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 Revisiting the cognitive advantages of professional soccer players

Reference: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2026 Feb 24;123(8):e2515523123. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2515523123. Epub 2026 Feb 18.
Authors: Jack Fitzgerald, Niklas Jakobsson, Abel Brodeur
Download link: https://www.pnas.org/doi/epdf/10.1073/pnas.2515523123

2 Effectiveness of a soccer injury prevention program based on creatine supplementation and internal load monitoring: a randomized controlled pilot study

Reference: J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2025 Sep 30;22(sup1):2633251. doi: 10.1080/15502783.2026.2633251. Epub 2026 Feb 18.
Authors: María Soler Hurtado, Moea Treguier, Ángel González-de-la-Flor, Diego Domínguez-Balmaseda, María García-Arrabé, Diego Miñambres Martin, Guillermo García-Pérez-de-Sevilla
Download link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/15502783.2026.2633251?needAccess=true
Summary: Musculoskeletal injuries are frequent in soccer, occurring more often in matches than in training sessions, and mainly affecting the lower limbs. While creatine supplementation is commonly used to enhance performance, evidence regarding its role in injury prevention among soccer players remains limited. This pilot study investigated whether creatine supplementation could reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in amateur soccer players. A 14-week randomized controlled pilot trial was conducted with 23 amateur soccer players randomly assigned to the creatine group (n = 12; 3 g/day) or the placebo group (n = 11; maltodextrin). Primary outcomes were injury incidence and training availability. Secondary outcomes included isometric strength, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, perceived pain, well-being, and internal load. Assessments were performed at baseline (January 2025) and post-intervention (April 2025). Twenty-four players were randomized (12 creatine, 11placebo). Injury incidence was lower with creatine (8.3%) than placebo (36.4%) (RR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.03-1.75; p = 0.155). Missed training sessions were fewer with creatine (0.25 ± 0.87 vs 0.82 ± 1.40; p = 0.135). Significant time × group effects favored creatine for knee extension, knee flexion, hip extension, right hip flexion, and CMJ height (all p < 0.01). Creatine supplementation improved strength and jump performance and showed a trend toward lower injury incidence, supporting its potential as an adjunct in soccer injury-prevention programs.

3 Interlimb Asymmetry in Elite Soccer Players During Jumping and Change-of-Direction Tasks: Emphasizing Chronic Ankle Instability-Induced Contralateral Limb Deficit

Reference: Sports Health. 2026 Feb 17:19417381251398562. doi: 10.1177/19417381251398562. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Mostafa Ziaei, Chris Bishop, Hamed Esmaeili, Vahid Zolaktaf
Summary: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) can induce contralateral limb deficits, influencing interlimb asymmetry during athletic tasks. Understanding the magnitude, direction, and individual thresholds of these asymmetries is critical for effective rehabilitation and performance monitoring. CAI-induced contralateral limb deficits significantly influence the magnitude and direction of interlimb asymmetry in jumping and change-of-direction-speed (CODS) tasks. Male elite soccer players with (n = 32) and without (n = 38) CAI performed single-leg hop (SLH), single-leg triple hop, modified-505 (Mod505), and 90°-changes-of-direction tests. Paired-sample t tests revealed small-to-moderate differences between dominant and nondominant limbs in both groups (P < 0.05), moderate-to-large differences between injured and contralateral uninjured limbs (P < 0.05), large differences between injured and matched limbs of healthy players (P < 0.05), and small nonsignificant differences between contralateral uninjured and matched limbs of healthy players (P > 0.05). Independent-sample t test revealed asymmetries were significantly higher in all tests (P < 0.05) except for SLH (P > 0.05) in players with CAI. Kappa coefficient showed substantial-to-perfect agreements for players with CAI (κ = 0.71-1.00), and moderate-to-substantial agreements for healthy players (κ = 0.51-0.73), indicating asymmetries favored same limb. Agreement percentages for similar identifications of asymmetry patterns based on individual thresholds derived from intralimb variability revealed that injured players adopted similar patterns in CODS (81.25%), while healthy players adopted similar patterns between SLH and mod505 (76.32%). CAI-induced contralateral limb deficits influenced magnitude and direction of asymmetry, potentially underestimating asymmetry. Asymmetry consistently favors the same limb due to injury and functional similarities; thresholds derived from intralimb variability identify real asymmetry. These findings highlight the importance of considering contralateral limb deficits when interpreting interlimb asymmetries in players with CAI. Rehabilitation programs should address these deficits to optimize performance and reduce injury risk.

