Search Results (438)

In the present study, 96 teams’ performances across 48 matches in the group stage of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 were analyzed. Teams scoring first won 62.5% of matches (p < 0.05), while goals were evenly distributed between halves (p > 0.05) and showed marginal variation across six 15 min intervals, peaking near the 30–45 and 75–90 min marks. Parametric analyses revealed a significant effect of match outcome on possession, with winning teams exhibiting higher average possession (53.3%) compared to losing and drawing teams. Non-parametric analyses identified significant differences between match outcomes for goals scored, attempts at goal, total and completed passes, pass completion rate, defensive line breaks, receptions in the final third, ball progressions, defensive pressures, and total distance covered. Winning teams scored more goals and registered more attempts on target than losing teams, although some metrics showed no significant difference between wins and draws. Logistic regression analysis identified attempts at goal on target, defensive pressures, total completed passes, total distance covered, and receptions in the final third as significant predictors of match success (AUC = 0.85), correctly classifying 80.2% of match outcomes. These results emphasized the crucial role of offensive accuracy and possession dominance in achieving success in elite football. Full article

Background: Soccer is a physically demanding sport characterized by frequent high-intensity efforts, which are particularly relevant in women’s competitions. Improving high-speed running and aerobic capacity has been linked to better on-field performance. Strength training has shown promise in enhancing these physical attributes, but its application in young female soccer players remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 10-week in-season strength training program on physical performance and match running demands in young female soccer players. Methods: Thirty-two U18 Danish female professional soccer players from two comparable teams voluntarily participated in the study. Teams were allocated to either an experimental group, performing twice-weekly strength training (EG, n = 16) or a control group (CG, n = 16). Vertical jump performance and Yo-Yo IR2 performance as an estimation for maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) were assessed both pre and post intervention. Additionally, players’ match external demands (i.e., total distance, distance covered at speeds above 23 km·h⁻¹, and maximum velocity achieved) were monitored using Global Positioning System devices during four matches before and after the intervention. Results: Significant within-group differences were observed across all variables for the EG (p = 0.001; ES = 1.08 to 1.45, large), without differences in the CG (p > 0.01). Between-group analysis indicated significant differences favoring the EG in all variables (F = 27.40 to 47.17; p = 0.001). Conclusions: The application of a 10-week strength training program led to improvements in physical and match running performance among young female soccer players, underscoring the importance of incorporating strength training programs into female soccer periodization to enhance performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Urinary incontinence (UI), defined as the involuntary loss of urine, is common among female athletes. As more women engage in competitive sports, numerous studies have explored UI in young, nulliparous, and physically active women. The objectives of this study were (i) to analyze the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of UI in professional nulliparous female soccer players and (ii) to compare the status of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) between professional soccer players and physically active young women. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included professional soccer players (n = 18) and physically active women (n = 14). UI was assessed using the ICIQ-SF questionnaire, and PFM function was evaluated through intracavitary examination using the PERFECT method. Additional data were collected on body composition and on urinary, bowel, and sexual health. Results: UI affected 35.7% of physically active women and 50% of professional soccer players. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was the most common type, present in 100% of affected soccer players and 60% of affected active women. The severity of UI was mostly mild, with no significant differences between groups. PFM assessment revealed deficiencies in control, relaxation, endurance, and rapid contractions, as well as difficulties performing an effective perineal locking (PL) maneuver during increased intra-abdominal pressure. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for targeted programs focused on strengthening and educating athletes about their PFMs, aiming to prevent UI and improve both performance and quality of life. The study reinforces the importance of preventive strategies for pelvic floor health in sports. Full article

