Exploring the contextual relationships between match day load and recovery biomarkers in professional soccer players

Carina Hanson-Evans, 1. School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK; 2. Brentford FC Football Research Centre, Brentford FC, London, UKFollow
Ryland Morgans, 1. School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK; 2. Brentford FC Football Research Centre, Brentford FC, London, UK
Rafael Oliveria, 1. Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health and Human Development (CIDESD), Santarém Polytechnic University, Rio Maior, Portugal; 2. Santarém Polytechnic University, School of Sport, Rio Maior, Portugal
Jule Scholten, 1. School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK; 2. Brentford FC Football Research Centre, Brentford FC, London, UK
Roi Gil, 1. School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK; 2. Brentford FC Football Research Centre, Brentford FC, London, UK
Ben Ryan, Brentford FC Football Research Centre, Brentford FC, London, UK
Jon Oliver, School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
Piotr Żmijewski, Department of Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland
Michael G. Hughes, School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK

Abstract

Background: This study examined the relationship between match-day (MD) load and contextual factors on recovery biomarkers in professional soccer players across the 2024/2025 competitive season. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six male professional soccer players provided blood samples following 38 competitive matches. High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), Free-Oxygen Radicals Test (FORT), Free-Oxygen Radicals Defence Test (FORD) and Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) were analyzed. Physical MD load was measured via a Global Positioning System (GPS). Results: Differences in High-Load vs Low-Load matches did not significantly influence post-match levels of hs-CRP, FORD, FORT or OSI. Increased high-intensity running and elevated inflammation, with non-significant moderate-to-large effects (g = 0.53–0.61) were observed. The timing of post-match biomarker testing (i.e., MD+1, MD+2, and MD+3) had a significant effect on hs-CRP (p < 0.001) and FORD (p = 0.002), although no effects were observed for FORT or OSI. There was no significant difference in any biomarker across early-, mid-, or late-season. Finally, there were no significant biomarker differences between a one-match week and a two-match week. Conclusions: The current findings challenge the use of isolated biomarker monitoring in a professional soccer setting to detect recovery responses to MD load and highlight the importance of standardizing post-match measurement timing.

Recommended Citation

Hanson-Evans C, Morgans R, Oliveria R, Scholten J, Gil R, Ryan B, Oliver J, Zmijewski P, Hughes MG. Exploring the contextual relationships between match day load and recovery biomarkers in professional soccer players. Balt J Health Phys Act. 2026;18(3):Article6. DOI: 10.29359/BJHPA.18.3.06