4 Subjective Monitoring in Under-20 Soccer Athletes: Affective, Load, Monotony, and Sleep Variations throughout a Competitive Cycle

Reference: Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health. 2025 Oct 9:21:e17450179415875. doi: 10.2174/0117450179415875251006053421. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Alessandro O F Junior, Ismael Viana Caldeira, Alberto Souza Sá Filho, Dailson P Silva, Igor B de Souza, Lorhenna P Souza, Pedro Augusto Inacio et al.
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12895431/pdf/CPEMH-21-E17450179415875.pdf
Summary: The physical and mental demands of competitive soccer, combined with a high density of matches and training sessions, impose substantial psychophysiological stress on athletes. In this context, subjective variables, such as affective responses, perceived exertion, and sleep, emerge as important indicators, offering additional insights into players‘ readiness and recovery. However, few studies have examined these variables in an integrated manner over extended periods of preparation and competition. This study aimed to investigate the effects of soccer training sessions and matches on affective responses (valence and arousal), perceived exertion, and sleep duration in under-20 soccer athletes. Additionally, the objective of this study was to assess correlations between affective responses and traditional internal load variables (RPE), monotony, strain, and self-reported sleep duration. This observational study was conducted with 21 under-20 athletes from a Brazilian elite soccer team over 11 weeks encompassing training sessions, friendly matches, and official competition. Affective responses were assessed before and 30 minutes after each session using the Feeling Scale (FS) and the Felt Arousal Scale (FAS). Perceived exertion (RPE), sleep duration, monotony, and strain were recorded daily. Two-way ANOVA was applied for FS and FAS, while one-way ANOVA was used for weekly training load, sleep, monotony, and strain. Mann-Whitney tests (match vs. training) were also performed. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated between variables. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. There were significant main effects of week and moment (pre/post) for both FS and FAS, with a notable decrease in affective responses after sessions (p < 0.0001). Sleep duration progressively increased from the seventh week onward (p < 0.05), whereas training load, monotony, and strain fluctuated across the weeks, with significant declines toward the end of the cycle. Significant differences between matches and training sessions were found for training load (p = 0.0333) and sleep duration (p < 0.0001), but not for affective scales. On an individual level, 71% of athletes showed a reduction in affective responses post-session. Correlations between affective and the other variables were trivial to small (ranging from r = 0.11 to r = 0.24), with slightly more consistent associations for sleep and RPE. There was a significant reduction in FS over the weeks. Fluctuations in FS were observed across weeks in line with accumulated load and competition demands. Seventy-one percent of athletes showed a decrease in FS post-activity. The monotony and strain showed a declining trend over the competitive cycle, particularly in the latter weeks, indicating a reduction in training variability and cumulative load. These reductions coincided with an increase in self-reported sleep duration, suggesting a favorable shift in the balance between training stress and recovery. Finally, FS displayed weak correlations with perceived exertion, monotony, strain, and sleep duration.

5 Individualized implicit verbal feedback, a key tool to unlock the potential of video instruction and feedback in talented female soccer players?

Reference: J Sports Sci. 2026 Feb 16:1-13. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2026.2628472. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Eline M Nijmeijer, Matthias Kempe, Marije T Elferink-Gemser, Anne Benjaminse
Summary: This study aims to examine the effects of a four-week intervention using skilled model video instruction and individualized video and implicit verbal feedback on sidestep cutting in youth female soccer players. Forty-eight talented adolescent subjects practiced and received general task instructions. The VIDEO group received skilled model video instruction during practice. The VIDEO+SELF group received video feedback of their own execution alongside skilled model video instruction. The VIDEO+SELF+VB received all components of the VIDEO+SELF group plus implicit verbal feedback. Linear mixed model analysis was performed to analyse lower extremity kinematics and kinetics, and vertical ground reaction force of baseline, immediate post, and one-week retention tests (α≤0.05). Significant effects were found from baseline to retention in the VIDEO+SELF+VB group; hip flexion (p = .025, difference: +2.1°) and abduction angle (p < .001, difference: -5.3°), knee flexion (p = .014, difference: +2.5°) and adduction angle (p < .001, difference: -9.6°), and hip abduction moment (p < .001, difference: -0.96 Nm/kg) at initial contact. These increases in sagittal plane and decreases in frontal plane motion may lower ACL injury risk. On top of skilled model video instruction, the combination of individualized video feedback with implicit verbal feedback led to improvements of movement execution in female soccer players.

6 Do full leg compression sleeves improve repeated sprint performance after soccer-specific exercise in adolescent male soccer players?

