Mental health in association football

After suffering from depression, former England international George Harrison died by suicide in 1939 at the age of 46.{{Cite web|url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/TeamPlyrsBios/PlayersH/BioHarrisonG.html|title=England Players - George Harrison|website=www.englandfootballonline.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gresleyfc.com/players/?id=835|title=George Harrison - Player Database - Gresley FC Online|website=www.gresleyfc.com}}

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.{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/1198766/11-metri-the-penalty-film-review |title=11 Metri - The Penalty |publisher=ESPN FC |author1=Tom Sweetman |date=23 October 2012 |access-date=11 January 2019 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/the-tragic-tale-behind-liverpools-european-cup-triumph-in-1984-htnvjl2mn |title=Agostino Di Bartolomei, the Italian legend who committed suicide exactly ten years after Liverpool beat Roma in the European Cup final |work=The Times |author1=Oliver Kay |date=22 April 2018 |access-date=11 January 2019 }}

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.web24.news/u/2020/04/mirko-sarics-mother-tells-for-the-first-time-the-whole-truth-about-the-suicide-of-the-former-san-lorenzo-player.html|title=Mirko Saric's mother tells for the first time the whole truth about the suicide of the former San Lorenzo player|date=4 April 2020|accessdate=24 September 2020|website=web24.news}}

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.{{harvnb|Gascoigne|2004|p=291}} 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.{{cite news |url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/270229/chinese-club-hand-gazza-ultimatum |title=Chinese club hand Gazza ultimatum |date=21 June 2003 |access-date=7 August 2014 |publisher=ESPN}}

Former professional players Robert Enke and Gary Speed have died by suicide; both suffered from depression. Enke died by suicide in a railway incident.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/8353964.stm|title=Goalkeeper suicide stuns football|date=11 November 2009|access-date=19 September 2014|publisher=BBC Sport}}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/8792439/Tragedy-of-goalkeeper-Robert-Enkes-secret-struggle.html|title=Tragedy of goalkeeper Robert Enke's secret struggle|date=27 September 2011|access-date=19 September 2014|author=Sarah Crompton|publisher=The Telegraph}}{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/8353733.stm|title=Suicide keeper battled depression|date=11 November 2009|access-date=19 September 2014|publisher=BBC Sport}}{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/8355214.stm|title=A personal tribute to Robert Enke|date=11 November 2009|access-date=19 September 2014|author=Patrick Andersson|publisher=BBC Sport}} Five years after Enke's death his wife stated that she believed depression in sport was no longer a taboo subject.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29324307|title=Robert Enke's widow: Depression in sport is 'no longer taboo'|date=23 September 2014|access-date=23 September 2014|publisher=BBC Sport}} Speed hanged himself.{{cite news|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tragic-gary-speeds-sister-tells-4864972|title=Tragic Gary Speed's sister tells of Wales legend's secret depression|date=3 July 2013|access-date=19 September 2014|author=Sion Morgan|newspaper=Wales Online}}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/mens-health/8925856/Gary-Speed-the-last-taboo-is-the-agony-of-distress.html|title=Gary Speed: the last taboo is the agony of distress|date=30 November 2011|access-date=19 September 2014|author=Allison Pearson|publisher=The Telegraph}} In September 2018 his wife said that she discovered a letter written by Speed as a teenager which hinted at his long-term depression.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45545066|title=Gary Speed: Old letter hinted that 'maybe mental illness was always there'|date=17 September 2018|access-date=17 September 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}} In 2019 a 10-year memorial event for Enke was held at theatre hall in Hannover.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50377937|title=Robert Enke: Remembering former Germany and Hannover goalkeeper, 10 years on|work=BBC Sport |date=12 November 2019}}

Clarke Carlisle stated that he contemplated suicide after becoming injured early in his career,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23226524|title=Depression and suicide: Football's secret uncovered|date=9 July 2013|access-date=19 September 2014|author=Clarke Carlisle|publisher=BBC Three}} and in December 2014 attempted suicide due to the severe depression he was suffering from.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30583740|title=Clarke Carlisle in hospital after collision with lorry|date=23 December 2014|access-date=5 February 2015|publisher=BBC Sport}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31142797|title=Clarke Carlisle: Ex-PFA chairman reveals suicide attempt|date=5 February 2015|access-date=5 February 2015|publisher=BBC Sport}}

