News12 New York
N12 Originals
Numbers & Links
Local
Crime
Weather
Politics
Taxing Long Island

Study: Playing soccer may impact brain health

Researchers found no major impact on cognition but say participants did have lower gray matter in certain regions of the brain compared to people who didn't play contact sports.

Rose Shannon

Jul 13, 2026, 4:54 PM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

A new study warns that playing soccer could potentially affect one's long-term brain health.

The study looked at former professional players using questionnaires, clinical assessments and brain scans.

Researchers found no major impact on cognition but say participants did have lower gray matter in certain regions of the brain compared to people who didn't play contact sports.

These regions include those affecting memory, decision-making and emotional regulation.

The study also found that participants reported higher levels of anxiety and depression, along with problems with thinking or decision making.

The leader author says the study shows correlation but no causation.

More Stories

More From News12

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices