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 Pre-season risk factors for groin problems in female football players: A prospective cohort study
Reference: Phys Ther Sport. 2026 Jun 29:80:101951. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2026.101951. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Toni Bailén-García, Marcos Quintana-Cepedal, Eduardo Lopez-Perez et al.
Download link: https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/272404/1-s2.0-S1466853X26X20028/1-s2.0-S1466853X26000726/main.pdf?X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEG0aCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJIMEYCIQC1PurIsLWondEd3GiyT%2B6VUOEJUTbca%2FKcyAqELBmelgIhAO5w7oAcMNVuorBHfmOQAulgsM9GqE%2FIfinZRiL4m3xfKrMFCDYQBRoMMDU5MDAzNTQ2ODY1IgxGFuD1kKmIlVD5xNAqkAV%2FCbG%2BfkozMtKcz6LyJjUIPRKtPIvB91FBJtX2YglGoTmfc6XYOpOEGMupVBa3FXFh6b0knM1N%2F8q9noqhlYxKTtf2NITa74mphb88lW7iCbJuDezu0%2BMX%2FBGGLr%2FF%2FCPX4SKOY31zMRm7Nt4rXSC%2BqV69tbZdCvro1B9Zh1If7G38hkbwWdE3N9YI71%2Bs0fFCjdivRdytGBirpsF0cHbLqz2AQGWdN7WxXPiiD1rOECCR7SFu%2F%2B%2BVoaZLSbjfmhz4Cll4pyY0rDsDIWwpI2qBeBtSIHC2P%2F1Q6ReSxb1U%2BmARXc4WFVUb98V7zmn1svAJIke2AMSPGXVg0mIVompPuXp4yHG2WtkUkILqWB1a4owhzFWpS0S%2F%2Bi2DReZJKJL%2FXQXNaa4fVyFYcn1oeUjfzVw%2FepYeROp0gYH9ZBdLlk2ERHVg1WaE%2FWqGb4x9tSC7uNJLFHPQ8f932hZukaE1DFpJM2hJaQXvWKgx9Q1YaL8c34YGafQ8Rrx%2FJDKsQgJUs4nYkztlnNE%2BW%2FbJU7PvGhJ5mHzoFt%2FC4nZ0%2BeB%2BhfWUHjav8hnBMTZIWGIfy3CTVg6YcdJEX8hoUIBkXtuTeca6mVJDcPeWWciwIEXvxiocjdWD1FvpsQJZ7NkyAu5lu8K78X%2FbUSQUBLFoB3MJq3KetAEscG1dZSqMiASVveejm02e1qE5xRzdatgQCoXld2Tz5m5BDp1tsRS%2Bni8h0pEQtSR7QS6wsWb5tKoeKlmQSdzJ0qNcZNlpUgnWcJtlUQtn2Xzl9hldhGibD4V5Hu3ftZvGGm9W1kdfpkNr0mb%2Bf%2BqK40cXPp0VLxgWBptiLKmW5vqLGDCNLSC7XBEmVP9IoQJttZSPc5x2tG5sjjCnuKfSBjqwAXPRwHLNeCrcGscnpXhcz%2BLOaD1dd4R%2Fb0%2FY71vlfDOb8yqLjJsz4QnUQycI17t%2Fg2xvzECqvTVjDJhTmB4487%2FM8bSZJScBH4FwonoKjhhPtUFkiFO8z0W%2BAzzy7j1lPuifgdZeXHSuN74WFYUyMNYNnKdoOXs9%2Bu4ANUa2R5EGewxtN%2B10VaalOebCWouI3Hfs8m5fgzZmN45J3Uaka%2Fdg44KfW6sOaJEuZmDl68d7&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Date=20260705T051449Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=300&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAQ3PHCVTY3K3AS5ID%2F20260705%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Signature=69c1fa7298f2c08394ad989f5b7d52ae3e4f17bb11b34a8dae0d4da8cfff08e3&hash=0618f678bf7f197c76e8f3f2c69c36dc5b766ef570c68bce888606465e736086&host=68042c943591013ac2b2430a89b270f6af2c76d8dfd086a07176afe7c76c2c61&pii=S1466853X26000726&tid=spdf-5b01124b-10bb-47b2-9d60-11996148ac5c&sid=a817c1e73125d64d9f1a3de76907ccbe887bgxrqa&type=client&tsoh=d3d3LnNjaWVuY2VkaXJlY3QuY29t&rh=d3d3LnNjaWVuY2VkaXJlY3QuY29t&ua=1e0300555057015c505902&rr=a163e368bb921947&cc=de
Summary: The aim was to investigate pre-season characteristics associated with in-season groin problems and to assess the discriminatory performance of clinical markers using a predictive modelling approach. Thirty-seven players Spanish female football (tiers II and III) participated in this study. Pre-season assessments included isometric hip adduction (5-s squeeze test), hip mobility (bent-knee fall-out [BKFO]), adductor endurance (Brazilian Adductor Performance Test), HAGOS-Sport scores, and limb length. In-season groin problems were monitored via the OSTRC-O2 questionnaire. Fourteen players (37%) reported groin problems. Players who developed symptoms were older (g = 0.95), heavier (g = 0.87) and had lower adductor torque (g = -0.72) than uninjured counterparts. Adductor torque asymmetry (AUC = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.74-0.97) and BKFO test (AUC = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.64-0.94) showed the highest clinical predictive performance. While limb length also yielded high AUC, this requires cautious interpretation due to the sample size. Pre-season adductor strength imbalance and hip mobility emerged as relevant indicators of groin problem risk in female football players. These findings highlight the potential utility of individualized screening to identify vulnerable players. However, the small sample size warrants cautious interpretation, and larger cohorts are needed to refine these predictive approaches.
