FIFPRO notes the accumulated workload for players in the first quarter of European football’s 2020-2021 season and the mental and physical burden they are facing until 2022. The current handling of the match calendar during this emergency period lacks sufficient considerations for their health, well-being and performance and requires an urgent and ongoing revision by competition organisers.

More than 150 professional footballers – 90 men and 60 women – have begun participating in a 10-year research project into their health.

Cedric Hountondji is among more than 150 professional footballers participating in FIFPRO’s unprecedented 10-year research project into player health.

New Zealander Chris Jackson had a long and successful international and club career. But throughout it all he battled severe mental health problems. Looking back, he regrets the lack of advice and guidance that could have helped him.

Professional footballers play out a precarious career in full view of the general public and media. So it is perhaps not surprising that they are more likely to suffer mental health problems than the rest of the population, as revealed in a FIFPRO study.

Mental health problems are common: they affect about one in four people. Among professional athletes, the rate can be even higher with some symptoms.

An agreement between players and clubs in Norway has raised awareness around mental health and made it easier for players to talk about their mental health challenges.

What is Mental Health and what causes mental health symptoms or disorders? In this article we try to provide you with general information you should know about mental health and wellbeing.

FIFPRO today officially launches its mental health awareness programme titled "Are you ready to talk?"

Clubs and player unions through their representative bodies – ECA and FIFPRO – have developed international guidelines on player health protection during the emergency calendar of football competitions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"My name is Anton Olsson. I am a professional football player and I have mental health problems."