England: study will seek answers about ligament rupture in women’s soccer

Because the players of soccer suffer more anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures than their male counterparts? A study that seeks to answer this question began in England on Tuesday.

Co-funded by the players’ unions PFA and FIFPRO, Nike and Leeds Beckett University, this research will observe the WSL (Women’s Super League), the English women’s professional championship, for three years.

So far, the data already known indicates that women are between two and six times more likely to suffer this injury than men.

The study will also focus on the facilities, sports and medical staff, travel conditions and calendar of the WSL players.

“The players have rightly called for more research into ACL injuries”indicated FIFPRO Women’s Football Strategy and Research Director Alex Culvin.

“This project is a response to both their needs and those of the sector in general”he added.

Several great stars of women’s football have recently suffered this injury, among them the English Leah Williamson and Beth Mead, best scorer at Euro 2022, who missed the 2023 World Cup.

The two-time Spanish Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas was only able to play a few minutes in her team’s victory in that tournament, after having been away from the playing fields for a year for the same reason.

“There is no quick fix to eradicate ACL injuries in the Women’s Football. “I think we need to refine the research to be able to identify the key factors,” insists England international defender Lucy Bronze, who studied these types of injuries as part of her diploma at Leeds Beckett University.

“Many players need to be more aware of the process by which ACL injuries occur”added the FC Barcelona player.

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