#2 A psychological network analysis of parental and peer support on children’s football participation: the bridging role of self-efficacy
Reference: Front Psychol. 2026 Jun 17:17:1818293. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1818293. eCollection 2026.
Authors: Xiancheng Zeng, Wei He, Zhigang Guo
Download link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1818293/full
Summary: Guided by ecological systems theory, this study employs psychological network analysis to investigate how parental and peer support interact with children’s football participation and whether these ecological dynamics differ by gender. We estimated regularized partial correlation networks using EBICglasso on a sample of 287 primary school students (M age = 9.704, SD = 1.010, age range = 8 to 13 years) and computed centrality, clustering, and bridge centrality metrics. Gender differences were tested via the Network Comparison Test. Self-efficacy emerged as the most central node and the primary bridge connecting social support to football participation. The global network structure did not differ significantly between boys and girls, suggesting a largely similar psychological architecture across genders. Descriptive patterns suggested that internal persistence items were more central for boys, whereas participation and relational support items were more central for girls. These findings suggest a possible integration of social cognitive and ecological systems perspectives within a network framework. They offer tentative insights that could be considered when developing broadly applicable or gender-responsive interventions to support children’s sustained football participation.
#3 Association between football training experience and attentional networks in boys aged 7-11 years: a cross-sectional study
Reference: Front Public Health. 2026 Jun 17:14:1839375. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1839375. eCollection 2026.
Authors: Jiaxian Geng, Fanying Meng
Download link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1839375/full
Summary: While physical exercise has been shown to benefit the attentional networks in adolescents, older adults, and clinical populations, the specific associations regarding typically developing children remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between football training experience and attentional sub-networks in boys aged 7-11 years. A total of 94 boys aged 7-11 years were recruited in this cross-sectional study and categorized into a football group (n = 47, ≥1 year of systematic football training) and a control group (n = 47, with no systematic extracurricular sports training, engaging only in regular school physical education classes). All participants completed the Attention Network Test to assess the efficiency of three sub-networks: alerting, orienting, and executive control. The football group showed significantly higher efficiency in both the alerting and executive control networks compared with the control group, with the latter characterized by a smaller conflict effect. Conversely, no significant group difference was found in orienting network efficiency. These findings suggest a selective association between football training experience and attentional networks, specifically highlighting advantages in the alerting and executive control networks. This study provides empirical support for considering football as a developmentally appropriate activity that is associated with specific attentional advantages in boys aged 7-11 years.
#4 Impact of feature engineering on predicting non-contact football injuries
Reference: Sci Rep. 2026 Jul 1. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-59164-9. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Manuel Rodrigues, Rui Silva
Download link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-59164-9_reference.pdf
Summary: Non-contact injuries in professional football impose significant performance and economic burdens, yet the influence of workload feature representation on injury risk modelling remains insufficiently characterised. Traditional monitoring approaches, including the acute-to-chronic workload ratio (ACWR), may inadequately capture the temporal dynamics and instability of training load that underlie injury aetiology. This study systematically compared four complementary temporal feature engineering strategies-rolling workload aggregates, workload balance and exponential smoothing metrics, stability and stress indicators, and polynomial regression residuals-to evaluate their relative discriminative contribution to non-contact injury risk prediction in professional football. GPS-derived external load data from 69 professional male football players across two clubs were analysed over one full competitive season. A total of 23 non-contact injury events were recorded; under a 7-day pre-injury risk window labelling scheme, these generated 109 positive athlete-day observations across 10,134 total daily observations (1.08% positive prevalence). Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), and XGBoost models were evaluated using stratified group k-fold cross-validation with athlete-level grouping to prevent data leakage. Minimum redundancy-maximum relevance (mRMR) feature selection was applied independently within each fold. Model performance was assessed using Recall, F2-score, ROC-AUC, and Precision-Recall AUC (PR-AUC). Overall sensitivity remained limited across baseline configurations, reflecting the extreme class imbalance of injury data. Polynomial residual features, encoding deviations from expected workload trajectories, produced the most consistent gains in discriminative capacity across models (mean ΔROC-AUC + 0.078; largest absolute improvement: RF ΔROC-AUC = + 0.131). Compact mRMR-selected subsets (34-42 variables) consistently outperformed full feature spaces. ACWR-based features degraded performance across all classifiers (mean ΔROC-AUC – 0.023). A supplementary optimisation analysis demonstrated that, under calibrated hyperparameters and SMOTE oversampling, RF achieved Recall = 0.667 and ROC-AUC = 0.676 on an independent held-out test set, confirming that the near-zero baseline Recall reflects deliberate methodological conservatism rather than fundamental feature inadequacy. Within this dataset, deviation-based workload representations provided greater discriminative value than traditional ratio-based indicators, suggesting that temporal instability and unexpected departures from established training patterns may carry more predictive information than absolute load magnitude. Given the limited sensitivity achieved under default model configurations, these findings should be interpreted as exploratory methodological evidence rather than a basis for immediate clinical deployment. Future work should integrate larger multi-season datasets, internal load markers, and prospective validation to improve clinical utility.
#5 Potential head injuries in women’s football: Identification of coachable moments
Reference: J Sci Med Sport. 2026 Jun 19:S1440-2440(26)00245-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2026.06.014. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Kerry Peek, Julia Georgieva, Jamie Pitman et al.
Download link: https://www.jsams.org/action/showPdf?pii=S1440-2440%2826%2900245-8
Summary: The aim was to describe and analyse mechanisms of potential head injuries across a range of playing age-groups during women’s European international tournaments and explore whether there were any ‚coachable moments‘ which might prevent a similar incident from being repeated in the future. (NB ‚coachable moment‘ was defined as a player action or behaviour that could be modified through coaching (i.e. it is considered modifiable).) METHODS: This mixed-methods video analysis study reviewed all potential head injuries from the broadcasted match footage from the 2022 UEFA European Women’s Football Championship (WEURO), 2024 UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship (WU19), and 2024 UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship (WU17), including an in-depth independent analysis of 10 potential head injury events by 11 different coders (including professional women players and coaches) to identify any coachable moments. Across the three tournaments, there were 108 potential head injuries (WEURO n = 55, 52.08/1000 match hours (MH); WU19 n = 29, 57.31/1000 MH; WU17 n = 24, 45.45/1000 MH). Positionally, midfielders (excluding wingers) sustained the most potential head injuries (n = 32), followed by centre-backs (n = 26). The most frequently observed mechanism of a potential injury was opponent player-to-head impact (n = 74, 35.41/1000 MH), followed by unintentional ball-to-head impacts (n = 17, 8.13/1000 MH). Coachable moments were identified in all 10 events categorised into five themes: body positioning, awareness, communication, technique, and decision-making. The identification of coachable moments provides insight into player actions that may contribute to a higher potential head injury risk in women’s football. These data could be used to support a player-centric injury prevention approach being embedded into the coaching ecosystem.
#6 Football-Specific On-Pitch Concussion Assessment Protocol-International Consensus Recommendations
Reference: JAMA Neurol. 2026 Jul 1. doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2026.2298. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Kerry Peek, Andy Massey, Ruairi Connolly et al.
Summary: Concussion is a high-profile and important brain injury, yet the on-pitch assessment of concussion in football (soccer) remains challenging due to the absence of a standardized, evidence-based assessment protocol that can be completed within a time-restrained on-pitch football-match environment. The objective of this study was to develop a football-specific, standardized on-pitch concussion assessment protocol informed by research evidence and expert opinion using an international consensus process and steering committee deliberation, which included medical experts from each of the 6 football confederations. Nominated global medical representatives with experience in the on-pitch assessment of concussion in football (≥5 assessments within previous year) from Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)-member associations completed a 2-round Delphi questionnaire to score all identified assessment items that have been used to assess an athlete with a suspected concussion within an on- or off-pitch environment (in any sport) along with expert recommendations. Consensus (≥80% agreement) was required for assessment items to be included in a football-specific on-pitch concussion assessment protocol. Results demonstrated that from 101 identified assessment items, 41 achieved greater than or equal to 80% agreement for inclusion in round 1, and 6 additional items achieved greater than or equal to 80% agreement in round 2. Four items (scoring 75%-79%) were added after steering committee review. Twelve items were merged to avoid duplication of items that assess the same issue. This resulted in the final Football-Specific Standardized On-Pitch Concussion Assessment Protocol (FOCUS) comprising 45 items categorized into 11 domains as follows: player medical history, mechanism of injury, visible signs, level of consciousness, cervical spine assessment, symptoms, orientation, balance, proprioception, oculomotor function, and activity-based assessment, with each structured for rapid on-pitch evaluation. FOCUS provided a standardized, evidence-informed protocol for the on-pitch assessment of a suspected concussion during football match play, addressing a critical gap in player health and safety. Adoption of FOCUS has the potential to harmonize concussion management globally; however, implementation feasibility and diagnostic accuracy require further evaluation.
#7 Stress Fracture of the Pubic Ramus With Associated Osteitis Pubis in a Young Football Player: A Case Report
Reference: Cureus. 2026 May 31;18(5):e109993. doi: 10.7759/cureus.109993. eCollection 2026 May.
Authors: Abdelrahman Akkoumi, Reda Bahij, Ali Haidar et al.
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13318187/pdf/cureus-0018-00000109993.pdf
Summary: We report the case of a 21-year-old male semi-professional football player presenting with a one-month history of progressive inguino-pubic pain without a history of acute trauma. Clinical examination revealed point tenderness over the pubic symphysis and pain on resisted adductor contraction. Standard pelvic radiographs were unremarkable. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a stress fracture of the left inferior pubic ramus with associated stress reaction of the pubic body, osteitis pubis, and oedema at the left adductor insertion. Conservative management comprising immediate cessation of sporting activity, progressive protected weight bearing, analgesia, and structured physiotherapy resulted in complete resolution of symptoms and a gradual return to competitive football without complications. Stress fractures of the pubic symphysis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of groin pain in athletes. MRI is the imaging modality of choice for early diagnosis and characterisation of associated soft-tissue lesions. Conservative treatment with structured rehabilitation yields favourable outcomes.
#8 Prevalence of Symphyseal Radiographic Findings and Skeletal Maturity and Their Relationship With Groin Symptoms in PROfessional FEmale Football Players: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Reference: J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2026 Jul;56(7):448-455. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2026.13580.
Authors: Pirette Claes, Tom Beddows, David Hanff et al.
