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Soccer players

Study Reveals High Incidence of Sports-Related Concussions in Brazilian Professional Soccer

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A prospective epidemiological study on sports medicine and health science has shed light on the prevalence and characteristics of craniomaxillofacial trauma (CMFT) among professional soccer players in Brazil. The researchers, affiliated with the Federal University of Sao Paulo, analyzed data from 3,828 matches and 126,324 hours of gameplay over four seasons, from 2016 to 2019. Their findings indicate that sports-related concussion (SRC) cases are a frequent consequence of CMFT, with a median incidence of 2.37 per 1,000 hours of play.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study revealed a high incidence of CMFT cases among professional soccer players in Brazil, with 299 reported cases over four seasons.
  • SRC accounted for 29.10% of all CMFT cases, with an incidence of 0.69.
  • Defensive midfielders and goalkeepers had the highest prevalence rates of CMFT, with 14.43% and 14.00% respectively.
  • Only 3.68% of injuries required surgical treatment, mostly lacerations and fractures.
  • The average time lost in sports due to SRC was 5.12 days, with a recurrence rate of 12.71%.
  • The study identified SRC as a frequent consequence of CMFT in Brazilian professional soccer, with a high recurrence rate that may have long-term implications.
  • The results highlight the need for further research and awareness on SRC and CMFT in professional soccer.

Statistics:

  • 299 CMFT cases reported over four seasons.
  • 178 head and 121 face traumas reported.
  • 87 SRC cases (representing 29.10% of all CMFT).
  • 0.69 SRC incidence rate.
  • 14.43% and 14.00% CMFT prevalence rates for defensive midfielders and goalkeepers respectively.
  • 3.68% of injuries required surgical treatment.
  • 5.12 days average time lost in sports due to SRC.
  • 12.71% recurrence rate for SRC.

Sources:

  • Sport-related concussion in Brazilian professional soccer: A four-year prospective epidemiological analysis. Sports Medicine and Health Science, 2025,7(3):224-229.
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.smhs.2024.07.001.
  • Paulo Henrique Schmidt Lara, Federal University of Sao Paulo.

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