Mental health in association football

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The subject of mental health in association football has been described as a "stigma" in the sport,[1] although other professional sports are also affected.[2] Professional footballers suffer more from symptoms of depression and anxiety than the general public.[3]

## Examples

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After suffering from depression, former England international George Harrison died by suicide in 1939 at the age of 46.[4][5]

Agostino Di Bartolomei suffered from clinical depression after retiring from professional football, and eventually committed suicide by shooting himself in his villa in San Marco di Castellabate, on 30 May 1994, ten years to the day after his former club Roma had lost the European Cup final to Liverpool on penalties.[6][7]

Argentine footballer Mirko Šarić committed suicide by hanging in April 2000, after suffering with depression which was reportedly worsened by the fact that his girlfriend at the time had gotten pregnant by another man.[8]

During the first part of the 2000–01 season with Everton, Paul Gascoigne struggled with depression after losing his place in the first team following a series of injuries and a lack of fitness.[9] Later in his career, during his time with Chinese club Gansu Tianma, he went to America in April 2003 for treatment against alcoholism and depression.[10]

Former professional players Robert Enke and Gary Speed have died by suicide; both suffered from depression. Enke threw himself in front of a train.[11][12][13][14] Five years after Enke's death his wife stated that she believed depression in sport was no longer a taboo subject.[15] Speed hanged himself.[16][17] In September 2018 his wife said that she discovered a letter written by Speed as a teenager which hinted at his long-term depression.[18] In 2019 a 10-year memorial event for Enke was held at theatre hall in Hannover.[19]

Clarke Carlisle stated that he contemplated suicide after becoming injured early in his career,[20] and in December 2014 attempted suicide due to the severe depression he was suffering from.[21][22]

American former player Landon Donovan has spoken publicly about dealing with depression throughout his life and career, and has criticized the professional sports world for its approach to mental health issues.[23]

Sebastian Deisler was hospitalised after being unable to cope with the pressures of professional football, eventually retiring from the sport at the age of 27.[14][24]

Jean-Marc Bosman struggled to find work after his judicial challenge of the football transfer rules led to the Bosman ruling in 1995. He ended up living off of welfare, and as a result of his financial difficulties and his claimed ostracism by the world of football, he fell into depression and also struggled with alcoholism.[25][26][27]

Adriano struggled with depression and alcoholism following the death of his father in 2004.[28]

In November 2008, Gianluigi Buffon revealed in his autobiography Numero 1 that he had suffered from depression between December 2003 and June 2004, and that he even saw a psychologist during this period in order to overcome it;[29] he later elaborated further on his struggles with depression in 2013.[30] In January 2019, he also revealed that because of his depression, he had suffered from panic attacks during his early career with Juventus, even missing a game as a result during the 2003–04 season.[31]

Ex-player Mickey Bennett set up an organisation called Unique Sports Counselling to help footballers deal with mental health issues.[32]

In February 2016 Steve Harper spoke out about his mental health problems while in between clubs.[33] The PFA had to apologise after initially criticising his comments.[34]

In May 2016, professional footballer Chris Mitchell committed suicide. In October 2018 his family spoke out about his struggles with mental health.[35]

In May 2017, Aaron Lennon was detained under the Mental Health Act, and he received treatment for a "stress-related illness".[36] In March 2019 he spoke about the incident, and said that other players had asked him for advice.[37]

In June 2017, Steven Caulker spoke about his struggles with depression, and his addiction to alcohol and gambling.[38]

In February 2018 David Cox stated that he had been mocked by both players and fans for discussing his mental health problems.[39]

In March 2018, the UK government announced plans to deal with mental health in professional sports.[40] Later that month, Harry Smith released a statement stating that he was seeking help for mental health and gambling addiction problems.[41] That same month, Danish player Jannik Skov Hansen talked about the depression and suicidal thoughts he had experienced earlier in his career.[42]

In April 2018 The Secret Footballer, an anonymous former Premier League player, talked about his depression.[43]

In May 2018, Andrés Iniesta revealed that he suffered from depression before the 2010 FIFA World Cup due to his injuries and the death of his friend Daniel Jarque.[44][45]

In June 2018, England international Danny Rose stated that he had been diagnosed with depression.[46]

In September 2018, professional footballer Marvin Sordell suggested that clubs should have full-time counsellors to assist players with depression and other mental health issues.[47] When Sordell retired from football in July 2019 he cited his mental health.[48] Later that month Anthony Knockaert also revealed his struggles with mental health issues,[49] as did David Cotterill.[50]