Summary: The primary aim was to assess the radiographic features of the pubic symphysis in elite female football players. The secondary aim was to explore associations between radiographic findings and groin complaints. This was a multicenter study of 100 elite female football players from three Dutch professional clubs. Players completed questionnaires (including Hip and Groin Outcome Score) and had clinical assessments (including palpation and squeeze tests) and radiographic imaging. Skeletal maturity was graded using the Maturing Adolescent Pubic Symphysis (MAPS) classification. Five radiographic pubic symphysis findings were evaluated using the Aspetar protocol. Players were classified as having groin complaints if player-reported complaints and positive clinical findings from the symphyseal and/or adductor region were present. MAPS stages increased with age. In 23% (7 of 30) of otherwise skeletally mature players, the pubic symphysis was immature, including players up to age 27 years. Sixty-nine (69%) players had 1 or more radiographic findings. The most prevalent findings were bony proliferations (49%) and sclerosis (47%). Fifteen of the 100 players had groin complaints. No differences were found in number or type of radiographic findings in those with and without groin complaints. Fifty-eight players (68% of 85) without complaints (vs. 11 [73% of 15] with complaints) had at least one Aspetar protocol finding. Radiographic findings of the pubic symphysis were common in female football players and appeared irrespective of groin complaints. Nearly one quarter of otherwise skeletally mature young adult players were not fully mature at the pubic symphysis
#9 Peak Fat Oxidation Does Not Increase From Preseason to Competitive Season and Is Not Associated With Physical Performance of Elite Male Football Players
Reference: Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2026 Jul;36(7):e70330. doi: 10.1111/sms.70330.
Authors: Tue Rømer, Mikkel Thunestvedt Hansen, Ronni Eg Sahl et al.
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13312039/pdf/SMS-36-e70330.pdf
Summary: Elite male football players have high peak fat oxidation (PFO), and recently PFO was reported to increase following preseason (PS) training in semi-professional male players. Whether PFO increases from PS to competitive season (CS) in elite male football players remains unknown. This study investigated if PFO increases from PS to CS in elite male football players, and secondarily, it explored the interplay between PFO and running performance. Twenty-two elite male outfield football players reported to the laboratory during PS and CS. Testing included a resting blood sample, a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, and a graded treadmill running test. The players‘ load during training and matches was monitored between the test days. PFO, the intensity eliciting PFO (Fatmax) and peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2peak) did not change from PS to CS (mean difference with 95% confidence intervals: -1.0 mg·kg FFM-1·min-1 (95% CI: -2.4 to 0.3 mg·kg FFM-1·min-1), 1% V̇O2peak (95% CI: -4% to 6% V̇O2peak) and 0.2 mL·kg-1·min-1 (95% CI: -1.0 to 1.4 mL·kg-1·min-1), respectively). Intra-individual changes in PFO, Fatmax and V̇O2peak from PS to CS were not positively correlated with weekly distance covered during football training, or with changes in distance covered during matches, neither in total nor within intensity domains. Whole body fat-free mass increased by 1.2 kg (95% CI: 0.4 to 1.9 kg) and fat percentage decreased by 0.4% points (95% CI: 0.1% to 0.8% points) from PS to CS. In conclusion, PFO, Fatmax and V̇O2peak did not change from PS to CS, and PFO was not associated with training or match running performance of elite male football players.
#10 Contemporary strength and conditioning practices in professional soccer in South Korea: a mixed-method approach
Reference: Sci Med Footb. 2026 Jul 10:1-15. doi: 10.1080/24733938.2026.2701678. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Daeeun Kweon, Jeremy Moody, Joseph Esformes et al.
Summary: This study investigated strength and conditioning (S&C) practices in South Korean professional soccer clubs (SKPSC) and identified key challenges faced. Twenty S&C coaches completed an online survey covering (a) background information, (b) physical qualities, (c) training modes, and (d) challenges in S&C delivery. Frequency analysis was applied to fixed-response questions, with thematic analysis used for open-ended questions. Hereafter, six S&C coaches participated in semi-structured interviews to provide deeper insight into the challenges to S&C implementation. All coaches used plyometric training to enhance power, with 60% incorporating weightlifting derivatives. Free-weight and eccentric training were used by all coaches to develop strength. Strength training was the most commonly reported method to improve acceleration (80%), while maximal sprint speed was targeted through strength training (50%) and downhill running (50%). Change of direction speed was most often trained using strength training (70%) and small-sided games (70%). Perceptual and decision-making tasks were integrated into warm-ups by all coaches to develop agility. Four key barriers influencing S&C implementation were identified: insufficient staffing, time constraints, coaches‘ limited understanding of sports science, and difficulties balancing S&C with technical/tactical demands. Strength and conditioning practices in SKPSC generally reflected current research-informed approaches for developing physical qualities. However, organizational barriers, including limited staffing, fixture congestion, and restricted integration of sports science, were perceived to constrain effective implementation. These findings provide novel insight into the contextual challenges influencing S&C delivery in SKPC and may help inform staffing structures, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practitioner education in similar football environments.
#11 A study on the correlation between visual-spatial working memory capacity and decision-making performance in 3V2 offensive tactics of soccer players
Reference: Front Psychol. 2026 Jun 26:17:1866618. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1866618. eCollection 2026.
