did not yield predictive accuracy for playing time. Nonetheless, the PCA revealed meaningful structures in the players‘ physical and body composition profiles, which may inform future research. Larger and more heterogeneous samples are required to determine whether component-based predictors can reliably estimate playing time in professional soccer.

16 Quantified Head-Ball Impacts in Soccer: A Preliminary, Prospective Study

Reference: Neurotrauma Rep. 2025 Sep 25;6(1):928-943. doi: 10.1177/2689288X251380145. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Hugh McCloskey, Carolyn Beth McNabb, Pedro Luque Laguna, Bethany Keenan, John Evans, Derek K Jones, Marco Palombo, Megan Barnes-Wood, Rhosslyn Adams, Sean Connelly, Peter Theobald
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12547406/pdf/2689288×251380145.pdf
Summary: Repetitive, sub-concussive head impacts have been associated with increased chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) incidence. CTE diagnosis traditionally relies on postmortem examination, which limits precise correlation between cause and effect. This prospective study embraced innovative diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, which enables in vivo quantification of acute, subacute, and chronic changes in brain tissue microstructure. This approach was used to evaluate changes in white matter microstructural status at intervals up to 180 days following a specified soccer heading protocol. This study was approved by university research ethics committees. Twelve adult males were recruited to the study and gave signed, informed consent. Six Intervention participants were university-level soccer players, with six Control participants drawn from university-level noncontact sports. Multi-shell diffusion-weighted MRI data were acquired on a 3T Siemens Connectom (300 mT/m) scanner using the HARDI protocols. Baseline measures of fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, and mean kurtosis were acquired at day 0. The Intervention cohort then performed 10 soccer „headers“ in a laboratory, with acceleration-time data captured using an instrumented mouthguard and post-processed to report common metrics. The Intervention group was then re-scanned at day 1 (n = 6), day 90 (n = 5), and day 180 (n = 4). The Control group was re-scanned at day 1 (n = 6) and day 180 (n = 3). Many brain tracts were identified as having significant (p < 0.05) changes in white matter microstructural changes at day 90, which correlated strongly with the magnitude of head impact. A smaller number of tracts had changes at day 1 and day 180. These results indicate that, within this pilot population, the magnitude of repeated soccer headers appears to correlate with the magnitude of white matter microstructural change. Additional investigation is required to determine whether the effect of such an intervention influences long-term brain health risk.Board.

17 The Effect of Coach’s Drawing and Visuospatial Abilities on Visual Attention and Soccer Tactics Memorization: An Eye-Tracking Study

Reference: Percept Mot Skills. 2025 Oct 25:315125251391658. doi: 10.1177/00315125251391658. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Sabrine Tlili, Hatem Ben Mahfoudh, Bachir Zoudji
Summary: Generated drawing is a specific instructional approach that has been investigated in academic settings. However, in sports, tactical drawings are often presented based more on coaches‘ preferences than on empirical evidence. This study examines the impact of coach’s drawing and the moderating role of Visuospatial Abilities (VSA) on soccer tactical memorization and visual attention. A total of 54 male university students, all novices in soccer, were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. In the static-drawing condition, participants viewed a pre-drawn tactical diagram while listening to an oral explanation. In the dynamic-drawing condition, they observed the coach actively drawing the diagram while providing the same explanation. Initially, individuals‘ VSA were assessed through a control test. Subsequently, in a main test, participants memorized and reproduced the tactical scene while their gaze was recorded with an eye-tracking system. Key findings reveal a moderating effect of VSA, as high-VSA participants benefited more from the dynamic-drawing condition and showed more effective visual processing, supporting the ability-as-enhancer hypothesis. In contrast, low-VSA participants showed no significant benefit from the coach’s dynamic-drawing and demonstrated less effective visual processing, indicating difficulties in extracting and interpreting diagram elements. These results highlight the importance of adapting instructional drawing strategies based on individual cognitive characteristics, particularly VSA, to optimize visual attention and memorization from narrated tactical diagrams.