Reference: Physiol Rep. 2026 Feb;14(4):e70778.  doi: 10.14814/phy2.70778.
Authors: Florian A Engel, Claudia Kubica, Stefan Altmann, Rainer Neumann, Billy Sperlich
Download link: https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.14814/phy2.70778
Summary: This study examines the effects of full-leg compression sleeves worn during a 90-min recovery period on repeated sprint performance and exercise-induced leg soreness (DOMS) in youth soccer players. Twelve male youth soccer players (17 ± 0 years; 178 ± 7 cm; 70.9 ± 7.5 kg) performed a repeated sprint protocol (5 × 30 m sprints, 20 s recovery; RSP1) followed by a modified Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) to induce fatigue. After the LIST, players underwent a 90-min passive recovery wearing either full leg compression sleeves (COMP, 19-25 mmHg) or regular gym pants (CON) in a randomized crossover design. After the 90-min recovery, all players repeated the RSP (RSP2), and exercise-induced DOMS was assessed via a visual analogue scale 14 and 24 h post-exercise. Mean sprint times were similar across conditions (RSP1: COMP 4.59 ± 0.16 s, CON 4.65 ± 0.18 s; RSP2: COMP 4.59 ± 0.15 s, CON 4.64 ± 0.19 s), with no significant differences between COMP and CON for performance changes (COMP: +0.01 ± 0.06 s; CON: -0.01 ± 0.05 s) or DOMS (14 h: COMP 3.49 ± 1.73, CON 4.73 ± 2.32; 24 h: COMP 2.78 ± 2.32, CON 4.04 ± 2.12). Compression garments had no impact on repeated sprint performance or exercise-induced leg soreness. The efficacy of compression garments for recovery remains inconclusive, requiring further research.

7 Pre-Participation Reaction Time and Concussion Risk Among Middle School Female Soccer Players

Reference: J Pediatr. 2026 Feb 13:115036. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2026.115036. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Katherine L Smulligan, Landon B Lempke, Rebekah C Mannix, Kristin E Whitney, Paul D Berkner, Alex Taylor, Jessie R Oldham, William P Meehan
Summary: The aim was to investigate whether slower reaction time (RT) was associated with higher concussion odds among middle school female soccer players. We performed a retrospective cohort study, analyzing pre-participation computerized neurocognitive data (Immediate Postconcussion and Cognitive Testing [ImPACT]) for 10-14-year-old female soccer players. We compared composite RT scores between those who did/did not sustain a concussion during the following year using Welch’s t-test. We used binary logistic regression to determine the association between RT and subsequent concussion, adjusting for covariates. A cohort of 2489 female soccer players were included (mean age=13.2±1.0 years; 12% with prior concussion). Of these, 226 (9.1%) athletes sustained a concussion. On univariable analysis, those who sustained a subsequent concussion demonstrated faster RT than those who did not (633.8 ± 87.2 vs 649.3 ± 90.1 milliseconds; Cohen’s d=0.17). After covariate adjustment, slower RT was associated with lower subsequent concussion odds (OR=0.997, 95%CI: 0.996-0.999). Prior concussion was significantly associated with subsequent concussion (OR=2.48, 95%CI: 1.73-3.52). Contrary to our hypothesis, slower pre-participation RT was associated with lower odds of concussion, with a 3% decrease in concussion odds for every 10-millisecond RT increase. Prior concussion was the strongest predictor of subsequent concussion, consistent with past work.

8 Acute effects of FIFA 11+, PEP, HarmoKnee, and dynamic warm-up protocols on phase-specific countermovement jump performance and neuromuscular activation in elite youth soccer players

Reference: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Feb 14. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01599-8. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Özlem Köklü, Ahmet Alptekin
Download link: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s13102-026-01599-8_reference.pdf
Summary: This study examined the acute effects of four structured warm-up protocols „FIFA 11+“, PEP, HarmoKnee, and a „dynamic warm-up“ on phase-specific countermovement jump (CMJ) performance and neuromuscular activation patterns in elite youth soccer players. Nineteen male athletes (15.1 ± 0.1 years) completed each protocol in a randomized crossover design, with CMJ analysis focusing on the eccentric, concentric, and landing phases. Kinematic (knee joint angles), kinetic (peak vertical ground reaction forces), and electromyographic (EMG) measurements of the vastus lateralis (VL) and semitendinosus (ST) activation were synchronized during CMJ execution. FIFA 11 + demonstrated superior acute effects across all CMJ phases: during the eccentric braking phase, eliciting greater knee flexion angles (p < 0.05) and higher VL pre-activation. The concentric propulsion phase showed a 12.6% greater peak force (1434.63 ± 175.86 N vs. 1340.31 ± 135.99 N after dynamic warm-up, p = 0.001) and 11.2% higher jump height (35.95 ± 1.89 cm vs. 31.92 ± 1.64 cm, p = 0.011); during landing, there was a 24.9% greater impact force absorption (4331.99 ± 128.73 N vs. 3468.05 ± 96.19 N, p < 0.001) with more balanced ST activation. EMG analysis revealed FIFA 11 + protocol induced significantly higher muscle activation than other protocols throughout all CMJ phases (VL: 21-28% increase; ST: 18-25% increase; both p < 0.01), particularly during the eccentric-concentric transition phase (0.20 ± 0.03 s vs. 0.28 ± 0.04 s after dynamic warm-up). These phase-specific enhancements suggest that the FIFA 11 + protocol enhances the neuromuscular system for rapid force production and absorption more effectively than other warm-up routines. The findings support the use of structured neuromuscular warm-ups for optimizing acute performance, although future longitudinal studies should examine their cumulative effects on injury prevention.

