Mental health and well‑being in youth football players: a systematic review

Background Mental health (MH) and well-being (WB) are increasingly recognized as critical issues in youth sport. This systematic review synthesized evidence on MH and WB outcomes in youth football and identified associated risk and protective factors.
Methods A systematic search was conducted in Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus in January 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they involved YFP aged 12–19, used validated MH or WB measures, and were published in English.
Results Twenty-five studies (n = 7,123; 15.8% female) met the criteria. Reported prevalence of elevated symptoms was 8–21% for anxiety, 6.5–40% for depression, up to 37% for distress, 17–30% for impaired WB, and 11–17% for disordered eating. Various risk factors (e.g., female gender, older age, perfectionistic concerns, disempowering coaching climates) and protective factors (e.g., empowering climates, transformational leadership, harmonious passion, satisfaction of basic psychological needs) were identified.
Conclusions Symptoms of MH problems are prevalent in youth football, highlighting the need for regular MH screening, coach education, psychological skills training, and multidisciplinary support. More longitudinal and intervention research, particularly involving female players, is needed.