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.{{Cite web |last=mlssoccer |title=Landon Donovan's Other Legacy: Challenging the stigma of mental health {{!}} MLSSoccer.com |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/landon-donovans-other-legacy-challenging-stigma-mental-health-word |access-date=11 December 2024 |website=mlssoccer |language=en}}

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.{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/sport/fussball/fussball-bayern-profi-deisler-beendet-karriere-a-459996.html|title=Fußball: Bayern-Profi Deisler beendet Karriere|date=16 January 2007|access-date=19 September 2014|language=de|publisher=Der Spiegel|newspaper=Spiegel Online}}

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.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Estero/21-03-2011/bosman-sentenza-alcol-80566569148.shtml |title=Bosman, dalla sentenza all'alcol "Sono l'unico ad aver pagato" |work=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |last1=Marchetti |first1=Simona |date=21 March 2011 |access-date=3 November 2019 }}{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/daniellerossingh/2015/12/15/cristiano-ronaldo-owes-his-millions-to-a-penniless-belgian/#45c555f33563 |title=Cristiano Ronaldo Owes His Millions To A Penniless Belgian |work=Forbes |last1=Rossingh |first1=Danielle |date=15 December 2015 |access-date=3 November 2019 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35097223|title=Bosman ruling: 20 years on since ex-RFC Liege player's victory|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 December 2015|first=Matt|last=Slater|access-date=27 August 2019}}

Adriano struggled with depression and alcoholism following the death of his father in 2004.{{cite web |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/what-happened-adriano-dark-story-behind-brazils-party-boy-who-could-have-been-a-great |title=What happened to Adriano? The dark story behind Brazil's party boy who could have been a great |publisher=FourFourTwo |last1=Fernandes |first1=Mauro |date=13 February 2019 |access-date=11 June 2020 }}

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;{{cite web|url=http://www.lastampa.it/2008/11/13/societa/buffon-ricco-e-famoso-la-depressione-mi-prese-lo-stesso-1rg5RFbhnvY7oaNcIwNi6N/pagina.html|title=Buffon: Ricco e famoso la depressione mi prese lo stesso|trans-title=Buffon: I'm rich and famous but depression got me anyway|publisher=La Stampa|language=it|author1=Gianluigi Buffon|date=13 November 2008|access-date=11 May 2015}} he later elaborated further on his struggles with depression in 2013.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/sep/10/gianluigi-buffon-depression-italy-record|title=Gianluigi Buffon: from depression to Italy's record books|work=The Guardian|author=Marcus Christenson|date=10 September 2013|access-date=10 September 2013}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46803699|title=Gianluigi Buffon: Paris St-Germain goalkeeper reveals he had depression and panic attacks at Juventus|date=8 January 2019|access-date=9 January 2019|publisher=BBC Sport}}

Ex-player Mickey Bennett set up an organisation called Unique Sports Counselling to help footballers deal with mental health issues.{{cite web|url=http://www.thesportinmind.com/articles/helping-footballers-open-up-about-their-mental-health/|title=Helping footballers open up about their mental health|date=24 May 2013|access-date=19 September 2014|author=Fabio Zucchelli|publisher=The Sport in Mind|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403012522/http://www.thesportinmind.com/articles/helping-footballers-open-up-about-their-mental-health/|archive-date=3 April 2014|url-status=dead}}

In February 2016 Steve Harper spoke out about his mental health problems while in between clubs.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/sunderland/12154596/Sunderland-goalkeeper-Steve-Harper-I-was-out-of-work-and-felt-myself-slipping-back-into-a-dark-hole.html|title=Sunderland goalkeeper Steve Harper: I was out of work and felt myself slipping back into a dark hole|date=12 February 2016|access-date=5 March 2016|author=Luke Edwards|publisher=The Telegraph}} The PFA had to apologise after initially criticising his comments.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/sunderland/12158562/PFA-apologise-to-Steve-Harper-after-labelling-him-emotional-over-mental-health-issues.html|title=PFA apologise to Steve Harper after labelling him 'emotional' over mental health issues|date=15 February 2016|access-date=5 March 2016|author=Luke Edwards|newspaper=The Telegraph}}

In May 2016, professional footballer Chris Mitchell committed suicide. In October 2018 his family spoke out about his struggles with mental health.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45873753|title=Chris Mitchell: Family of tragic footballer on raising mental health awareness|date=16 October 2018|access-date=16 October 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}}