Background: Soccer performance is largely dependent on high-intensity, unilateral actions such as sprints, jumps, and changes of direction. These demands can lead to strength and power differences between limbs, highlighting the importance of individualised assessment in professional players. Rotational inertial devices offer a valuable method to evaluate and train these mechanical variables separately for each leg. The aim of this study was twofold: (a) to characterise the mechanical variables derived from several lower-body strength exercises performed on rotational inertial devices, all targeting the same muscle group; and (b) to compare the mechanical variables between the dominant and non-dominant leg for each exercise. Methods: Twenty-six male professional soccer players (age = 26.3 ± 5.1 years; height = 182.3 ± 0.6 cm; weight = 75.9 ± 5.9 kg; body mass index = 22.8 ± 1.1 kg/m²; fat mass percentage = 9.1 ± 0.6%; fat-free mass = 68.8 ± 5.3 kg), all belonging to the same professional Belgian team, voluntarily participated in this study. The players completed a single assessment session consisting of six unilateral exercises (i.e., quadriceps hip, hamstring knee, adductor, quadriceps knee, hamstring hip, and abductor). For each exercise, they performed two sets of eight repetitions with each leg (i.e., dominant and non-dominant) in a randomised order. Results: The quadriceps hip exercise resulted in higher mechanical values compared to the quadriceps knee exercise in both limbs (p < 0.004). Similarly, the hamstring hip exercise produced greater values across all variables and limbs (p < 0.004), except for peak force, where the hamstring knee exercise exhibited higher values (p < 0.004). The adductor exercise showed higher peak force values for the dominant limb (p < 0.004). The between-limb comparison revealed differences only in the abductor exercise (p < 0.004). Conclusions: These findings suggest the necessity of prioritising movement selection based on targeted outcomes, although it should be considered that the differences between limb differences are very limited. Full article

Objectives: This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of an 8-week, volume-equated eccentric training program comprising Nordic hamstring and reverse Nordic exercises performed either once or twice per week on measures of physical fitness in pubertal male soccer players. Methods: A total of 34 participants were randomly assigned into a 1-day (n = 16; age = 14.58 ± 0.28 years) or 2-day (n = 18; age = 14.84 ± 0.22 years) per week training group. Physical fitness was assessed using 5 m and 10 m sprints, the 505 change in direction (CiD) speed test, Y-shaped agility test, countermovement jump (CMJ), and standing long jump (SLJ). Results: Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for the 505 CiD test, agility, and CMJ performance (effect sizes [ES] = 0.80 to 1.13). However, no significant interactions were found for the 5 and 10 m sprints or for SLJ (p > 0.05). Compared to the 1-day group, the 2-day training group showed greater improvements in CiD speed (∆7.36%; p < 0.001; ES = 0.92), agility (∆7.91%; p < 0.001; ES = 1.68), and CMJ (∆7.44%; p < 0.01; ES = 0.35), while no differences were observed in 5 and 10 m linear sprints or SLJ performance. According to individual response analysis, improvements across the physical fitness parameters beyond the smallest worthwhile change (SWC_0.2) were observed in 22–83% of players in the 1-day group and 77–100% in the 2-day group. Conclusions: In summary, the findings suggest that when training volume is matched, distributing the eccentric training regimen over two days per week may lead to greater improvements in CiD speed, agility, and CMJ performance compared to a single-day approach. Full article

Background: Prevention and clinical management of musculoskeletal injuries have historically focused on the assessment and training of modifiable physical factors, but perceptual decision-making has only recently been recognized as a potentially important capability. Immersive virtual reality (VR) systems can measure the speed, accuracy, and consistency of body movements corresponding to stimulus–response instructions for the completion of a forced-choice task. Methods: A cohort of 26 female college soccer players (age 19.5 ± 1.3 years) included 10 players who participated in a baseline assessment, 10 perceptual-response training (PRT) sessions, a post-training assessment that preceded the first soccer practice, and a post-season assessment. The remaining 16 players completed an assessment prior to the team’s first pre-season practice session, and a post-season assessment. The assessments and training sessions involved left- or right-directed neck rotation, arm reach, and step-lunge reactions to 40 presentations of different types of horizontally moving visual stimuli. The PRT program included 4 levels of difficulty created by changes in initial stimulus location, addition of distractor stimuli, and increased movement speed, with ≥90% response accuracy used as the criterion for training progression. Perceptual latency (PL) was defined as the time elapsed from stimulus appearance to initiation of neck rotation toward a peripheral virtual target. The speed–accuracy tradeoff was represented by Rate Correct per Second (RCS) of PL, and inconsistency across trials derived from their standard deviation for PL was represented by intra-individual variability (IIV). Perceptual Decision Efficiency (PDE) represented the ratio of RCS to IIV, which provided a single value representing speed, accuracy, and consistency. Statistical procedures included the bivariate correlation between RCS and IIV, dependent t-test comparisons of pre- and post-training metrics, repeated measures analysis of variance for group X session pre- to post-season comparisons, receiver operating characteristic analysis, and Kaplan–Meier time to injury event analysis. Results: Statistically significant (p < 0.05) results were found for pre- to post-training change, and pre-season to post-season group differences, for RCS, IIV, and PDE. An inverse logarithmic relationship was found between RCS and IIV (Spearman’s Rho = −0.795). The best discriminator between injured and non-injured statuses was PDE ≤ 21.6 (93% Sensitivity; 42% Specificity; OR = 9.29). Conclusions: The 10-session PRT program produced significant improvement in perceptual decision-making that appears to provide a transfer benefit, as the PDE metric provided good prospective prediction of musculoskeletal injury. Full article