9 Associations of thigh muscle thickness with cardiorespiratory fitness and ventilatory efficiency in male soccer athletes

Reference: Sci Rep. 2026 Feb 14. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-38770-7. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Klara Komici, Albino Parente, Rossella Di Trolio, Grazia Daniela Femminella, Chiara di Lorenzo, Giuseppe Rengo, Germano Guerra
Download link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-38770-7_reference.pdf
Summary: Skeletal muscle is crucial for locomotion, metabolic health and represents a substantial portion of the whole body-body mass in athletes. Muscle ultrasound (MUS) has been reported as a reliable and potential method in the quantification of regional skeletal muscles. While previous research has shown a relationship between MUS evaluations and skeletal muscle strength the relationship between thigh muscle thickness and cardio-respiratory capacity evaluated by cardio-respiratory exercise testing (CPET) remains un-explored. In competitive soccer male athletes, body composition parameters, rectus femoris (RF), vastus intermedius (VI) and overall muscle thickness of thigh (MT), were analyzed. Physical capacity was evaluated by CPET. Significant correlations were observed between RF, VI, MT and peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope (p < 0.01). Regression analysis showed that RF, VI, MT were independently associated with peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope (p < 0.001). Ultrasound measurements of rectus femoris and vastus intermedius is independently associated with cardiopulmonary performance in a population of male athletes. Our findings reveal that greater muscle thickness correlates with higher peak oxygen consumption and improved ventilatory efficiency during maximal exercise testing.

10 Effects of Recreational Soccer and Team Handball Training on Cognitive and Physical Performance in Male Adolescents

Reference: Am J Mens Health. 2026 Jan-Feb;20(1):15579883261420407. doi: 10.1177/15579883261420407. Epub 2026 Feb 28.
Authors: Ayoub Mannai, Amri Hammami, Sofien Kasmi, Peter Krustrup, Susana Póvoas, Abderraouf Ben Abderrahman
Summary: Recreational soccer (RS) and recreational team handball (RTH) have gained recognition for its positive effects on health indices among untrained participants. We aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of regular RS and RTH on selective attention and physical fitness among untrained adolescents. Participants were randomly assigned to participate in a 3-month RS or RTH training program [2 sessions/week, RS group (n = 10; Age: 17.11 ± 0.60 years), RTH (n = 10; Age: 16.85 ± 0.62 years)] and 8 served as a control group [regular Physical Education classes, control group (n = 8; Age: 16.57 ± 0.38 years)]. Before and after the intervention period, the participants were tested for a range of physical fitness variables (explosive strength, horizontal and vertical jump performance, sprint, and aerobic performance) and for selective attentional performance. After the intervention, RTH (20.6%, d = 0.6) and RS (22.4%, d = 0.7) groups showed a significant and moderate improvement in concentration performance compared with the control group (-1.4%, d = 0.14), which decreased its performance. No significant effects were observed on the total number of concentration errors in the intervention groups (Ftime × groups =0.02). A significant improvement was found for CMJ performance in the RS group with no changes in the control group (Ftime = 17.41, small improvement). The RTH and RS groups showed a non-significant but moderate improvement in 10-m sprinting and aerobic performance (YYIR) (Cohen’s d > 0.5). In conclusion, RS and RTH training showed a small to moderate improvement in jump and sprint performance with a significant positive effect on concentration performance within a sample of untrained male adolescents.

11 Comparative effects of reactive and planned agility training on physical performance, internal load and enjoyment in youth soccer players

Reference: Sci Rep. 2026 Feb 27. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-41891-8. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Nidhal Doua, Hamza Marzouki, Okba Selmi, Bilel Cherni, Rachad Djeddi, Dan Iulian Alexe, Umut Canli, Michal Wilk, Ezdine Bouhlel, Eduard-Robert Sakizlian
Download link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-41891-8_reference.pdf
Summary: Agility is a key determinant of soccer performance, combining mechanical change of direction (COD) ability with perceptual and decision-making processes. This study compared the effects of reactive agility (RA) and planned agility (PA) training on physical performance, internal load, and enjoyment in youth soccer players during the in-season period. In a randomized, volume-matched, 8-week intervention, 18 under-16 male players were assigned to a RA (RAG) or PA (PAG) training group. Pre- and post-testing included 10- and 20-m sprints, reactive agility without and with the ball (RAT, RATB), COD and COD with the ball (CODB), countermovement jump (CMJ), balance, and endurance-intensive fitness. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) were recorded after each session. Both groups showed significant (p < 0.05) pre-post improvements in S10, S20, COD, CODB, CMJ, balance, and endurance-intensive fitness, with no significant group × time interaction for these outcomes. In contrast, large time × group interactions were observed only for RAT and RATB (both p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.519 and 0.762, respectively), with RAG being 2.3% and 2.0% faster than PAG, respectively. PACES scores were significantly higher in RAG (p < 0.001; d = 9.64), while RPE did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). This randomized, volume-matched, in-season comparison demonstrates that stimulus-driven RA provides additional task-specific gains in reactive agility and higher enjoyment, without increasing RPE, compared with PA in youth soccer. Accordingly, integrating brief weekly RA blocks (cue-rich, game-representative drills, with and without the ball) alongside PA may further optimize agility adaptations and adherence in youth soccer.