Authors: Yanan Zhao, Peng Shi
Download link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1866618/full
Summary: The aim was to explore the correlation between visual-spatial working memory capacity and its subcomponents (object working memory capacity, spatial working memory capacity) and 3V2 offensive tactical decision-making performance in soccer players. Sixty male soccer players with national second-class or higher athletic level were selected as participants. The change detection paradigm was used to measure the response time and accuracy of visual-spatial working memory capacity, object working memory capacity, and spatial working memory capacity. A sport specific situational test was applied to evaluate the response time and rationality of 3 V2 offensive tactical decision-making. Participants were divided into high-capacity and low-capacity groups by K-means clustering, and statistical analyses were performed using Mann-Whitney U test and partial Spearman correlation analysis. The high visual-spatial working memory capacity group showed significantly shorter response time (Z = -3.944, p < 0.001) and significantly lower decision rationality (Z = -2.135, p = 0.033) in 3 V2 offensive tactical decision-making than the low-capacity group. Similar intergroup differences were observed in object and spatial working memory capacity. After controlling for confounding variables, the response times of visual-spatial, object and spatial working memory capacities were significantly positively correlated with the response time of 3 V2 offensive tactical decision-making (p < 0.01) and decision rationality (p < 0.05). However, no significant correlations were found between the accuracy of the three working memory types and decision-making performance (p>0.05). The response time of visual-spatial working memory and its subcomponents is a key indicator for predicting 3 V2 offensive tactical decision making performance in soccer players. This study verifies the speed-accuracy trade off effect in sports cognition.
#12 Positional roles moderate pattern recall accuracy under varying task complexity in female soccer players
Reference: Hum Mov Sci. 2026 Jul 10:109:103502. doi: 10.1016/j.humov.2026.103502. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Yulu Zhang, Yu Zhang, Zipeng Yang, Gang Xu, Jie Li
Summary: In soccer, the ability to rapidly and accurately encode the positions and movement intentions of teammates and opponents is fundamental to effective decision-making. This cognitive skill is underpinned by pattern recall. Extending prior research using complex scene paradigms, this study employed a graded pattern recall task requiring the recall of 2, 4, or 6 players. Two experiments were conducted to examine how task complexity and positional roles moderate recall accuracy in female soccer players. Experiment 1 compared elite (n = 49) and novice (n = 49) players, revealing that elite players demonstrated superior recall accuracy across all levels of task complexity, despite a general decline in performance as the number of to-be-recalled players increased. Experiment 2 further investigated positional differences among elite players (N = 141), including forwards, midfielders, defenders, and wide players. Results showed that forwards and midfielders significantly outperformed defenders and wide players in recall accuracy. These findings indicate that superior pattern recall is not solely a function of general soccer expertise, but is modulated by domain-specific knowledge structures associated with distinct positional roles. This work extends Long-Term Working Memory theory by demonstrating that cognitive advantages in experts are role-dependent and robust against variations in task complexity.
#13 Integrated technical and tactical demands during peak match demands in soccer players
Reference: Sci Rep. 2026 Jul 10. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-61204-3. Online ahead of print.
Authors: A Rodríguez-Fernández, I Martínez-Santos, F Y Nakamura et al.
Download link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-61204-3
Summary: This study examined the integrated external, technical, and tactical demands of peak match demands (PMD) across playing positions in semi-professional soccer. External load for 20 players (Tier 2) was monitored across 10 matches using 10-Hz GNSS. PMDs for total distance (PMDTD; 1-min and 3-min rolling averages) were synchronized with video to analyze play phases, technical actions, and tactical outcomes. Results showed position-dependent external loads, with center backs exhibiting significantly lower total distance and high metabolic load distance. PMDs occurred most frequently during defensive organization (31-33%) and transitions. Large positional associations (V = 0.25-0.42) were observed for tactical actions: center backs and central midfielders predominantly engaged in „pushing up the line“ and „on-ball defense,“ whereas wide midfielders and forwards performed more „runs-in-behind“ and „breaking into the box.“ Position-specific technical fingerprints (e.g., fullbacks‘ crosses, wide midfielders‘ tricks) were more prominent during the 3-min window. In conclusion, when identified via total distance (PMDTD), PMD represents a peak in tactical responsibility rather than just locomotion. Practitioners should shift from generic physical replication toward integrated, position-specific drills that couple peak locomotor output with relevant technical-tactical requirements to better reflect the integrated reality of the most demanding match periods.
#14 Subsequent Injury Risk After Return-to-Play From Lower-Extremity Muscle Injuries in Professional Male Football (Soccer)
Reference: Orthop J Sports Med. 2026 Jul 9;14(7):23259671261449235. doi: 10.1177/23259671261449235. eCollection 2026 Jul.
Authors: Guangze Zhang, Michel S Brink, Dominik Szymski et al.
Summary: Injuries to the upper extremity account for nearly half of the overall injury burden in professional football (soccer), with incidence rates differing across major muscle groups under both acute and overuse conditions. Importantly, they are commonly associated with an increased susceptibility to subsequent injury, especially in the weeks after return to play (RTP). However, the specific post-RTP risk trajectories after different lower-extremity muscle injuries remain insufficiently characterized. The purpose was to investigate the risk trajectory for noncontact subsequent injury after returning from major lower-extremity muscle injuries in professional football players, differentiating acute from overuse index injuries. Prospectively collected injury data from clubs in the first and second German Bundesliga over 3 seasons (2022-2023 to 2024-2025) were used for time-to-event analysis. Index injuries (ie, injuries from which players returned to play during the study period) of interest included hamstring, quadriceps, adductor, and calf injuries. Acute and overuse index muscle injuries were analyzed separately across these locations. Noncontact time-loss subsequent injuries occurring in the same season as RTP were considered the event of interest. Built upon previously published methodology, the Kaplan-Meier survival function was used to estimate the cumulative hazard function, from which the continuous hazard function was derived. During the 3 analyzed seasons, 374 acute and 304 overuse index injuries were identified at the 4 lower-extremity muscle groups. Observed noncontact subsequent-injury rates were 27.9%, 26.2%, 39.3%, and 21.2% after acute hamstring, quadriceps, adductor, and calf index injuries, respectively, and 28.1%, 27.7%, 27.2%, and 27.4% for overuse index injuries. While the time course of noncontact subsequent injury risk globally aligned with previous findings, differences between muscle groups were observed. Players returning from acute hamstring and adductor injuries showed elevated risk, which diminished within approximately 12 and 4 weeks, respectively, and leveled off thereafter. By contrast, a delayed risk peak around 3 weeks after RTP was found for overuse calf index injuries. This descriptive study further confirms the time-varying nature of subsequent injury risk for specific lower-extremity muscle injuries. The observed differences in risk trajectories across muscle groups highlighted the need for careful RTP decision-making based on each index injury.
