Growing concern emerged over the alarming increase in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among female football players, especially those participating in international tournaments like the Women’s World Cup. Reports from major publications such as The New Yorker drew attention to a disturbing trend: a surge in ACL tears despite strategic squad rotations meant to manage player fatigue. The issue struck high-profile athletes and sent ripples through coaching staff, sports medicine experts, and football governing bodies.
Medical professionals and sports scientists quickly began exploring the root causes. Many pointed to the complex interplay of anatomical differences, including wider pelvises and greater knee valgus angles in female athletes, which can increase susceptibility to ACL damage. Other contributing factors included insufficient neuromuscular conditioning, suboptimal biomechanics, and intense playing schedules without adequate recovery periods.
In response to the crisis, FIFA took swift action. It released an updated version of its ACL prevention application, emphasizing neuromuscular training programs such as the Prevent Injury and Enhance Performance (PEP) program. Backed by clinical research, these interventions have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of non-contact ACL injuries. The app includes video tutorials and tailored routines focusing on core stability, proprioception, balance, and strength training.
Clubs and national teams across the globe responded by integrating these prevention strategies into their training regimens. Preseason workshops now commonly include in-depth sessions on injury mechanisms, corrective movement techniques, and proper landing mechanics. Medical teams began hosting virtual clinics to reach grassroots organizations, particularly in remote or underfunded regions where access to specialist care is limited.
This grassroots shift is crucial. While elite teams have long benefited from cutting-edge sports science, the ACL prevention movement is now making its way to youth academies, amateur clubs, and community leagues. Coaches are being trained to identify risky movement patterns and implement warm-up routines that emphasize injury mitigation.
The growing awareness and coordinated response reflect a broader commitment to safeguarding the health and longevity of women in football. As these injury-prevention protocols gain traction worldwide, the hope is that fewer athletes will face the long, often career-disrupting recovery from ACL surgery. The global football community appears to be turning the corner—from crisis response to proactive protection.
