Manchester United defender Raphaël Varane recently spoke out about the challenges he has faced due to suffering multiple concussions throughout his career. Varane, who has played for both club and country while dealing with the effects of head injuries, shared that he wants to raise awareness on the underrepresented issue in modern football. The former France international revealed that he got concussed playing in a World Cup match against Nigeria in 2014, and also played with head injury symptoms for Real Madrid against Manchester City in the Champions League during the 2019-20 season.
Varane explained that the effects of concussions continue to affect him, particularly relating to “micro-concussions” caused by headers. This has forced him out of games for Manchester United this season. Despite this, Varane highlighted the lack of conversations around head injuries in men’s football culture. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the invisible symptoms of head injuries and the need for a shift in how these issues are perceived in the sport.
Varane mentioned that changes need to be made to protect players from overexposure to head trauma, starting from a young age. He shared that he advises his own son not to header the ball due to the potential long-term harmful effects. The impact of repeated concussions can lead to brain injury and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a debilitating brain disease with negative symptoms that worsen over time.
Football’s Response to Concussions
In response to the growing concerns around concussions in football, England’s Football Association has implemented protocols that require immediate removal of players suspected of having a concussion from the pitch. Additionally, football’s lawmakers, IFAB, have approved the use of permanent concussion substitutions after appeals from governing bodies and organizers, including the Premier League. These changes aim to prioritize the health and well-being of players by addressing head injuries more effectively.
The impact of concussions on professional footballers, as highlighted by Raphaël Varane’s personal experience, sheds light on the often overlooked issue in the sport. The ongoing effects of head injuries, particularly micro-concussions, underscore the need for increased awareness, prevention, and better management of concussions in football. By prioritizing player safety and well-being, football can work towards creating a safer environment for all athletes at every level of the game.
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