#15 Comparative effectiveness of training interventions on VO2max in male soccer players: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Reference: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Jul 9. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01820-8. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Hansi Xu, Tao Li, Weihuan Xing, Jiakang Zhu, Zirui Zhang, Zezhao Chen
Download link: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s13102-026-01820-8_reference.pdf
Summary: The aim was to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of various training interventions on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in male soccer players and to compare their relative effects using network meta-analysis. PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to February 1, 2026, using terms related to exercise, VO2max, male athletes, soccer or football, inspiratory muscle training, strength training, change of direction training, and sprint training. Eligible studies included healthy male soccer players receiving additional training on top of regular soccer practice, with VO2max reported as an outcome. A frequentist random-effects network meta-analysis was conducted, and interventions were ranked using P-scores. Subgroup analyses were performed according to age and competitive level. 29 studies involving 761 participants were included. Compared with soccer training only, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), small-sided games (SSG), and sprint training with change of direction (CODT) showed favorable effects on VO2max. HIIT had the highest P-score (SMD = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.65 to 1.30; P-score = 0.85), followed by SSG (SMD = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.38 to 1.43; P-score = 0.77) and CODT (SMD = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.04 to 1.37; P-score = 0.60). Heterogeneity in the network was moderate (I² = 56.9%; τ² = 0.2643). Subgroup analyses suggested that inspiratory muscle training had the highest P-score in players aged < 18 years, SSG had the top P-score in players aged ≥ 18 years and in lower-level players, whereas Strength and power training showed the most favorable P-score in higher-level players. HIIT appeared to be a promising intervention for improving VO2max in male soccer players and had the highest P-score in the primary analysis, while SSG and CODT also showed favorable effects. The relative effectiveness of training interventions may vary according to age and competitive level, supporting the importance of individualized training prescription.
#16 Are three recovery days enough? Elevated match day creatine kinase levels under congested schedules in youth soccer
Reference: Biol Sport. 2026 Mar 24:43:1051-1060. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2026.157992. eCollection 2026 Jan.
Authors: Gabor Schuth, Gyorgy Szigeti, Gergely Dobreff, Peter Revisnyei, Tim Gabbett, Adam Szilas, Gabor Pavlik
Download link: https://www.termedia.pl/Are-three-recovery-days-enough-Elevated-match-day-creatine-kinase-levels-under-congested-schedules-in-youth-soccer,78,57296,1,1.html
Summary: We examined if creatine kinase (CK) activity differed between congested (CS) and non-congested schedules (NCS) in elite youth national team soccer players. The CK activity of 188 players (16.53 ± 1.78 years) was measured in national team training camps (2489 individual data points). Training load one day before the match (MD-1) was monitored with global positioning system (GPS) devices. CS occurred, when the athlete played at least 60 minutes in the previous 3 days leading into the match (MD). CKMD was significantly higher in CS than in NCS (median: 309 vs 220 U/L, p < 0.05). More recovery days between matches were associated with lower values on the second CKMD. CK values one (CKMD+1: 678 vs 487 U/L) and two days after the match (CKMD+2: 395 vs 303 U/L) were higher for CS (p < 0.05), however relative CK changes from MD to one (CKMD→MD+1%: 181 vs 135%) or two days after (CKMD→MD+2%: 74 vs 44%) were higher for NCS (p < 0.05). 11 out of 15 MD-1 training load parameters were significantly higher for NCS (p < 0.05). CKMD was sensitive to congested schedule and the number of recovery days between matches. Therefore three recovery days between matches might be inadequate for complete recovery. Higher CKMD, CKMD+1 and CKMD+2 values, but lower CKMD→MD+1% and CKMD→MD+2% changes were found for CS than for NCS. MD-1 training load was lower in CS than in NCS, making it an unlikely cause of the elevated CKMD and CKMD+1 values. Instead, it might be the result of residual fatigue from the last match.
#17 Objective sleep characteristics of elite academy soccer players: a seven-day actigraphy analysis of a U15 national league squad
Reference: Biol Sport. 2026 Mar 9:43:999-1008. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2026.158301. eCollection 2026 Jan.
