Study finds former footballers face higher risk of depression and anxiety

A recent study presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference reveals that former footballers are significantly more prone to mental health issues. Among 124 former professional players aged 30-60, 31% showed clinically significant depression, and 42% demonstrated anxiety symptoms. Comparatively, these figures are higher than healthy adults with no history of contact sports. Researchers found reduced brain volume and grey matter in footballers, raising alarms about the long-term impacts of head injuries in the sport. This research follows increasing concerns about the effects of heading the ball on neurological health, particularly in light of recent cases linking former players' deaths to related illnesses.

• 5:09 AMBBC Sport — Footballers more likely to suffer depression and anxiety - study