Reliable evidence is available supporting the impact of Nordic eccentric hamstring exercises to prevent hamstring injuries, nevertheless strengthening exercises were not found to be effective in preventing other soccer injuries. Similarly video-based awareness interventions did not have any effect in the reduction of the number of soccer injuries. In contrast, stretching and flexibility exercises did not reduce the risk of muscle and tendon injuries. There is also good evidence supporting balance and proprioceptive exercises for preventing recurrent ankle sprains and ACL injuries. An orthosis have been reported to be supportive after previous ankle injuries but no effect was found for initial injuries. Studies have examined the effects of several interventions in preventing injuries in soccer using one or more strategies. There is therefore a constant need for injury prevention studies to identify the effectiveness of prevention programs on actual incidence of injury using prospective methods. Loss of key players due to injuries may also have an impact on the performance and success of teams. Sprains, strains and contusions are the most prominent types of injuries resulting in extended periods of absence from training and match participation and lead to medical and rehabilitation expenses.

Injuries generally occur more frequently during matches than during training and most commonly in the lower extremities. Effective injury prevention is therefore an important goal for professional teams.

For individual soccer players, the loss of income due to injury may have severe consequences as alternative employment possibilities may be decreased, particularly in low-income countries. The incidence of injury in soccer players is high at all levels and ranges from 1.2 to 18.

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