Topic Discussion: Futball and the Kidney ( soccer)

What happens to the kidneys during a soccer match?

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, it's the perfect time to remember that soccer doesn't just challenge the heart and muscles—it also places unique physiological stress on the kidneys. A review in Kidney Medicine explores the fascinating intersection of sports nephrology and soccer. 

⚽ Top 5 Kidney Takeaways

Most kidney changes are physiologic—not pathologic.
Transient rises in serum creatinine, exercise-induced proteinuria, microscopic hematuria, and reductions in eGFR are common after intense matches and usually resolve within 24–72 hours.

Hydration is kidney protection.

Maintaining hydration before, during, and after matches minimizes tubular stress and limits increases in biomarkers such as NGAL and KIM-1, especially during play in heat.

Creatinine isn't the whole story.
Because muscle injury elevates serum creatinine, biomarkers such as cystatin C, NGAL, and KIM-1 may better distinguish physiologic adaptation from true kidney injury in athletes.

Avoid unnecessary NSAIDs.
Dehydration, heat stress, rhabdomyolysis, and NSAID use together substantially increase the risk of acute kidney injury during competition.

Soccer remains kidney-safe for most athletes.
With appropriate hydration, individualized risk assessment, and avoidance of nephrotoxins, even many athletes with CKD, a solitary kidney, or a kidney transplant can safely participate.

Bottom line: Soccer challenges the kidneys—but in healthy athletes these changes are usually adaptive, transient, and reversible. Understanding these physiologic responses helps clinicians avoid overdiagnosis while recognizing the rare athlete who truly needs evaluation.

Figure from paper