Soccer Injury: What Are the Most Common Injuries in Soccer?
- Ezra Miller
- Aug 14
- 6 min read
Highlights
Quick cuts, tackles, and fatigue make soccer injuries common, but they’re often preventable with the right strategy.
Starting rehab early with guided physical therapy improves recovery time and long-term performance.
Warm-ups, strength training, and smart technique reduce injury risk and help you stay on the field longer.
A soccer injury can happen in an instant, during a sudden sprint, a bad landing, or a rough tackle. As the world’s most played sport, soccer demands speed, agility, and endurance, but it also puts a lot of stress on the body.
This guide breaks down the most common injuries in soccer, which positions are most at risk, and what recovery really looks like. You’ll also get expert tips on prevention and treatment, plus signs that it's time to get professional support, like the care offered at Empower Fitness.
Let's take a closer look at the injuries every soccer player should know about!
What Are the Most Common Injuries in Soccer? - Top 7
The most common injuries in soccer are:
1. Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are one of the most frequent soccer injuries. They typically occur when the foot rolls inward or outward in an unexpected way, stretching or tearing the ligaments that support the ankle joint.
Most ankle sprains respond well to rest and physical therapy, but severe cases may require immobilization.
2. Hamstring Strains
Hamstring strains are frequent in soccer, especially during sprints or explosive kicks. These muscles in the back of your thigh can get overstretched or torn during fast movements.
A hamstring can feel like a sudden, sharp pain during a sprint or kick. It's one of the most common non-contact injuries in soccer and can become a recurring issue if it's not properly rehabilitated.
3. ACL Tears
ACL tears are among the most serious soccer injuries. The anterior cruciate ligament stabilizes your knee, and quick pivots, awkward landings, or direct contact can cause it to tear.
Recovery often requires surgery and several months of physical therapy. Without it, athletes risk long-term instability and reduced performance.
4. Groin Pulls
Kicking, twisting, and lateral movement can strain the inner thigh muscles, causing a groin pull. This injury can be tricky since symptoms may not always appear immediately but can worsen with activity.
Rest, compression, and physical therapy that focus on flexibility and muscle balance can speed up recovery.
5. Meniscus Tears
Meniscus tears are knee injuries caused by sudden twists or impacts. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that cushions your thigh and shin bones.
When torn, it often causes a popping sensation, followed by swelling, pain, and stiffness. Mild cases improve with therapy, but severe ones may need surgery.
6. Shin Splints
This refers to a pain along the front of the lower leg, commonly referred to as shin splints, which is often caused by high-intensity training or when playing on hard surfaces.
They’re often caused by overuse, poor footwear, or muscle imbalances and can usually be managed with rest, better shoes, and gradual training adjustments.
7. Concussions
Concussions are brain injuries caused by impact, often from heading the ball, falling, or colliding with other players.
Symptoms include headache, confusion, dizziness, and sensitivity to light or sound. If you suspect a concussion, stop playing immediately and follow a return-to-play protocol guided by a professional.
Which Position in Soccer Gets Injured the Most?
The position in soccer that gets injured the most is the midfielder. Midfielders cover the most ground during a match, constantly shifting between offense and defense. This nonstop movement increases their exposure to collisions, overuse, and fatigue.
While goalkeepers also face high injury risk—mainly from diving, jumping, or awkward landings—midfielders are the most consistently affected due to the demands of their role.
What Is the Most Serious Soccer Injury?
The most serious soccer injury is a torn ACL. This is because it is not only physically debilitating, but it also requires a long recovery time, often six to nine months post-surgery.
A torn ACL can also impact a player’s performance and confidence over time. Without proper treatment and rehabilitation, athletes may never fully return to the pre-injury physical.
The best injury is the one that never happens. A strong prevention program is just as important as training on the field. - Dr. Timothy Hewett, PhD, leading researcher in sports injury prevention.
Soccer Injury Prevention: How Can You Prevent an Injury in Soccer?
The best way to prevent a soccer injury is to train smart before, during, and after the game. Prevention routines improve performance, protect your joints and muscles, and reduce time away from the field.
Here are key strategies every player should follow:
Warmup and cool down: Begin each session with light aerobic activity and stretching. End your session with static stretching to lower muscle tension.
Strength training: A balanced strength program, especially for the core, hips, and lower limbs, improves muscle resilience and joint stability.
Wear proper footwear: Choose cleats that fit well and match the field surface to avoid slips and awkward landings.
Stay hydrated and fueled: Proper nutrition and hydration support muscle function and endurance.
Use correct technique: Work with a coach or trainer to ensure your kicking, sprinting, and landing techniques are safe and efficient.
Rest and recover: Listen to your body. Don’t train through pain or push through fatigue.
Avoid overuse: Cross-train and schedule rest days to protect vulnerable areas from repeated strain.
📌 Learn how to build a complete prevention routine in our guide for injury prevention, which covers strategies that apply to both new and experienced players. |
Soccer Injury Treatment: What to Do If You Have a Soccer Injury?
The first step after a soccer injury is to stop playing and protect the injured area. Quick action can reduce swelling, prevent further damage, and shorten recovery time.
Here’s what to do if you get hurt on the field:
Stop immediately: Don’t try to walk it off. Playing through pain can make the injury worse.
Use R.I.C.E.: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation help manage mild injuries like sprains and strains..
Get evaluated: If you notice swelling, limited movement, or ongoing pain, see a professional. Imaging tests like X-rays may be needed.
Start physical therapy: Once the worst stage of the injury is cleared, rehab is crucial. Different types of physical therapy will help you restore mobility, strength, and function while reducing the risk of future injuries.
📌 We create a personalized recovery plan that includes hands-on physical therapy and functional training. This approach helps you return to soccer faster and with more confidence. |
Contact Empower Fitness PT in South Florida for Expert Physical Therapy
If you’re recovering from a soccer injury, you don’t have to go through it alone. At Empower Fitness PT in South Florida, we offer expert care tailored to your sport, your goals, and your pace.
Dr. Ezra Miller, Doctor of Physical Therapy, provides one-on-one support designed to accelerate healing and build lasting strength. Our approach combines rehab, functional movement training, and confidence-building to get you back on the field safely and fully prepared.
Whether you’re managing a recent injury or dealing with recurring pain, we’re here to guide your recovery every step of the way. Book a free consultation today and start with a plan that’s built for your return to play!
Rehabilitation is not just about healing; it’s about rebuilding strength, stability, and confidence to return to play without fear. - Dr. Lynn Millar, PT, PhD, Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine.
FAQs About Soccer Injuries
What Sport Has the Worst Injuries?
The sport with the worst injuries is American football due to its high-contact nature and frequent head, spine, and joint trauma.
What Is the Hardest Sports Injury to Recover From?
The hardest sports injury to recover from is an ACL tear, especially when combined with damage to the meniscus or other knee ligaments.
What Is the Least Deadliest Sport?
The least deadliest sport is swimming because it’s low-impact, has minimal collision risk, and is performed in a controlled environment.
Can You Tear Your ACL from Soccer?
Yes, you can tear your ACL from soccer, especially during sudden stops, pivots, or awkward landings from jumps.
Is Soccer Safer than Football?
Yes, soccer is generally safer than football, but it still presents risks, especially for lower-body injuries and head impacts.
What Is the Safest High School Sport?
The safest high school sport is track and field because it involves minimal contact and occurs in a supervised, regulated setting.
What's the Toughest Sport?
The toughest sport is boxing due to its extreme physical demands, high injury rates, and the intense mental endurance it requires.
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