Authors: Lorcán Mason, James Connolly, Lydia E Devenney, Karl Lacey, Maria Faulkner, Rónán Doherty
Download link: https://www.termedia.pl/Objective-sleep-characteristics-of-elite-academy-soccer-players-a-seven-day-actigraphy-analysis-of-a-U15-national-league-squad,78,57386,1,1.html
Summary: This study quantified objective sleep characteristics in elite academy soccer players using actigraphy and determined how day type (training days, non-training days, and competition days) influences sleep parameters. Objective sleep characteristics of elite academy soccer players (n = 13) were analysed across training days (TD), non-training days (NTD), and competition days (CD) using 7-day actigraphy monitoring. Significant differences were found between day types for total sleep time (TST) (χ2(2) = 8.59, p = 0.01, η2 = 0.09) and time in bed (TIB) (χ2(2) = 9.27, p = 0.01, η2 = 0.10). Training days yielded substantially lower values (TST: 431 ± 95.2 min; TIB: 478 ± 100 min) compared to non-training days (TST: 541 ± 231 min; TIB: 596 ± 240 min), representing mean differences of 110 minutes (95% CI: 39-181 min) for TST and 118 minutes (95% CI: 44-192 min) for TIB. No significant differences were found for sleep onset latency (SOL: 19.3 ± 19.6 min), number of awakenings (NoA: 39.8 ± 14.5), wake after sleep onset (WASO: 53.3 ± 25.8 min), or sleep efficiency (%SE: 84.4 ± 5.97%) (all p > 0.05). Critically, while TST and %SE met age-specific recommendations, NoA and WASO substantially exceeded thresholds for good sleep quality. Despite adequate sleep duration, elevated WASO and NoA indicate compromised sleep quality through fragmentation. These findings highlight the necessity for comprehensive sleep monitoring in elite adolescent athletes extending beyond duration alone. Future research should investigate targeted interventions addressing sleep fragmentation within the constraints of training, competition, and academic schedules.
#18 Deceleration specific isometric exercises acutely enhance change of direction performance in male youth academy soccer players
Reference: Biol Sport. 2026 Apr 20:43:1253-1259. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2026.159569. eCollection 2026 Jan.
Authors: Julián E Smoliga, Viktor Oliva, Adrián Novosád , Matej Suja, Damian J Harper
Download link: https://www.termedia.pl/Deceleration-specific-isometric-exercises-acutely-enhance-change-of-direction-performance-in-male-youth-academy-soccer-players,78,57608,1,1.html
Summary: Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) is a neuromuscular mechanism that can acutely enhance explosive movements such as change of directions (COD). The effectiveness of different deceleration specific isometric positions to elicit a PAPE effect on COD performance has not been previously investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of two deceleration specific isometric exercises associated with the early (DECEISO) and late (DECLISO) deceleration subphases on COD performance. Sixteen male youth academy soccer players competing in the U16-U17 age categories completed both deceleration specific isometric protocols in a counterbalanced repeated-measures design. Performance was measured using the traditional 5-0-5 COD test at four intervals (0, 4, 8, and 12 minutes post-activation) for both right and left leg turns. Data were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA, with Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc tests. Parametric paired t-tests was used to compare differences in improvements between DECEISO and DECLISO. Significant improvements in COD performance were observed following both deceleration specific isometric protocols, with the most pronounced gains occurring at the 8th minute. At the 8th minute, performance was significantly better following the DECEISO compared to the DECLISO (p = 0.002), with a large effect size (g = 0.90). These findings suggest that deceleration specific isometric exercise can have a significant impact on enhancing short-term COD performance. The DECEISO position produced superior results, particularly in the 8th minute postactivation, highlighting its potential usefulness in pre-training or competition warm-ups for COD-based sports like soccer.
#19 Current approaches to measuring high-intensity locomotor actions in adult male professional soccer. A scoping review
Reference: Biol Sport. 2026 Mar 5:43:971-984. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2026.158302. eCollection 2026 Jan.
Authors: Paul McGrath, Damian Harper, Jill Alexander
Download link: https://www.termedia.pl/Current-approaches-to-measuring-high-intensity-locomotor-actions-in-adult-male-professional-soccer-A-scoping-review,78,57387,1,1.html
Summary: High-intensity locomotor actions (HILAs) including high-speed running (HSR), sprinting, accelerations, and decelerations are critical to performance and injury risk in professional soccer. Rapid technological and methodological developments since 2021 necessitate an updated synthesis of how these actions are quantified and interpreted in applied settings. A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Five databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Academic Search Complete, Web of Science) were searched for English-language studies published between 22 March 2021 and 22 February 2025. Eligible studies included adult male professional soccer players and quantified HILAs in training and/or matches using Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Local Positioning Systems (LPS; sampling frequency > 10 Hz), or digital video-based tracking. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Most used 10 Hz GPS units (n = 16) and applied absolute thresholds (n = 16) (e.g., HSR > 19.8 km · h-¹, sprinting > 25.2 km · h-¹, accelerations/decelerations > 3 m · s-2/ < -3 m · s-2), with only four adopting relative thresholds. Data filtering procedures were often underreported, and temporal normalisation was uncommon. Tactical (e.g., formation, playing style), temporal (e.g., match phase), and positional (e.g., role, field zone) contexts were rarely considered, and only one study integrated GPS with video analysis. Training typically under-replicated match demands, particularly for non-starters. Considerable methodological heterogeneity limited cross-study comparability. In conclusion, current monitoring practices for HILAs in professional soccer remain dominated by GPS and absolute thresholds, with limited individualisation and contextual integration. Future research should prioritise standardised threshold definitions, transparent data processing, and integration of video and GPS technologies to enhance ecological validity and applied impact.
#20 Leg dominance influences side-specific directional movement demands during change-of-direction movements in elite youth soccer players
Reference: Front Sports Act Living. 2026 Jun 23:8:1794849. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1794849. eCollection 2026.
Authors: Krisztián Havanecz, Gábor Géczi, Ádám Hegedüs et al.
