Heading a soccer ball just once raises levels of proteins linked to brain damage

Amsterdam University Medical Center studied 302 high-level amateur male soccer players across 11 matches.

A single header was linked to higher post-match S100B, and two or more headers were associated with increased p-tau217.

These biomarker changes returned to baseline within 24 to 48 hours, but the results suggest heading can cause immediate brain stress.

The findings could help shape safety guidance on heading in amateur soccer.