In October 2018, Michael Carrick announced that he had suffered from depression for 2 years following the defeat in the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final.[51] Later that month Christian Nadé revealed that he had tried to commit suicide in 2014 following struggles with depression.[52]

In June 2019, former player Emmanuel Eboué spoke about his ongoing struggles with mental health.[53] In August 2019 Martin Ling discussed his mental health problems.[54]

Billy Kee has spoken publicly about his struggles with anxiety and depression, which led him to considering giving up football.[55] In September 2019 it was revealed that Kee was seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, and bulimia.[56] During that same month, the English Football League announced a scheme in conjunction with mental health charity Mind called 'Get Set to Go'.[57] This included a series of street art pieces to raise awareness about mental health.[58] Later that month, Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson said clubs had a duty of care in relation to players' mental well-being if they were injured.[59] Kee announced his retirement from professional football on 29 January 2020 due to mental health.[60]

In October 2019, Francesco Acerbi revealed that during his time with Milan he had suffered from depression following the death of his father, and fell into alcoholism as a result of the loss and his personal struggles.[61][62]

In November 2019 Prince William met with West Bromwich Albion players to discuss the importance of mental health.[63]

In December 2019 ex-professional Rhodri Jones spoke out about the pressures that young players face.[64]

The kick-offs for all third-round FA Cup matches over the weekend of 4 and 5 January 2020 were delayed by 60 seconds to promote a film narrated by Prince William about mental health.[65] That same weekend ex-player Paul Merson spoke about his struggles with mental health.[66] Later that month former player Brian Lenihan revealed that he retired from professional football at the age of 23 mental health issues.[67]

For the 2020–21 season, Newport County appointed Kevin Ellison as their 'mental health ambassador'.[68] In June 2018 he has publicly talked about his struggles with depression, giving advice to fellow professionals.[69]

In October 2020, former Manchester City academy player Jeremy Wisten committed suicide by hanging in his home in Baguley.[70][71] He had been released the year before by the club, and had struggled to find a new club while recovering from a knee injury. His death led to Manchester City changing how they went about releasing young players, including introducing player exit surveys and creating a 'parent portal' to improve communication between the club, players, and their families.[72]

In January 2021, Cheltenham Town captain Ben Tozer spoke about his previous struggles with anxiety, which led to him nearly quitting the game.[73] That same month Jordan Ibe revealed that he was suffering with depression, describing himself as being in a "dark place".[74]

In April 2021, Scottish footballer David Cox retired in the middle of a match, leaving the stadium at the half-time break, after alleged comments from opposition player Jonathan Tiffoney related to Cox's mental health.[75]

In January 2022, Josip Iličić missed game time due to mental health issues.[76] Previously, he also missed crucial quarterfinal Champions League game due to mental health issues. His then Atalanta team-mate Alejandro Gómez stated that Iličić had fallen into depression after catching coronavirus during the COVID-19 pandemic.[77]

In February 2022 former players Chris Sutton and Micah Richards spoke about mental health issues in their playing days.[78]

In March 2022, Paul Pogba said that he had suffered from depression whilst being managed by José Mourinho at Manchester United during 2018.[79]

In May 2022 Dominic Calvert-Lewin spoke out about his mental health problems.[80] That same month the WSL academies began a campaign around mental health.[81]

In June 2022 Tottenham players Harry Kane and Matt Doherty discussed the matter of mental health in professional sport.[82]

In October 2022, Steven Reid revealed that he had left his job as Nottingham Forest assistant manager in order to begin studying to qualify as a counsellor.[83] That month, Theo Vassell stated that he had battled with depression since childhood, which led to suicide attempts as a teenager.[84]

In October 2022, American player Christian Pulisic released an autobiography titled Pulisic: My Journey So Far. In the book, he revealed that he suffered with depression while he was injured in 2020 and during times that he did not get much playing time.[85]

In November 2022, Prince William and footballers Harry Kane and Declan Rice discussed mental health for the BBC, in an effort to raise awareness.[86]

Millie Farrow has struggled with obsessive compulsive disorder throughout her career.[87] In 2023, she released a book called Brave Enough Not To Quit, which details how she deals with her OCD and anxiety.[88]

In February 2023, France national team player Wendie Renard announced that she would not play at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in order to "preserve" her "mental health"; teammates Kadidiatou Diani and Marie-Antoinette Katoto also announced their retirement from the national team.[89]

Former Manchester United youth team captain Tom Thorpe spent five years away from the sport due to mental health problems, returning in 2023.[90]

