Archive · 19 Sep 2025
Soccer Headers Linked to Brain Damage, Study Shows
Imagine repeatedly bumping your head against a wall, over and over.
This study shows that heading a soccer ball a lot can cause similar effects on your brain.
Researchers looked at amateur soccer players and found that frequent headers may damage parts of the brain responsible for memory and learning.
These players showed microscopic changes in the brain and performed worse on memory tests.
This suggests even seemingly harmless headers could lead to brain problems over time.
A study found a link between soccer headers and brain damage.
Researchers examined 352 amateur adult soccer players.
Players heading the ball frequently showed microscopic brain changes.
Changes were observed in the brain areas behind the forehead and eyes.
Players with frequent headers performed worse on memory tests.
- Who
- Researchers and amateur soccer players
- What
- Study linking soccer headers to brain damage and cognitive deficits
- When
- Findings published September 18
- Where
- New York City amateur soccer players
- Why
- To investigate the potential health risks of heading the ball
Players/Advocates
Researchers
Severity of Impact
Players/Advocates
Acceptance of the sport's inherent risk.
Researchers
Highlights the need for awareness and potential training reforms.
- Study Focus
- Impact of soccer headers on brain health
- Participants
- 352 adult amateur soccer players
- Findings
- Microscopic changes in the brain and impaired cognitive function
- Affected Brain Region
- Areas behind the forehead and eyes
- Cognitive Impact
- Impaired memory and learning
- Study Publication
- JAMA Network Open and Neurology