In May 2017, Aaron Lennon was detained under the Mental Health Act, and he received treatment for a "stress-related illness".{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39788226|title=Aaron Lennon: Everton winger detained under Mental Health Act|date=3 May 2017|work=BBC Sport}} In March 2019 he spoke about the incident, and said that other players had asked him for advice.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47546064|title=Aaron Lennon: Burnley winger says other players approached him about mental health struggles|date=12 March 2019|work=BBC Sport}}

In June 2017, Steven Caulker spoke about his struggles with depression, and his addiction to alcohol and gambling.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jun/29/steven-caulker-mental-illness-addictions-gambling-drinking-qpr|title=Steven Caulker: 'I've sat here for years hating myself … This year was almost the end'|date=29 June 2017|access-date=15 January 2019|author=Dominic Field|work=The Guardian}}

In February 2018 David Cox stated that he had been mocked by both players and fans for discussing his mental health problems.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-42901550|title=Players taunted footballer over depression|date=2 February 2018|access-date=2 February 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}}

In March 2018, the UK government announced plans to deal with mental health in professional sports.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/43483169|title=Mental health action plan for elite athletes put in place by government|date=21 March 2018|access-date=21 March 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}} Later that month, Harry Smith released a statement stating that he was seeking help for mental health and gambling addiction problems.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43522629|title=Harry Smith: Millwall striker getting help for mental health and addiction issues|date=23 March 2018|access-date=9 November 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}} That same month, Danish player Jannik Skov Hansen talked about the depression and suicidal thoughts he had experienced earlier in his career.{{cite web|url=https://www.bt.dk/superligaen/superliga-spiller-ramte-bunden-jeg-havde-selvmordstanker|title=Superliga-spiller ramte bunden: Jeg havde selvmordstanker|date=29 March 2018|access-date=9 January 2019|author=Farzam Abolhosseini|language=da|publisher=BT}}

In April 2018 The Secret Footballer, an anonymous former Premier League player, talked about his depression.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43680519|title=The Secret Footballer: I want to 'out' myself - but fear I'll be sued|date=9 April 2018|access-date=10 April 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}}

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.{{cite journal |title=Andrés Iniesta conmueve a todos hablando de cómo salió de "pozo" en el que cayó |url=http://www.lecturas.com/actualidad/andres-iniesta-conmueve-a-todos-hablando-como-salio-pozo-que-cayo_44036/3 |date=28 May 2018 |access-date=7 June 2018 |journal=Lecturas |language=es |publisher=RBA}}{{cite journal |title=Andrés Iniesta confiesa a Risto Mejide que sufrió una depresión antes de ir al Mundial |url=https://www.hola.com/actualidad/20180528124789/andres-iniesta-confiesa-sufrio-depresion/ |date=28 May 2018 |access-date=7 June 2018 |journal=¡Hola! |language=es}}

In June 2018, England international Danny Rose stated that he had been diagnosed with depression.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44392337|title=World Cup 2018: England's Danny Rose reveals depression diagnosis|date=6 June 2018|access-date=7 June 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45510063|title=Marvin Sordell calls for full-time counsellors in football clubs|date=13 September 2018|access-date=13 September 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}} When Sordell retired from football in July 2019 he cited his mental health.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49127523|title=Marvin Sordell: Burton Albion striker retires from professional football at 28|date=26 July 2019|work=BBC Sport}} Later that month Anthony Knockaert also revealed his struggles with mental health issues,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45591883|title=Anthony Knockaert: Brighton & Hove Albion winger reveals mental health struggles|date=20 September 2018|access-date=20 September 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}} as did David Cotterill.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45579754|title=David Cotterill: Wales winger opens up about depression|date=24 September 2018|access-date=24 September 2018|author=Chris Wathan|publisher=BBC Sport}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45794995|title=Michael Carrick: 'I was depressed for two years after Champions League final defeat'|date=9 October 2018|access-date=9 October 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}} Later that month Christian Nadé revealed that he had tried to commit suicide in 2014 following struggles with depression.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46003082|title=Christian Nade: Former Hearts, Raith & Dumbarton striker on his suicide attempt|date=30 October 2018|access-date=1 November 2018|author=Daldeep Kaur|publisher=BBC Sport}}