18 Effects of football training on patients with hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Reference: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2025 Oct 31;17(1):314. doi: 10.1186/s13102-025-01361-6.
Authors: Liu Wangyang, Jiang Fangfang
Download link: https://bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s13102-025-01361-6.pdf
Summary: Hypertension and metabolic disorders remain major global health burdens, yet the specific benefits of football training for adults with these conditions are not fully characterized. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of recreational football on cardiovascular, metabolic, and fitness outcomes, addressing current gaps in evidence. We systematically reviewed randomized and matched controlled trials published in English and Chinese, including 20 studies and 1,225 adult participants. Primary outcomes were blood pressure, heart rate, body composition, peak oxygen uptake (VO₂max), muscle strength, and cardiometabolic biomarkers. Random-effects models were used for pooled analyses, with subgroup and sensitivity analyses. This systematic review and meta-analysis were registered in the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD420251143230). Football training significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (MD = – 6.67 mmHg, 95% CI: – 8.95 to – 4.39; p < 0.00001), resting heart rate (SMD = – 2.26, 95% CI: – 3.71 to – 0.81; p = 0.002), and diastolic pressure in both normotensive (SMD = – 2.44, 95% CI: – 3.41 to – 1.47) and hypertensive groups (SMD = – 0.92, 95% CI: – 1.40 to – 0.43). VO₂max improved (SMD = 3.96, 95% CI: 1.62 to 6.31; p = 0.0009), as did ejection fraction, E/A ratio, and LV mass. Benefits were observed for LDL (SMD = – 1.64), triglycerides (SMD = – 3.42), total cholesterol (SMD = – 2.44), and HDL (SMD = 2.91). Body fat mass declined in males (SMD = – 0.74), muscle strength increased (SMD = 2.14), and insulin, HbA1c, and FGF-21 improved significantly. Recreational football is an effective intervention for improving cardiovascular and metabolic health in adults, particularly those with hypertension. These findings highlight football training as a practical adjunct to conventional exercise therapy.

19 What lies behind injury prevention behaviour in youth handball and football? A cross-sectional nationwide study of behavioural constructs in 865 coaches and players

Reference: J Sci Med Sport. 2025 Oct 17:S1440-2440(25)00477-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2025.10.009. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Emilie S Sjølie, Carly M McKay, Siv Gjesdal, Hege Grindem, Grethe Myklebust, Christian T Bjørndal, Merete Møller
Download link: https://www.jsams.org/action/showPdf?pii=S1440-2440%2825%2900477-3
Summary: The aim was to describe and compare behavioural constructs (BCs) and psychosocial factors related to injury preventive (IP) exercises, training load and pain/injury management in Norwegian youth (aged 12-19) handball and football players and coaches. Participants completed a Health Action Process Approach-based questionnaire assessing six BCs: risk perception, outcome expectancies, intention and self-efficacy (task, maintenance, coping), and psychosocial factors: knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, support, and IP facilitators. BC responses were aggregated into scores ranging from 0.14 (lowest) to 1.00 (highest). In total, 283 football players (131 girls), 245 handball players (194 girls), 193 football coaches (29 women), and 144 handball coaches (69 women) completed the questionnaire. Handball players and coaches had higher intention and self-efficacy compared to their football counterparts (range 0.04-0.09, 0.95 % CI range 0.00-0.12). Compared to players, coaches exhibited higher risk perception (handball: 0.14, 95 % CI 0.07-0.21, football: 0.10, 95 % CI 0.01-0.18), coping self-efficacy (handball: 0.11, 95 % CI 0.02-0.19, football: 0.22, 95 % CI 0.14-0.29), and maintenance self-efficacy (football: 0.12, 95 % CI 0.04-0.18). Players showed greater intention than coaches (handball: 0.10, 95 % CI 0.02-0.19, football: 0.06, 95 % CI 0.01-0.12). BC-scores ≤0.71 were reported for risk perception (players and football coaches), task self-efficacy (players), maintenance self-efficacy (football players and football coaches), and coping self-efficacy (players). Knowledge-building, communication and support were key psychosocial factors. BC scores, including similar patterns across sports, and coach-player differences suggest that strategies can be consistent across sports and should target risk perception and self-efficacy towards IP exercises, pain/injury, and training load management. Knowledge-building, communication and support should be included.