Elite soccer places significant neuromuscular and metabolic stress on athletes, leading to elevated production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), particularly in skeletal muscle, where intense contractile activity and increased oxygen flux drive oxidative processes. These reactive species play a dual role in skeletal muscle, supporting adaptive signaling at controlled levels while causing oxidative damage when poorly regulated. This paper presents an integrated synthesis of current knowledge on redox biology in elite soccer players, focusing on the origins and regulation of RONS, the functions of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems, and how both RONS and antioxidant responses influence muscle performance, fatigue, recovery, and long-term physiological adaptation. Drawing on studies conducted between 2000 and 2025, the discussion underscores the seasonal fluctuations in oxidative stress, individual variability in redox responses, and the potential adverse effects of unsystematic antioxidant supplementation. The analysis also emphasizes the value of using biomarker-guided, periodized antioxidant interventions tailored to training demands. Future directions include longitudinal tracking and the use of AI-assisted monitoring to enable personalized strategies for maintaining redox balance and optimizing performance in elite sport. Full article

This study aimed to examine whether managerial changes and their training methodology influence the physical attributes of soccer players and determine if these changes significantly impact the overall physical performance of the team. Twenty-seven male elite-level football players competing in the Eastern Mediterranean region (age: 28.12 ± 5.5 years, height: 179.3 ± 6.25 cm, body mass: 75.8 ± 6.6 kg) participated in this study. To analyze the impact of managerial changes on elite football players’ physical performance, this study evaluated and compared physical attributes during weekly microcycles and official games across three different coaching regimes over an entire season. Data were collected using a 10 Hz GPS tracking technology and included the following external load (EL) parameters: total distance, high metabolic load distance, high-speed running, sprint distance, accelerations, and decelerations. A one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was utilized to assess differences in physical performance across the three coaching methods. Significant differences were evident in high metabolic load distance during games [F(2,27) = 7.59, p < 0.05]. High-speed running distance also varied significantly across the three coaching regimes, both during training sessions [F(2,27) = 5.89, p < 0.05] and games [F(2,27) = 4.31, p < 0.05]. Furthermore, sprint distance showed significant differences during training [F(2,27) = 4.62, p < 0.05] and games [F(2,27) = 3.37, p < 0.05]. The findings of this study suggest that managerial changes can have a significant effect on the physical performance of soccer players. The results highlight the importance of aligning coaching strategies with physical conditioning techniques for optimizing performance. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the potential benefits and risks associated with managerial changes in professional soccer. Nevertheless, a limitation in this study is that all metrics of EL were interpreted as absolute values rather than relative-based threshold values, which may affect the interpretation of the players’ physical capacities. Full article