In June 2019, former player Emmanuel Eboué spoke about his ongoing struggles with mental health.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48593533|title=Emmanuel Eboue: Former Ivory Coast defender reveals his struggles continue|date=11 June 2019|work=BBC Sport}} In August 2019 Martin Ling discussed his mental health problems.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49177873|title=Depression: Leyton Orient's Martin Ling talks about his mental health problems|date=1 August 2019|work=BBC Sport}}

Billy Kee has spoken publicly about his struggles with anxiety and depression, which led him to considering giving up football.{{cite news |title=Accrington Stanley striker Billy Kee speaks openly about his struggle with severe anxiety and depression. |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/42968278 |website=BBC Sport |date=7 February 2018 |access-date=7 February 2018}} In September 2019 it was revealed that Kee was seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, and bulimia.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49649290|title=Billy Kee: Accrington Stanley striker receiving treatment for depression|date=10 September 2019|work=BBC Sport}} During that same month, the English Football League announced a scheme in conjunction with mental health charity Mind called 'Get Set to Go'.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49501802|title=Get Set to Go: How EFL clubs and Mind are tackling mental health issues|date=19 September 2019|work=BBC Sport}} This included a series of street art pieces to raise awareness about mental health.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50003423|title=World Mental Health Day: Street art campaign launched by English Football League|date=10 October 2019|work=BBC Sport}} 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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49850522|title=Motherwell: Clubs have duty of care for players' wellbeing - Robinson|date=27 September 2019|work=BBC Sport}} Kee announced his retirement from professional football on 29 January 2020 due to mental health.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51344276|title=Billy Kee: Accrington Stanley retire forward's 29 shirt number after emotional farewell|work=BBC Sport |date=1 February 2020}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.itasportpress.it/calcio/acerbi-la-confessione-quando-e-morto-mio-padre-ho-toccato-il-fondo-il-cancro-mi-ha-salvato/|title=Acerbi, la confessione: "Quando è morto mio padre ho toccato il fondo. Il cancro mi ha salvato…"|publisher=www.itasportpress.it|language=it|date=26 October 2019|access-date=18 November 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.football-italia.net/145686/acerbi-cancer-saved-me |title=Acerbi: 'Cancer saved me' |publisher=Football Italia |date=27 October 2019 |access-date=18 November 2019 }}

In November 2019, initiatives to promote mental health in football included Prince William meeting with West Bromwich Albion players to discuss the topic.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-50592691|title=William talks mental health with West Brom players|work=BBC News |date=28 November 2019}}

In December 2019 ex-professional Rhodri Jones spoke out about the pressures that young players face.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-50812520|title=Ex-Man Utd player: 'The pitch was like a prison'|work=BBC News |date=17 December 2019}}

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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-50979385|title=Football fans urged to consider mental health|work=BBC News |date=3 January 2020}} That same weekend ex-player Paul Merson spoke about his struggles with mental health.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50991832|title=Paul Merson: Ex-England midfielder talks about his mental health struggles|work=BBC Sport |date=4 January 2020}} Later that month former player Brian Lenihan revealed that he retired from professional football at the age of 23 mental health issues.{{Cite web|url=https://www.the42.ie/brian-lenihan-mental-health-retire-football-4082728-Jun2018/|title=Brian Lenihan reveals that mental health battle forced his football retirement at 23|first=Niall|last=Kelly|website=The42|date=20 June 2018 }}

For the 2020–21 season, Newport County appointed Kevin Ellison as their 'mental health ambassador'.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54478509|title=Ellison keen to talk mental health|work=BBC Sport }} In June 2018 he has publicly talked about his struggles with depression, giving advice to fellow professionals.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44647577|title=Morecambe winger offers depression help|work=BBC Sport }}

In October 2020, former Manchester City academy player Jeremy Wisten committed suicide by hanging in his home in Baguley.{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/teen-who-found-difficult-after-22107253|title=Teen who found it 'difficult' after being dropped by Man City academy took his own life at home, inquest hears|first=James|last=Holt|date=8 November 2021|accessdate=27 February 2023|website=manchestereveningnews.co.uk}}{{cite web|url=https://theathletic.com/2161141/2020/10/27/jeremy-wisten-manchester-city/|title=The tragedy of Jeremy Wisten and the lessons football has to learn|first=Oliver|last=Kay|date=28 October 2020|accessdate=27 February 2023|website=theathletic.com}} {{subscription required}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-59214647|title=Man City did not give 'right support' to teenager, inquest told|date=9 November 2021|accessdate=27 February 2023|website=bbc.co.uk}}