20 Medical care delivery in international football: perceived best practice and challenges. An interview-based study of national team clinicians

Reference: Sci Med Footb. 2025 Oct 31:1-16. doi: 10.1080/24733938.2025.2580320. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Shane Worthington, Sean Carmody, Geethana Yogarajah, Alan Byrne, Vincent Gouttebarge, Katrine Okholm Kryger
Summary: The objective of this study was to describe the experiences of clinicians working within the top 50 FIFA ranked senior men’s and women’s international football teams regarding (i) feasible best practice in delivering medical care and (ii) the related challenges. A qualitative study was conducted by means of semi-structured interviews. Participants were clinicians from seven men’s and five women’s FIFA top-50 ranked international football teams, including nine doctors and three physiotherapists. Data analysis applied thematic analysis utilising a pragmatic realist stance. The results of this study are represented by five main themes: (1) communication and relationships, (2) governance, (3) navigating risk-taking, (4) delivering medical care abroad, and (5) resource impact. Concepts relating to clinician-perceived best practice included building relationships with technical staff members, effective communication, and relationships with club medical teams, adherence to practices such as medical screening and emergency scenario preparation, maintaining consent and confidentiality, shared decision-making with players, logistically planning for travel, and supporting staff psychological wellbeing. Challenges included conflict with technical staff and club medical teams, unsatisfactory handovers, club agendas, risk-taking approaches, travel, resource limitations in women’s football and staff wellbeing. Clinician experiences of best practice and challenges in the context of medical care in international football have been identified in this study. These findings provide practice-informed insights that may guide improvements in international football medicine.

21 Football training vs. martial arts training: How are they related to executive function skills in 5-6-year-old boys?

Reference: Front Psychol. 2025 Oct 15:16:1668266. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1668266. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Anastasia Yakushina, Natalia Rudnova, Maria Dmitrieva, Aleksander Pashenko, Elena Chichinina
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12568653/pdf/fpsyg-16-1668266.pdf
Summary: Sports training is one of the most popular extracurricular activities among preschool and elementary school children. The aim of this pilot study was to compare executive function skills in preschool boys who participated in football training and those who undertook martial arts training. The participants were sixty (60) typically developing 5-6-year-old boys from large Russian cities. There were two groups with 30 boys in each group: a football group and a martial arts group. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) male gender; (b) boys did not attend any extracurricular activities other than their football training or martial arts training; (c) the duration of football or martial arts training session was more than 30 min; (d) boys attended these trainings for at least 6 months and no more than 2 years. Caregivers reported on the specifics of child’s attendance at sports training and child’s age, maternal education, and family income, which were used as control variables. The results indicated that boys involved in football training had significantly higher spatial component of visuospatial working memory compared to boys involved in martial arts training. Taken together, these findings suggest that football training compared to martial arts training in 5-6-year-old boys may have more potential in terms of developing spatial component of visuospatial working memory. The results of this pilot study could serve as a basis for further investigation on this topic.

22 Smart sensors, smarter players: The role of real-time monitoring in football training

Reference: PLoS One. 2025 Oct 29;20(10):e0333884. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0333884. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Ben Liang, Sohom Saha, Hanlei Miao, Liang Chen, Marcin Bialas
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12571316/pdf/pone.0333884.pdf
Summary: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a real-time sensor-based monitoring and feedback system for enhancing four core football performance metrics, passing accuracy, sprint speed, agility, and shot power, each defined and quantified using validated wearable sensors and baseline-referenced improvement thresholds. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted over eight weeks with 30 university-level male football players (aged 21.70 ± 1.28 years) from Zhengzhou University. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15), which trained using the real-time monitoring system, or a control group (n = 15), which followed traditional training methods. The wearable system integrated accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to provide real-time, skill-specific feedback during drills. Performance data were collected weekly and analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with effect sizes calculated via partial eta squared (η²p). The results demonstrated statistically and practically significant improvements in the experimental group across all measured parameters. Notably, the effect sizes ranged from large to very large (η²p = .59 to.89), indicating that the improvements were not only statistically reliable but also substantial enough to have meaningful impact on the players‘ performance. Passing accuracy increased by 10.21% (F(1,27) = 210.02, p < 0.001, η²p = .88), sprint speed improved by 17.33% (F(1,27) = 92.00, p < 0.001, η²p = .76), agility improved by 10.90% (F(1,27) = 41.75, p < 0.001, η²p = .59), and shot power increased by 10.75% (F(1,27) = 247.32, p < 0.001, η²p = .89). The control group showed negligible or negative changes in all performance metrics. Performance improvements in the experimental group were progressive and sustained across the 8-week training period, with weekly data showing steady gains in passing accuracy, sprint speed, agility, and shot power. No performance regressions or plateaus were observed during the intervention period. By delivering instantaneous, sensor-validated feedback on precisely defined performance metrics, the system accelerated improvements in both technical and physical skills. These findings support the integration of wearable sensor technology into football training to achieve data-driven, individualized skill development. Future work should explore AI-driven personalization and long-term retention of gains.