In July 2023, Dele Alli said he had spent 6 weeks in rehab for sleeping pill addition and mental health issues, linked to childhood abuse.[91]

In September 2023, Brazilian footballer Richarlison said that he would seek "psychological help" for off-pitch issues that were affecting his playing.[92] Later that month, Bradford City announced a campaign to promote mental health.[93] The following year, he revealed that he struggled with depression following Brazil's elimination from the 2022 FIFA World Cup and even considered quitting football as a result. He urged other players to seek therapy for struggles with mental illness.[94]

In October 2023, Norwich City released a video for World Mental Health Day which was praised by UEFA.[95]

In November 2023, a number of England players including Beth Mead and Ben Chilwell launched a new mental health initiative.[96]

In December 2023, Northern Ireland player Rebecca Holloway discussed her mental health problems.[97]

In January 2024, former player Thierry Henry said he had been depressed throughout his career.[98] Later that month, active player James Talbot announced he was 'stepping back' from football due to his mental health.[99] The BBC also asked whether the Women's Super League was doing enough to support women's footballers.[100] Also in January 2024, Tyreece John-Jules said that a spate of injuries was taking a toll on him mentally.[101]

In March 2024, former footballer Dani Osvaldo revealed that he had been undergoing treatment for his struggles with depression, which had led to his addictions to alcohol and drugs.[102]

In June 2024, it was revealed that the Bradford City mental health supporters' group had helped 500 people.[103]

In July 2024, Scottish referee chief Willie Collum warned that criticism of referees would affect their mental health.[104]

## See also

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* Mental health in the Australian Football League

## References

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### Specific

[edit]