In January 2021, Cheltenham Town captain Ben Tozer spoke about his previous struggles with anxiety, which led to him nearly quitting the game.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55635540|title='I hated football' - how Cheltenham captain rekindled his career|work=BBC Sport }} That same month Jordan Ibe revealed that he was suffering with depression, describing himself as being in a "dark place".{{cite news |title=Jordon Ibe: Derby winger in 'dark place' with depression |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55758746 |access-date=22 January 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=21 January 2021}}

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.{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/apr/30/albion-rovers-david-cox-quits-football-after-alleged-mental-health-taunt|title=Albion Rovers' David Cox to retire after alleged mental health taunt|date=30 April 2021|website=The Guardian}}

In January 2022, Josip Iličić missed game time due to mental health issues.{{Cite web|url=https://football-italia.net/ilicic-reportedly-absent-due-to-mental-health-concerns/|title=Ilicic reportedly absent due to mental health concerns - Football Italia|date=22 January 2022|website=football-italia.net}} 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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/ilicic-fell-into-depression-after-catching-coronavirus-says-atalanta-team-mate-gomez/rr4ze4cosdav15vv8s3vhqz9t|title=Ilicic fell into depression after catching coronavirus, says Atalanta team-mate Gomez|date=27 October 2020|website=goal.com}}

In February 2022 former players Chris Sutton and Micah Richards spoke about mental health issues in their playing days.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60296727|title=Richards & Sutton open up on mental health|work=BBC Sport }}

In March 2022, Paul Pogba said that he had suffered from depression whilst being managed by José Mourinho at Manchester United during 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60843380|title=Pogba says he experienced depression|work=BBC Sport }}

In May 2022 Dominic Calvert-Lewin spoke out about his mental health problems.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61559088|title=Calvert-Lewin reveals mental health struggles|work=BBC Sport }} That same month the WSL academies began a campaign around mental health.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61417523|title=How are WSL academies supporting mental health?|work=BBC Sport }}

In June 2022 Tottenham players Harry Kane and Matt Doherty discussed the matter of mental health in professional sport.{{Cite news|url=https://youtube.com/IBvZBtRT6Qc?si=bY3ZNvu-DY4cJo2_|title=Harry Kane and Matt Doherty discuss mental health matters in football|date=2 June 2022|website=youtube.com}}

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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63158575|title=Reid 'just had to' make move into counselling|work=BBC Sport }} That month, Theo Vassell stated that he had battled with depression since childhood, which led to suicide attempts as a teenager.{{cite news |last1=Whitwell |first1=Laurie |title=Vassell: 'I used to say, "If I feel like this, why would I want to live?" Talking's lifted a weight.' |url=https://theathletic.com/3667301/2022/10/10/i-used-to-say-if-i-feel-like-this-why-would-i-want-to-live-talking-has-lifted-a-weight/ |access-date=12 May 2023 |work=The Athletic |date=10 October 2022 |language=en}}

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.{{cite web|

url=https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/review-of-christian-pulisic-book-my-journey-so-far-20221113-WST-407904.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116080813/https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/review-of-christian-pulisic-book-my-journey-so-far-20221113-WST-407904.html |archive-date=16 November 2022 |url-status=live |title=Review of Christian Pulisic book, "My Journey So Far" |date=13 November 2022 }}

In November 2022, Prince William and footballers Harry Kane and Declan Rice discussed mental health for the BBC, in an effort to raise awareness.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63540376|title=Prince William speaks with England's Kane and Rice|work=BBC Sport }}

Millie Farrow has struggled with obsessive compulsive disorder throughout her career.{{cite web|title=Millie Farrow on OCD: 'It got to the point where it controlled my life'|url=https://theathletic.com/4106410/2023/01/21/millie-farrow-ocd/|work=The Athletic|accessdate=27 January 2023|date=21 January 2023|last=Whyatt|first=Katie}} In 2023, she released a book called Brave Enough Not To Quit, which details how she deals with her OCD and anxiety.{{cite web|title=Millie Farrow on her struggle with OCD and serious injuries|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64386272|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=27 January 2023|date=27 January 2023|last=Sanders|first=Emma}}

