Football injuries: common injuries, risk factors and prevention

NHI describes that most football injuries affect the ankles, knees, thighs, groins and calves. Groin injuries are particularly common. Sprains are the most common type of injury and often involve injury to ligaments. Strains in the thigh, calf and groin are also common [1].

The anterior cruciate ligament is affected in about 95 percent of cruciate ligament injuries. Meniscus injuries often occur in tackles or twisting knee movements. Tendon inflammation is caused by overload over time or sudden movements. Fractures are rare, but stress fractures can occur with prolonged overload [1].

About one third of the injuries are caused by loading over time. The rest occur in collisions, hard tackles or awkward landings [1].

Players who have been injured before have a 4 to 7 times higher risk of a new injury. This is an association and does not show that a previous injury alone causes new ones [1][2]. Injury risk is also associated with age, amount of training and level of play, and NHI mentions playing position, time of year and time between matches [1][2].

Hiding an injury and having a double load, for example school or work alongside football, are regarded as risk factors. Poor warm-up increases the risk of strains [1]. The injury rate is higher in matches than in training, with 10 to 35 injuries per 1000 hours of play [2]. Men have more injuries overall, while women more often get serious knee and ligament injuries [1].

NHI describes treatment in broad terms. For tendon inflammation it is offloading and rest, followed by mobility and strengthening exercises. Strains are usually short-lived, but a hamstring injury can take a month or more before the player is back in a match [1].

Cruciate ligament and meniscus injuries in active players are often operated on, and rehabilitation is long. After a cruciate ligament injury it often takes at least six months before the player is back [1]. Good rehabilitation after injury is mentioned as a measure against new injuries [1][2].

NHI highlights good warm-up and a solid training base. Strength training gives good protection for joints and ligaments. Other measures are suitable surface and footwear, education in injury prevention and that playing-time rules for younger age groups are followed [1][2].

A meta-analysis of four studies found that the FIFA 11+ training programme was associated with 39 percent lower overall injury rate among amateur and sub-elite players. The difference applied to, among others, hamstring, groin and hip, knee and ankle. The older FIFA 11 programme showed no significant effect [3]. The findings do not apply to elite football [3].

The reservations are important. The analysis is based on six cluster-randomised trials, there was considerable variation between the studies, and all had a high risk of bias because it was not possible to blind the participants. The teams completed on average 1.2 sessions per week, and only 13 percent reached the recommended two sessions. No significant association was found between how well the teams followed the programme and the injury rate [3].

NHI describes, among others, cruciate ligament injuries, meniscus injuries, fractures and head injuries and concussions. Cruciate ligament and meniscus injuries are often operated on, and fractures often lead to long absence [1]. If you suspect such injuries, you should have them assessed by a healthcare professional.

A chiropractor can examine the injury, assess loading and amount of training and make a plan for follow-up. You do not need a referral from a doctor to book an appointment. You can read more about ankle sprain, shin splints and jumper's knee.

Which injuries are most common in football?

Most injuries affect the ankles, knees, thighs, groins and calves. Joint sprains are the most common type of injury, and strains in the thigh, calf and groin are common [1].

How long does it take to return after a hamstring injury?

NHI states that it can take a month or more before the player is back in a match [1].

How long does it take after a cruciate ligament injury?

Most are operated on, and it often takes at least six months before the player is back [1]. The time varies from person to person.

Can warm-up prevent football injuries?

NHI mentions good warm-up and strength training as measures [1][2]. A meta-analysis found a lower injury rate with FIFA 11+ in amateur and sub-elite football, but with several reservations [3].

The articles on groin pain and Achilles tendon pain describe two of the problems that can affect football players. You can find more articles in the overview of articles.

This article was written by Dr.Dropin Fysikalske and is based on the sources listed below. It gives general information and does not replace an examination by a healthcare professional.

The websites were accessed and read on 22 October 2026.

1. Fotballskader (Football injuries). NHI.no. Last updated 15 November 2022. Link

2. Forebyggende tiltak (fotballskader) (Preventive measures, football injuries). NHI.no. Last updated 15 November 2022. Link

3. Thorborg K, Krommes KK, Esteve E, Clausen MB, Bartels EM, Rathleff MS. Effect of specific exercise-based football injury prevention programmes on the overall injury rate in football: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the FIFA 11 and 11+ programmes. Br J Sports Med. 2017;51(7):562-571. Link