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5. ^ "George Harrison - Player Database - Gresley FC Online". www.gresleyfc.com.
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36. ^ "Aaron Lennon: Everton winger detained under Mental Health Act". BBC Sport. 3 May 2017.
37. ^ "Aaron Lennon: Burnley winger says other players approached him about mental health struggles". BBC Sport. 12 March 2019.
38. ^ Dominic Field (29 June 2017). "Steven Caulker: 'I've sat here for years hating myself … This year was almost the end'". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
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40. ^ "Mental health action plan for elite athletes put in place by government". BBC Sport. 21 March 2018. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
41. ^ "Harry Smith: Millwall striker getting help for mental health and addiction issues". BBC Sport. 23 March 2018. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
42. ^ Farzam Abolhosseini (29 March 2018). "Superliga-spiller ramte bunden: Jeg havde selvmordstanker" (in Danish). BT. Retrieved 9 January 2019.
43. ^ "The Secret Footballer: I want to 'out' myself - but fear I'll be sued". BBC Sport. 9 April 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
44. ^ "Andrés Iniesta conmueve a todos hablando de cómo salió de "pozo" en el que cayó". Lecturas (in Spanish). RBA. 28 May 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
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46. ^ "World Cup 2018: England's Danny Rose reveals depression diagnosis". BBC Sport. 6 June 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
47. ^ "Marvin Sordell calls for full-time counsellors in football clubs". BBC Sport. 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
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49. ^ "Anthony Knockaert: Brighton & Hove Albion winger reveals mental health struggles". BBC Sport. 20 September 2018. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
50. ^ Chris Wathan (24 September 2018). "David Cotterill: Wales winger opens up about depression". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
51. ^ "Michael Carrick: 'I was depressed for two years after Champions League final defeat'". BBC Sport. 9 October 2018. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
52. ^ Daldeep Kaur (30 October 2018). "Christian Nade: Former Hearts, Raith & Dumbarton striker on his suicide attempt". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 November 2018.
53. ^ "Emmanuel Eboue: Former Ivory Coast defender reveals his struggles continue". BBC Sport. 11 June 2019.
54. ^ "Depression: Leyton Orient's Martin Ling talks about his mental health problems". BBC Sport. 1 August 2019.
55. ^ "Accrington Stanley striker Billy Kee speaks openly about his struggle with severe anxiety and depression". BBC Sport. 7 February 2018. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
56. ^ "Billy Kee: Accrington Stanley striker receiving treatment for depression". BBC Sport. 10 September 2019.
57. ^ "Get Set to Go: How EFL clubs and Mind are tackling mental health issues". BBC Sport. 19 September 2019.
58. ^ "World Mental Health Day: Street art campaign launched by English Football League". BBC Sport. 10 October 2019.
59. ^ "Motherwell: Clubs have duty of care for players' wellbeing - Robinson". BBC Sport. 27 September 2019.
60. ^ "Billy Kee: Accrington Stanley retire forward's 29 shirt number after emotional farewell". BBC Sport. 1 February 2020.
61. ^ "Acerbi, la confessione: "Quando è morto mio padre ho toccato il fondo. Il cancro mi ha salvato…"" (in Italian). www.itasportpress.it. 26 October 2019. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
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68. ^ "Ellison keen to talk mental health". BBC Sport.
69. ^ "Morecambe winger offers depression help". BBC Sport.
70. ^ Holt, James (8 November 2021). "Teen who found it 'difficult' after being dropped by Man City academy took his own life at home, inquest hears". manchestereveningnews.co.uk. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
71. ^ Kay, Oliver (28 October 2020). "The tragedy of Jeremy Wisten and the lessons football has to learn". theathletic.com. Retrieved 27 February 2023. (subscription required)
72. ^ "Man City did not give 'right support' to teenager, inquest told". bbc.co.uk. 9 November 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
73. ^ "'I hated football' - how Cheltenham captain rekindled his career". BBC Sport.
74. ^ "Jordon Ibe: Derby winger in 'dark place' with depression". BBC Sport. 21 January 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
75. ^ "Albion Rovers' David Cox to retire after alleged mental health taunt". The Guardian. 30 April 2021.
76. ^ "Ilicic reportedly absent due to mental health concerns - Football Italia". football-italia.net. 22 January 2022.
77. ^ "Ilicic fell into depression after catching coronavirus, says Atalanta team-mate Gomez". goal.com. 27 October 2020.
78. ^ "Richards & Sutton open up on mental health". BBC Sport.
79. ^ "Pogba says he experienced depression". BBC Sport.
80. ^ "Calvert-Lewin reveals mental health struggles". BBC Sport.
81. ^ "How are WSL academies supporting mental health?". BBC Sport.
82. ^ "Harry Kane and Matt Doherty discuss mental health matters in football". youtube.com. 2 June 2022.
83. ^ "Reid 'just had to' make move into counselling". BBC Sport.
84. ^ Whitwell, Laurie (10 October 2022). "Vassell: 'I used to say, "If I feel like this, why would I want to live?" Talking's lifted a weight.'". The Athletic. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
85. ^ "Review of Christian Pulisic book, "My Journey So Far"". 13 November 2022. Archived from the original on 16 November 2022.
86. ^ "Prince William speaks with England's Kane and Rice". BBC Sport.
87. ^ Whyatt, Katie (21 January 2023). "Millie Farrow on OCD: 'It got to the point where it controlled my life'". The Athletic. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
88. ^ Sanders, Emma (27 January 2023). "Millie Farrow on her struggle with OCD and serious injuries". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
89. ^ "France captain Renard takes 'step back' from team". BBC Sport.
90. ^ "The Man Utd Youth Cup winner who almost quit football". BBC Sport.
91. ^ "Dele Alli says he was sexually abused as a child". BBC Sport.
92. ^ "I will seek psychological help - Richarlison". BBC Sport.
93. ^ "'If a lad is hobbling, you know he's got an injury. You can't see mental illness'". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. 19 September 2023.
94. ^ "Richarlison had dark thoughts after World Cup". ESPN.com. 27 March 2024. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
95. ^ "Moving Norwich City mental health video hailed by UEFA". BBC News. 11 October 2023.
96. ^ "Mead and Chilwell spearhead new mental health initiative". BBC Sport.
97. ^ "'I just shut down' - Holloway on mental health struggles". BBC Sport.
98. ^ "Henry tells of 'depression' during playing career". BBC Sport.
99. ^ "Bohs' Talbot steps back to address mental health". BBC Sport. 8 January 2024.
100. ^ "Is there enough mental health support in the WSL?". BBC Sport. 17 January 2024.
101. ^ "Paul Warne issues emotional update as striker left 'destroyed' by injury blow". Derbyshire Live. 26 January 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2024 - via www.derbytelegraph.co.uk.
102. ^ "Ex-Serie A and Italy striker Osvaldo admits battling depression and addictions in heart-touching video". Football Italia. 14 March 2024. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
103. ^ "Bantams mental health group proud after bringing up major milestone". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. 5 June 2024.
104. ^ "Willie Collum: Scottish referees chief on mental health". BBC Sport. 27 July 2024.

### General

[edit]

* Gascoigne, Paul; Davies, Hunter (2004). Gazza: My Story. London: Headline Publishing. ISBN 0-7472-7118-6.