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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64756239|title=France captain Renard takes 'step back' from team|work=BBC Sport }}

Former Manchester United youth team captain Tom Thorpe spent five years away from the sport due to mental health problems, returning in 2023.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65369552|title=The Man Utd Youth Cup winner who almost quit football|work=BBC Sport }}

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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66187943|title=Dele Alli says he was sexually abused as a child|work=BBC Sport }}

In September 2023, Brazilian footballer Richarlison said that he would seek "psychological help" for off-pitch issues that were affecting his playing.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66797630|title=I will seek psychological help - Richarlison|work=BBC Sport }} Later that month, Bradford City announced a campaign to promote mental health.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/23796825.bantams-take-lead-role-football-wises-mental-health/|title='If a lad is hobbling, you know he's got an injury. You can't see mental illness'|date=19 September 2023|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39818839/richarlison-says-had-dark-thoughts-2022-world-cup |title=Richarlison had dark thoughts after World Cup |work=ESPN.com |date=27 March 2024 |access-date=27 March 2024 }}

In October 2023, Norwich City released a video for World Mental Health Day which was praised by UEFA.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ck7wjv4d730o|title=Moving Norwich City mental health video hailed by UEFA|date=11 October 2023|website=BBC News}}

In November 2023, a number of England players including Beth Mead and Ben Chilwell launched a new mental health initiative.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67282466|title=Mead and Chilwell spearhead new mental health initiative|work=BBC Sport }}

In December 2023, Northern Ireland player Rebecca Holloway discussed her mental health problems.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67538156|title='I just shut down' - Holloway on mental health struggles|work=BBC Sport }}

In January 2024, former player Thierry Henry said he had been depressed throughout his career.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67918952|title=Henry tells of 'depression' during playing career|work=BBC Sport }} Later that month, active player James Talbot announced he was 'stepping back' from football due to his mental health.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67906014|title=Bohs' Talbot steps back to address mental health|date=8 January 2024|website=BBC Sport}} The BBC also asked whether the Women's Super League was doing enough to support women's footballers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67443393|title=Is there enough mental health support in the WSL?|date=17 January 2024|website=BBC Sport}} Also in January 2024, Tyreece John-Jules said that a spate of injuries was taking a toll on him mentally.{{Cite news|url=https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/derby-county-tyreece-john-jules-9059736|title=Paul Warne issues emotional update as striker left 'destroyed' by injury blow|newspaper=Derbyshire Live |via=www.derbytelegraph.co.uk|date=26 January 2024|access-date=26 January 2024}}

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.{{cite web |url=https://football-italia.net/ex-serie-a-and-italy-striker-osvaldo-admits-battling-depression-and-addictions-in-heart-touching-video/ |title=Ex-Serie A and Italy striker Osvaldo admits battling depression and addictions in heart-touching video |publisher=Football Italia |date=14 March 2024 |access-date=25 March 2024 }}

In June 2024, it was revealed that the Bradford City mental health supporters' group had helped 500 people.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/24366980.bradford-city-mental-health-group-helps-500-sufferers/|title=Bantams mental health group proud after bringing up major milestone|date=5 June 2024|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}

In July 2024, Scottish referee chief Willie Collum warned that criticism of referees would affect their mental health.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c03lyrje073o|title=Willie Collum: Scottish referees chief on mental health|date=27 July 2024|website=BBC Sport}}

In October 2024, a Professional Footballers' Association survey of 1,000 players found that 68% felt that the fear of injuries impacted their mental health.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c3wp3qgg0v1o|title=Fear of injury is impacting player mental health, Professional Footballers' Association survey finds|date=10 October 2024|website=BBC Sport}}

In December 2024, Tino Anjorin spoke about his mental health problems whilst injured.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c9q748j1yj8o|title=Chelsea: Ex-player Tino Anjorin says injuries damaged mental health|date=17 December 2024|website=BBC Sport}}

• Mental health in the Australian Football League

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• {{Cite book |first1=Paul |last1=Gascoigne |first2=Hunter |last2=Davies |author2-link=Hunter Davis |year=2004 |title=Gazza: My Story |publisher=Headline Publishing |location=London |isbn=0-7472-7118-6 |ref={{harvid|Gascoigne|2004}} |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/gazzamystory0000gasc }}

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Mental health

Mental health

Mental health

Association football