12 Pre-Season Total Energy Expenditure and Dietary Intake of Professional Male Soccer Players: A Doubly Labelled Water Study

Reference: Eur J Sport Sci. 2026 Mar;26(3):e70149. doi: 10.1002/ejsc.70149.
Authors: Andrew Jenkinson, Ben Jones, Lucy Chesson, Lara Wilson, Rob Price, Catherine Hambly, John R Speakman, Nessan Costello
Summary: Limited data exist describing how professional footballers meet their energy requirements during pre-season, a phase characterised by increased training volume and a progressive shift from general conditioning to football-specific preparation. This study quantified total, resting, and activity energy expenditure (AEE), diet-induced thermogenesis, water turnover, and dietary intake in six professional male soccer players (age: 25 ± 1 year; height: 182.5 ± 10.1 cm; body mass: 77.8 ± 8.2 kg). Players were studied across 14 consecutive days, representing training-only and training-plus-match microcycles. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was measured using doubly labelled water, resting energy expenditure (REE) by indirect calorimetry and dietary intake using the remote food photography method. Fourteen-day mean TEE, REE, AEE and water turnover were 13.25 ± 1.31 MJ⋅day-1, 7.96 ± 0.89 MJ⋅day-1, 4.20 ± 1.03 MJ⋅day-1, 5.16 ± 0.66 L⋅day-1, respectively. Physical activity level was 1.67 ± 0.16 AU. Energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fat intakes were 10.95 ± 1.52 MJ⋅day-1, 2.8 ± 0.6 g⋅kg-1⋅day-1, 2.2 ± 0.4 g⋅kg-1⋅day-1, and 1.5 ± 0.4 g⋅kg-1⋅day-1, respectively. Total energy expenditure was not significantly different between training-only and training-plus-match microcycles (+1.89 ± 1.98 MJ⋅day-1; ES = 0.95 ± 1.08; p = 0.100). No significant differences were observed in energy or macronutrient intake across weekly microcycles (p > 0.068) or between days (p > 0.144). Players did not achieve energy balance or align dietary intake with day-to-day training demands, suggesting limited nutrition periodisation during pre-season. These findings highlight the need for practitioners to implement strategies supporting fuelling, recovery and adaptation during this critical phase.

13 The influence of delivery method and impact location on soccer heading kinetics in adolescent and adult females

Reference: J Sci Med Sport. 2026 Feb 16:S1440-2440(26)00059-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2026.02.008. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Cole D Smith, N Stewart Pritchard, Tanner M Filben, Christopher M Miles, Garrett S Bullock, Jillian E Urban, Joel D Stitzel
Summary: Novel metrics characterizing power and energy transfer could provide comprehensive descriptions of heading biomechanics. This study characterizes these metrics across ball delivery methods and impact locations and uses descriptive measures to compare metric distributions. We hypothesize that headers from long kicks have higher magnitudes and that power and energy metrics exhibit greater distributional spread than peak kinematics. 19 athletes (College: n = 13; U15: n = 6) were instrumented with custom mouthpiece sensors. Peak resultant kinematics and 12 metrics describing impact power and energy transfer were calculated. Headers were characterized by ball delivery and impact location. Mixed-effects models assessed the relationship between these factors while adjusting for level of play and session type. Skewness and kurtosis were used to compare metric distributions. 529 headers were analyzed. All outcome measures were significantly associated with ball delivery method. Balls delivered via long kicks (n = 206) displayed greater magnitudes. Headers using the forehead (n = 224) tended to present lower power ratios, a metric quantifying the proportion of rotational head motion relative to translational head motion. Power and energy metrics displayed greater skewness and kurtosis than peak head kinematics. Power and energy metrics demonstrated greater distributional spread and may provide a complementary characterization of head loading alongside peak kinematics for more comprehensive analyses. These metrics are also easy to interpret, providing additional tools for exposure monitoring and future studies examining impact characteristics and clinical outcomes for injury risk and cumulative head impact exposure.

