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Soccer's Hidden Cost: Brain Shrinkage Found in Pros
13 Jul
Summary
- Former pro soccer players show brain shrinkage in key regions.
- Retired players report higher rates of depression and anxiety.
- Repetitive head impacts from heading are a suspected cause.
Middle-aged former professional soccer players exhibit more brain shrinkage in critical areas than individuals who have never played contact sports, according to research presented on July 13, 2026. The study indicates potential measurable effects on brain health before neurodegenerative diseases typically emerge.
These retired athletes also tend to suffer from increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, alongside reported difficulties with thinking and decision-making. While objective cognitive tests showed no significant differences, MRI scans revealed reduced gray matter in brain regions vital for memory, attention, and emotional regulation among the players.
Researchers suspect that repetitive head impacts, primarily from heading the ball, are responsible for these brain health issues. This practice in soccer has been previously linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in other contact sports. The study's senior researcher plans to track participants over time to understand the long-term consequences of head impacts on neurodegenerative disease.
