At the World Cup, soccer’s hidden injury has become increasingly visible
Medical experts are highlighting the long-term health risks of facial injuries in soccer, noting that protective masks often hide significant internal trauma. The article discusses how these injuries affect breathing and the necessity of proper medical care for athletes.
Why it matters
Increased awareness of sports-related trauma is essential for athlete safety and the evolution of medical protocols in professional sports.
England's Djed Spence wears facial protection during the World Cup match against Mexico on July 5. Moises Castillo/The Associated Press
When soccer players collide in midair, the toll is not always counted in concussions, torn ligaments or twisted ankles.
Sometimes it is a broken nose – a burst of blood, a few minutes of treatment on the touchline, perhaps a protective mask and a swift return to play – that becomes the lasting injury, leaving an athlete struggling to breathe long after the match is over.
It is a risk that Dr. Farhad Ardesh, a Beverly Hills facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, says remains one of soccer’s most underestimated.
“Sometimes a minor injury on the outside can cause major damage on the inside,” said Ardesh, who has treated professional athletes, including soccer players.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in