14 Static tibiofemoral rotation remains stable after ACL reconstruction and is associated with posterior tibial slope in professional soccer players

Reference: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2026 Feb 27. doi: 10.1002/ksa.70362. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Jakob Ackermann, Mary Jones, Simon V Ball, Adnan S Kabeer, Prashant Bamania, Christopher Watura, Justin C Lee, Andy Williams
Summary: The aim was to evaluate whether static axial tibiofemoral (TF) rotational alignment, measured by the TF rotation angle and tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TTTG) distance, is associated with posterior tibial slope (PTS) and changes over time following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in professional soccer players, and whether these parameters are influenced by lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET). A retrospective review was conducted of professional soccer players who underwent primary ACL reconstruction between 2012 and 2024 and had preoperative and at least two postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. Players were excluded if they had previous ACL injury. Medial and lateral PTS, delta PTS (lateral-medial PTS), TTTG, static axial TF rotation and knee flexion were independently measured by two musculoskeletal radiologists, and multivariable regression and generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the effects of PTS, time and LET on axial TF rotation and TTTG. Fifty-six professional soccer players (mean age 23.1 ± 4.4 years) were included, of whom 41 (73.2%) underwent concomitant LET. Postoperative MRIs were performed between 1 and 110 months postoperatively. Preoperative TTTG distance and axial TF rotation were 8.7 ± 3.3 mm and 6.7 ± 5.7°, respectively. In both ACL-deficient and reconstructed knees, greater medial PTS was significantly associated with less static internal axial TF rotation (B = -1.28 and -0.99, respectively; both p < 0.001), while greater lateral (B = 0.70 and 0.73; p = 0.017 and p = 0.004) and delta PTS (B = 0.97 and B = 0.85; p < 0.001) were associated with increased static internal axial TF rotation. LET had no significant effect on static TF rotation or TTTG distance over time (p > 0.05), and both variables remained stable longitudinally, independent of PTS. In professional soccer players undergoing ACL reconstruction, static axial TF rotation is associated with the medial, lateral and delta PTS but remains stable over time and is unaffected by LET. These findings support the role of bony anatomy as the primary driver of static rotational alignment, and counter the notion that the LET causes ‚overconstraint‘ from a consequent fixed deformity.

15 Rethinking performance crises in professional soccer: German coaches‘ insights into systemic vulnerabilities and escalating dynamics

Reference: PLoS One. 2026 Feb 27;21(2):e0343985. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343985. eCollection 2026.
Authors: Constantin Rausch, Julian Fritsch, Stefan Altmann, Jan Spielmann, Lena Steindorf, Darko Jekauc
Download link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0343985
Summary: Professional soccer, as a global phenomenon, is characterized not only by outstanding performances but also by frequent and sometimes prolonged periods of underperformance, which represent performance crises. Despite the growing body of research on performance crisis, the specific perspectives of coaches remain underexplored. Previous studies have largely focused on players‘ viewpoints, resulting in a lack of understanding of the systemic and escalating dynamics of crises from the perspective of those in leadership positions. This study addresses this gap by investigating how professional soccer coaches perceive the development and persistence of performance crises in professional soccer. Employing a qualitative research design, twelve professional coaches with diverse roles (head coaches, assistant coaches, and goalkeeper coaches), a mean age of 43 years (range: 32-51), and extensive coaching experience in professional soccer (7-23 years, M = 15.5) were interviewed. The interviews were analyzed using data-driven and concept-driven content analysis based on thematic qualitative text analysis. The analysis reveals that performance crises are not attributable to isolated incidents but rather arise from the interplay between pre-crisis vulnerabilities, their transition to crisis dynamics, acute triggers, and escalating dynamics at team, organizational, and external levels. Pre-crisis vulnerabilities include latent factors such as organizational incongruence, and fragile team cohesion, that increase susceptibility to crises. Notably, coaches emphasized that success temporarily masks these underlying tensions, which surface and intensify when performance declines. Acute triggers refer to specific disruptive events or negative results that catalyze instability and initiate the crisis process. Escalating dynamics describe the self-reinforcing processes whereby psychological, social, and structural problems perpetuate and deepen the crisis. The study advances the field by highlighting systemic, self-reinforcing cycles of crisis and organizational incongruence that undermine coaching authority. These insights have practical implications for improving leadership coherence and resilience strategies in professional sports environments.

16 The effects of 12 weeks of Stroboscopic Visual Training (SVT) combined with agility training on the balance and change of direction performance in college-aged female soccer players

Reference: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Feb 26. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01623-x. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Xuehui Diao, Ruling Wei, Junsheng Cao
Download link: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s13102-026-01623-x_reference.pdf
Summary: Abstract Background: Balance and change of direction (COD) are essential physical capabilities for soccer players, particularly female athletes who are at increased risk of non-contact lower limb injuries due to unique neuromuscular profiles. Stroboscopic Visual Training (SVT), a method that intermittently restricts visual input, has shown promise in enhancing visual-motor integration and balance performance. However, the combined effects of SVT and agility training on balance and COD performance in female soccer players remain unclear. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 30 college-aged female soccer players randomly assigned to an experimental group (SVT + agility training, n = 15) and a control group (agility training only, n = 15). Both groups trained three times per week for 12 weeks. Outcome measures included static and dynamic balance tests (Stork Stand Balance Test, Static Single Stance Test, YBalance Test, Sensory Organization Test, and Adaptation Test) and COD tests (5-10- 5 test and Illinois Agility Test). A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to evaluate the effects of the intervention. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements over time in several balance and COD parameters (all p < 0.05). However, significant group × time interactions favored the SVT group for key static and dynamic balance outcomes, including the Stork Stand Balance Test, Static Single Stance Test under eyes-closed dominant-leg condition, Sensory Organization Test composite score, visual (VIS) and vestibular (VEST) ratios, Y-Balance Test (dominant and non-dominant legs), and Adaptation Test toe-down condition (all p ≤ 0.033). For example, the SVT group showed large improvements in static balance (Stork Stand Balance Test, Cohen’s d = 4.03 vs. 1.70 in the control group) and dynamic balance (Y-Balance Test composite score, dominant leg d = 2.78 vs. 1.00; non-dominant leg d = 3.01 vs. 1.23). In contrast, COD performance (5-10-5 and Illinois Agility Test) improved similarly in both groups over time, with significant main effects of time (p < 0.05) but no significant group × time interaction (p > 0.05), indicating that SVT did not provide additional benefits in preplanned COD tasks beyond agility training alone. Conclusion: A 12-week SVT combined with agility training protocol significantly enhanced balance performance beyond agility training alone in female soccer players. These findings suggest that SVT can be a valuable addition to training programs aiming to improve postural control under challenging sensory conditions. However, its impact on traditional COD tests may be limited, indicating the need for future studies incorporating reactive agility assessments.

17 Relationship Between the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test and Match Running Performance in Canadian Male Professional Soccer Players

Reference: Sports (Basel). 2026 Feb 6;14(2):71. doi: 10.3390/sports14020071.
Authors: Riccardo Bucciarelli, Farzad Yousefian, Ethan Brown, Lawrence Spriet, Margaret Jones, John Srbely
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/14/2/71
Summary: Despite the prevalence of the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Tests Level 1 (YYIRTL1) and Level 2 (YYIRTL2) in elite soccer, knowledge surrounding their association and prediction of match performance is limited. This study investigated the association between respective tests and match running performance in male professional soccer players. High-intensity (HIR), high-speed (HSR), and sprinting (SPR) running distances were collected using a global positioning system from eleven professional male players who completed the YYIRTL1 and YYIRTL2. Associations between match performance and the YYIRT were assessed using correlational analyses, and the predictability of the YYIRT with match performance was assessed using univariate linear regression analyses. Strong correlations were found between YYIRTL1 and both HIR (r = 0.79) and HSR (r = 0.73). A moderate correlation was observed between YYIRTL2 and HIR (r = 0.42) and a weak correlation was observed between YYIRTL2 and HSR (r = 0.12). No correlation was observed between YYIRTL1 and SPR (r = 0.07) and a moderate, negative correlation was observed between YYIRTL2 and SPR (r = -0.21). Univariate regression analyses suggested that YYIRTL1 explained 63% of HIR variance, which YYIRTl2 did not, and that neither test suggested significant predictive ability in HSR or SPR. The YYIRTL1 is strongly associated with, and may predict, in-game HIR in Canadian male professional soccer players.

18 SOCCERIndex: An Estimate of Recreational Soccer Players‘ Physical Ability by Health Status and Lifestyle Habits

Reference: Sports (Basel). 2026 Feb 5;14(2):68. doi: 10.3390/sports14020068.
Authors: Beatrice De Lazzari, Federico Caramia, Filippo Lupi, Paolo Salvatore, Giuseppe Vannozzi, Valentina Camomilla
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/14/2/68
Summary: Soccer is practiced by professionals, amateurs, and recreational players. The physical assessment tools used by professionals are rarely available in recreational settings. Given the widespread participation and potential health benefits of soccer activity, it becomes essential to identify simple and accessible indicators that can help to characterize physical ability in non-professional players. This cross-sectional observational work explores which health status and lifestyle indices can be useful to estimate physical ability in recreational male soccer players when field testing is not feasible. Sixty-six participants volunteered in the study. Five performance field tests were conducted, and a related overall physical ability index (KPItot) was defined, while a questionnaire was developed to investigate nine BIOIndices (BMI, age, physical activity level, job, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, sports career, occurring injuries, medical history). Data for the selected performance tests are reported for the recruited recreational athletes. KPItot was estimated from BIOIndices, using a stepwise backward regression. The selected model, named SOCCERIndex, incorporates six out of nine BIOIndices, excluding smoking habits, sports career, and medical history (R2 = 0.536). In conclusion, with a simple questionnaire, an estimate of soccer players‘ physical ability can be obtained. Further data collection is needed to obtain a more generalizable and robust SOCCERIndex.