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13337842/pdf/fspor-08-1794849.pdf
Summary: Monitoring training load in youth soccer is a key component of athlete development. However, limited evidence exists regarding the influence of leg dominance on side-specific directional movement demands during change-of-direction movements. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal, side-specific change-of-direction (COD) behavior and directional movement demands in Under-15 elite male soccer players, with particular emphasis on the interaction between leg dominance and movement direction during training sessions and matches. Inertial measurement unit data were collected throughout a competitive season, including direction-specific change-of-direction counts and inertial movement analysis-derived directional movement variables. Direction-specific change-of-direction frequency and inertial movement analysis-derived movement demand variables were quantified separately for dominant and non-dominant sides. Player-level mean values were analysed using mixed-design ANOVAs to examine differences between dominant and non-dominant sides and between left- and right-footed players. Significant interactions were observed between side and leg dominance for inertial movement analysis-derived directional load during both trainings (p < 0.001) and matches (p = 0.003), indicating that side-specific directional load differed according to footedness rather than showing a uniform non-dominant side effect. Consequently, side-specific directional movement demands appear to depend on the interaction between movement side and footedness, while no corresponding effects were observed for COD frequency. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring side-specific directional movement exposure and considering limb asymmetries when designing training programs in youth soccer.
#21 Leukocyte Morphology Changes during Preseason in Elite Soccer Players: A Pilot Study
Reference: Int J Sports Med. 2026 Jul 7. doi: 10.1055/a-2899-8817. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Nikolaos Androulakis, Eleni Nioti, Antonios Dilintas, Anastasia Papadopoulou, Olga Striligka, Fotini Nistikaki, Theodosia Iatridi, Christina Kalpadakis
Summary: Monitoring internal physiological responses in elite soccer players remains challenging due to the limitations of subjective scales and nonspecific biomarkers. This study examined whether leukocyte morphology and endothelial stress markers respond to acute exercise and a 6-week preseason training program in elite soccer players and explored their potential utility for objective athlete monitoring. Twenty-two male outfield players were assessed at baseline (48 h pre-preseason), immediately after a maximal Yo-Yo intermittent running test, and 72 hours after the preseason period. Leukocyte volume, conductivity, and scatter, factor VIII, von Willebrand factor, inflammatory, and metabolic markers were measured. Principal component analysis and K-means clustering explored morphological response patterns. Acute exercise increased white blood cells (+29%), neutrophils (+47%), platelets (+15%), factor VIII (+102%), and von Willebrand factor (+80%; all p<0.003) without changes in volume, conductivity, and scatter parameters. After 6 weeks, the lymphocyte volume, conductivity, and scatter and neutrophil conductivity and scatter decreased significantly (all p<0.0042), whereas leukocyte counts remained unchanged. Cluster analysis identified two morphological response patterns. These findings indicate phase-specific leukocyte morphological and endothelial responses to acute and chronic training and suggest that automated hematology markers may detect subclinical physiological adaptations not captured by conventional indices.
#22 Comparison of Speed-Related and Power-Related Variables Between First-Division and Second-Division Professional Soccer Players
Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2026 Jul 7. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005583. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Irineu Loturco, Bernardo Requena, Lucas D Tavares et al.
Summary: This study investigated whether speed-related and power-related variables differ between professional soccer players competing in the first and second divisions within the same regional federation, where training conditions and testing procedures are standardized. One hundred fifty male players (first division: n = 78; second division: n = 72) performed countermovement jumps; linear sprints over 5, 10, and 20 m; a curvilinear sprint test; and jump squat (JS) assessments to determine peak velocity and peak power using a load corresponding to 40% body mass. Players from the first division consistently demonstrated superior performance across all tests, including higher jump height, greater JS peak velocity and JS peak power, and faster linear and curvilinear sprint speeds compared with second-division soccer players (p < 0.05; effect sizes = 0.40-0.89). These predominantly moderate differences indicate that speed and power meaningfully differentiate competitive levels in professional soccer, even when testing procedures and training environments are comparable. For coaches and performance staff, the findings highlight the practical value of routinely monitoring sprinting and power-related metrics and reinforce the importance of prioritizing the identification and selection of fast and powerful players, particularly in contexts where opportunities to substantially improve these neuromuscular qualities are limited.
#23 Different formations, different patterns: An integrated approach combining entropy, machine learning, and XAI to analyze passing networks in soccer
Reference: J Sports Sci. 2026 Jul 7:1-15. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2026.2698256. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Pengyu Pan, Carlos Lago-Peñas, Christopher Carling, Robert Rein, Tianbiao Liu, Daniel Memmert
Summary: This study examined the differences in passing network between two- and three-center-back (2-CB and 3-CB) formations and their predictive relevance for match outcomes using machine learning models. The dataset comprised 256 matches (7328 player observations) from FIFA Soccer World Cups from 2010-2022. A novel subgroup entropy metric was introduced to quantify the distribution of ball circulation within positional units (defenders, midfielders and forwards). Results showed that conventional network metrics failed to distinguish formation-specific features, whereas the subgroup entropy metric revealed significant differences: 2-CB formations exhibited higher forward- and defender-entropy but lower midfielder-entropy compared with 3-CB formations (p < 0.001). Among the tested models, XGBoost achieved the best performance (accuracy = 0.599 ± 0.040, F1 = 0.737 ± 0.033). SHAP-based explainability analysis indicated that the key network metrics associated with match success varied by formation: midfielder-entropy and forward-entropy were most influential in 2-CB formations, while average weighted degree, average path length, and Density dominated in 3-CB formations. These findings suggest that different formations shape distinctive patterns of passing flow and team coordination. The proposed subgroup entropy provides a novel framework for linking network structure, tactical organization, and match outcomes in football analytics.