This study investigated the impact of varying the number of small goals on elite female soccer players’ decision-making, technical–tactical skills, running performance, and perceived exertion during game-based situations (GBSs). Sixteen national female players (aged 22.33 ± 2.89 years) participated in three conditions within an 8vs8 game without a goalkeeper (45 × 40 m), each featuring a different number of small goals (1.2 × 0.8 m): (i) 1 small goal (1G); (ii) 2 small goals (2G); and (iii) 3 small goals (3G). Sensors to track players’ positioning, perceived exertion, and notational analysis were used to evaluate player performance. The results indicated that players covered a greater distance at low intensity during the 2G condition compared to both 1G (p = 0.024) and 3G (p ≤ 0.05). Conversely, the 3G condition promoted a higher distance covered at high intensity compared to 2G (p ≤ 0.05). The 1G condition resulted in fewer accelerations (2G, p = 0.003; 3G, p < 0.001) and decelerations (2G, p = 0.012) compared to conditions with additional goals. However, there were no statistically significant effects on technical–tactical actions. Notably, a trend toward improved decision-making was observed in the 1G condition compared to 2G (ES = −0.64 [−1.39; 0.11]) and a longer ball possession duration compared to 3G (ES = −0.28 [−0.71; 0.16]). In conclusion, coaches working with elite female soccer players can strategically vary the number of goals to achieve specific physical aims (i.e., using 2G to emphasize acceleration and deceleration or 3G to promote high-intensity distance) with minimal effects on their perceived fatigue, technical–tactical variables, and decision-making. Full article

Early detection of modifiable motor deficits is essential for safe, long-term athletic development, yet most field screens provide only binary risk scores. We therefore designed a practical and interpretable profiling system that classifies youth athletes into one of four functional categories—Functionally Weak, Strength-Deficient, Stability-Deficient, or No Clear Dysfunction—using three common assessments: Functional Movement Screen, hand-held dynamometry, and Y-Balance Test. A total of 46 youth athletes aged 11–16 years participated in the study, including 37 male soccer players (13.3 ± 1.6 y) in the development cohort and 9 handball players (5 male, 4 female; 12.8 ± 0.7 y) in the external validation group. Expert rules based on FMS quartiles and ≤−0.5 SD Z-scores for strength or balance generated the reference labels. The random forest model achieved 81% cross-validated accuracy (with balanced performance across classes) and 89% accuracy on the external handball group, exceeding the performance of the decision tree model. SHAP analysis confirmed that model predictions were driven by domain relevant variables rather than demographics. An accompanying web-based application automatically generates personalized reports, visualizations, and targeted training recommendations, making the system directly usable by coaches and clinicians. Rather than merely predicting injury, this field-ready framework delivers actionable, profile-based guidance to support informed decision making in athlete development. Further validation in larger, sport-diverse cohorts is needed to assess its generalizability and long-term value in practice. Full article

Algae-based supplements are gaining attention for their potential metabolic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties in sports nutrition. Methods: A 30-day pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted in 70 healthy male athletes (mean age 25.4 ± 4.9 years) from competitive soccer and handball teams. Participants were randomly assigned to a supplementation group (6 g/day of Ulva-derived algae powder) or a control group. Both groups followed identical training routines and adhered to standardized nutritional recommendations, including macronutrient distribution and permitted supplements (e.g., isotonic drinks, protein shakes). Biochemical markers analyzed at baseline and post-intervention included HbA1c, lipid profile, malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase, myeloperoxidase (MPO), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and cortisol. Genetic polymorphisms related to metabolic traits were also assessed. Results: Significant group × time interactions (p < 0.001) were observed for HbA1c, LDL, triglycerides, MDA, MPO, ESR, and cortisol, all of which improved in the algae-supplemented group. Correlation analysis revealed associations between HbA1c and LDL/TG as well as between cortisol and MPO. No significant genetic modulation of responses was detected, although a trend was noted for cortisol variation and insulin resistance risk. Conclusions: Algae-based supplementation led to favorable metabolic, oxidative, and inflammatory changes. These findings suggest its potential utility as a nutritional strategy to support recovery in athletes during periods of high training load or competition. Full article

Background: There are no data in the literature regarding the optimal pitch training load (PTL) for elite soccer teams during congested seasons. Objectives: This study had three goals: (1) identify whether there is an adaptation in match physical performance (MPP) in response to PTL throughout a congested season in elite soccer players; (2) identify whether MPP adaptation is specific to the coach’s PTL philosophy; and (3) identify the optimal PTL for MPP during a congested season. Method: Over two seasons, we collected data from 11,658 PTL sessions and 3068 MPP data from 54 elite male soccer players. The PTL sessions were clustered in weekly training blocks and paired with MPP for statistical and machine learning analysis. Results: Over the season, MPP increased in the mid-season and this trend decreased during the end-season. Also, MPP reflected the coach’s PTL philosophy. Further, using a machine learning (k-means) approach, we identified three different PTLs (and classified them as low-, medium-, and high-load PTL blocks). The high-load PTL block was associated with a higher MPP, while the lower PTL was associated with a lower MPP. Conclusions: PTL is closely related to MPP, and this change also reflects the coach’s PTL philosophy. Here, we report an optimal PTL that could be useful for soccer teams playing a congested season. Full article