19 Greater Lumbopelvic Motion Is Associated with Faster Hip Flexion in Soccer Players

Reference: Sports (Basel). 2026 Feb 5;14(2):65. doi: 10.3390/sports14020065.
Authors: Toshimitsu Ohmine, Akira Iwata, Atsuki Kanayama, Hideyuki Wanaka, Kazuma Senzaki, Mitsuhiro Seo, Keita Sasada, Yoshihiko Kawamoto, Saki Yamamoto, Kenji Doma
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/14/2/65
Summary: Faster lower-limb motion is closely related to soccer performance, but the contribution of lumbopelvic motion to achieving it remains unclear. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine whether faster lower-limb motion in soccer players was accompanied by greater lumbopelvic motion. Fifty-one male high school soccer players performed a thigh-raising (hip flexion) task from a standing position at low (approximately 100°/s) and high (approximately 400°/s) speeds. Lumbopelvic motion was measured at the lumbar spinous process (L3). Rotation (LBrot, transverse plane) and flexion-extension (LBf/e, sagittal plane) were derived from the angular velocity. Motions were compared between speeds using the Wilcoxon tests. In the dominant leg, both LBrot (10.2° vs. 8.1°, r = 0.62) and LBf/e (6.4° vs. 5.0°, r = 0.57) were greater at high speed. In the non-dominant leg, both LBrot (11.2° vs. 8.6°, r = 0.49) and LBf/e (6.9° vs. 5.3°, r = 0.62) were also greater at high speed. High-speed trials exhibited consistent movement patterns, whereas low-speed trials did not. These findings suggest that minimizing lumbopelvic motion may not always be optimal for achieving faster lower-limb motion, which may inform coaching and clinical practice regarding the appropriate degree of lumbopelvic motion during lower-limb tasks across movement speeds.

20 The Predictive Value of Jump Height in Athletic Performance of Youth and Senior Soccer Players

Reference: Sports (Basel). 2026 Feb 4;14(2):58. doi: 10.3390/sports14020058.
Authors: João G Saldanha, Francisco Santos, Andreas Ihle, Rui Mâncio, Honorato Sousa, Hugo Sarmento, Élvio R Gouveia
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/14/2/58
Summary: Jump height (JH) is widely used as an indicator of athletic performance. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the relative importance and predictive value of JH for neuromuscular performance across key physical metrics and (2) describe the neuromuscular profile of soccer players from different age groups, positions, and competitive levels. Senior (SG) and youth (YG) players were evaluated after the off season for neuromuscular power, strength, change of direction, speed, repeated sprint ability, and aerobic endurance. SG outperformed YG in most measures, especially JH, abduction strength, and Peak Power (RAST PP). Notably, YG exhibited higher maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and lower fatigue index (RAST FI), highlighting their robust aerobic capacity and greater ability to sustain repeated efforts. These results reinforce established developmental patterns, with aerobic endurance more pronounced in youth and anaerobic power in seniors. In seniors, JH correlated moderately with sprint and anaerobic power, while its associations in youth were weaker and linked to endurance. Positional analysis suggested overall higher JH in SG. JH emerged as a practical predictor for physical performance monitoring in seniors and a useful benchmark for athletic potential identification. Findings support targeted training and monitoring based on age-specific profiles. This study enhances applied sports science, underscoring the need for tailored approaches in player development and evaluation.

21 Pairwise Comparison of Effects of Linear vs. Change of Direction Short Bout Sprint Intervals on Physical Performance of Youth Male Soccer Players

Reference: Sports (Basel). 2026 Jan 26;14(2):44. doi: 10.3390/sports14020044.
Author: Peter Sagat
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/14/2/44
Summary: Our study aimed to examine and compare the effects of 12-week repeated sprint intervals with change of direction and linear sprint intervals on physical performance in young soccer players. In this randomized, parallel three-group study, we included 60 male soccer players assigned to (i) a sprint interval with change of direction group (RS-CoD; n = 20); (ii) a linear sprint interval group (RS-LiN; n = 20); and (iii) a soccer group (SOC; n = 20). Physical performance included explosive power (countermovement jump [CMJ] and squat jump [SJ]), agility (T505, 93,639, 20Y), speed (sprints over 5 m, 10 m and 20 m), anaerobic capacity (the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test [RAST]) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Over the 12 weeks, the RS-CoD group displayed significantly beneficial effects in the 93639 test (effect size [ES] = 0.42), compared to the RS-LiN (ES = 0.18) and SOC (ES = 0.12) groups. The RS-CoD group also had larger improvements in their SJ (ES = 0.87; RS-LiN 0.37; SOC 0.18), CMJ (ES = 0.56; RS-LiN 0.39; SOC 0.43), 20Y test (ES = 1.05; RS-LiN 0.67; SOC 0.56) and sprints at 5 m (ES = 1.18; RS-LiN 0.50; SOC 0.21) and 20 m (ES = 1.43; RS-LiN 0.71; SOC 0.25). The RS-CoD group displayed more beneficial improvements, making the CoD interval sprints effective training stimuli.