Unraveling the Enigma of Women’s Soccer: Seeking a Solution

Megan Rapinoe is a well-known name, even if you’re not a die-hard women’s soccer fan. What you might not be aware of is that she has suffered three torn ACLs, which is not uncommon in women’s soccer. The New York Times refers to it as a “knee injury epidemic,” a problem that continues to plague women’s soccer with more questions than answers. According to the article, there is a long list of star players affected by ACL tears, including Catarina Macario and Christen Press from the US team, as well as Leah Williamson and Beth Mead from England. Key players from Canada, France, and the Netherlands have also experienced similar injuries.

The number of ACL injuries in women’s soccer is alarmingly high. According to the Washington Post, there have been at least 87 players from the top eight women’s leagues since 2021 who have suffered from torn ACLs. This has raised concerns among players, who are now seeking answers. While it is known that women have a higher risk of ACL tears, the exact magnitude of the risk remains uncertain. Estimates reported by ESPN range from two to eight times greater. Although there is no definitive cause, several theories have been proposed. Differences in knee, leg, and foot structure, smaller ACLs in women, hormonal changes, footwear designed for men, and playing on substandard fields are some of the potential factors. Another theory is that the intensity of the sport has increased, leading to more games played at faster and more physical levels, without adequate support structures such as medical staff and physiotherapists.

“The number of ACL injuries in professional women’s soccer in the last two years has been astonishing,” stated Christen Press in a recent interview with ESPN. “If this were happening in men’s soccer, we would have seen immediate action to address the issue.” Alex Culvin, head of women’s soccer strategy and research at the FIFPro players union, describes it as a complex problem that requires a comprehensive solution. She emphasizes that female players are expected to perform at a professional level, with an increasing number of matches and new competitions. However, the professional standards required to meet these obligations are not yet in place. (Read more US women’s soccer stories.)