Background/Objectives: Various studies have investigated the importance of perceptual–cognitive skills in decision-making and the expert performance of athletes. However, bibliometric study has yet to identify research trends on this topic. The objective of this study was to perform a bibliometric review to identify the research trends in the study of soccer decision-making. Method. A total of 172 studies were included in the databases. Results. The year 2021 was the year with the highest number of published studies (n = 23), and 2016 was the year with the highest number of citations (n = 692). The average number of citations per document was 19.79. The concepts that have the greatest occurrence in the investigations are performance (n = 68), decision-making (n = 54), expertise (n = 32), skill (n = 23), and anticipation (n = 22). The journals with the highest number of published documents are the Journal of Sport Sciences (10 documents and 437 citations) and PLoS One (11 documents and 349 citations). The countries with the highest number of published documents and citations are England (n = 46 documents and 996 citations), Germany (n = 32 documents and 749 citations), and Spain (n = 38 documents and 597 citations). German Sport University Cologne is the organization that has the most publications and citations (n = 19 and 531). Conclusions. Existing knowledge production on decision-making in soccer has a preference for the study of two major categories: one related to the analysis of the factors associated with perceptual–cognitive skills, mental fatigue, anticipation, creativity, and memory, whereas the second is more related to the study that has decision-making in the manifestations of specific game performance, between experts and novices, in the precision of technical actions, such as the pass, as well as in a methodology for the selection of athletes. Full article

The aim of this study was to assess the validity and intra-session reliability of the MyJump 2 smartphone application for evaluating countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) performance in youth soccer players using the Chronojump contact mat system as a reference. Twenty-one male soccer players from an elite team (U14–U19) were randomly selected to participate in countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) assessments, with jump heights recorded simultaneously by both systems. Validity was examined through Bland–Altman analysis, Pearson and Spearman correlations and linear regression. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and Bland–Altman test–retest analysis. Results revealed minor systematic overestimation by MyJump 2 (+0.943 cm for CMJ; +1.042 cm for SJ). Strong correlations were found between MyJump 2 and Chronojump (r = 0.972 for CMJ; r = 0.955 for SJ), while ICCs exceeded 0.97 for both jump types, indicating excellent reliability. These findings support MyJump 2 as a valid and reliable alternative for vertical jump testing in adolescent and junior soccer players as an accessible and suitable tool for field-based performance monitoring regarding vertical jumping ability. Full article

Background: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the different injury mechanisms of the hamstring muscle group have not been defined in detail in men’s professional football. For this reason, the main aim of this study is to determine the mechanisms and contextual patterns associated with hamstring muscle group injuries in professional male football players in competition, using a systematic video analysis method. Methods: Video recordings of official matches from two consecutive seasons (2017/18 and 2018/19) of the Spanish First Division of Football (LaLiga^TM) were used for this research. The process to determine the moment of injury was carried out by two independent evaluators using an ad hoc observation tool and, subsequently, all relevant data were collected to detail the specific patterns of injury events observed. Results: In total, 78 cases of hamstring injuries were included for the final analysis of specific patterns. The most outstanding results were that, (1) although the sprint-related pattern (SP) is predominate (54%; 42 cases), the combined pattern 2 (COMB2) is another mechanism that appears frequently (26%; 20 cases), (2) within the SP, curved runs show a greater number of cases (52% of SP; 22 cases), (3) the majority of the injuries occur without contact (83%; 65 cases) and with the presence of the ball (88%; 69 cases), and finally, (4) the most injured positions were fullbacks/wingbacks (28%; 22 cases), central defenders (27%; 21 cases), and wingers/wide midfielders (23%; 18 cases). Conclusions: The SP remains the most frequent pattern in hamstring injuries; however, the present study presents other mechanisms that are also quite common and should be considered, such as curvilinear runs in SP and COMB2. Full article