FIFPro: 26% of active players and 39% of retirees suffer from anxiety and depression

FIFPro (International Federation of Professional Footballers) published an international study on mental illness in professional football, on 02/04/2014. "FIFPro's study, the first of its kind on a global scale, becomes the basis for the international football community to develop and implement optimal strategies to protect and promote the sustainable health of professional footballers," said Dr. Vincent Gouttebarge, medical director of FIFPro and author of the study.

Conducted using 301 professional players (180 active and 121 retired players) from six FIFPro's member unions (Australia, Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand, Netherlands and United States / Canada), research shows that 26% of active players suffer from anxiety and depression. This proportion rises to 39% among retired players.

"Former professional footballers report more mental health problems than current players, endorsing that the period just after retirement from professional football is a critical one for many players," said Vincent Gouttebarge. "We found mental illness among former professional footballers occurs…