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Soccer players may experience short-term kidney function changes — but serious injury is rare. A new systematic review presented at ASN Kidney Week found that most biomarker fluctuations, including elevated creatinine and protein in urine, resolve within 1–3 days. Key risk factors like dehydration, NSAID use, and heat illness are largely preventable with proper planning.
Soccer is a demanding sport — and all that running, sweating, and physical contact can temporarily stress the kidneys. A systematic review presented at ASN Kidney Week found that soccer players commonly experience short-term changes in kidney function, including rises in serum creatinine, reduced eGFR, and exercise-related protein or blood in the urine. The good news? Most of these effects resolve on their own within 1 to 3 days of rest and recovery.
Clinically significant acute kidney injury (AKI) or traumatic kidney injury was uncommon, but when it did occur, it was tied to modifiable risk factors — meaning it's largely preventable. Clinicians are advised to flag any abnormalities that persist beyond 72 hours for further evaluation.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: As sports nephrology emerges as a distinct field, this review gives clinicians a practical framework for interpreting post-exercise kidney findings and supporting safe athletic participation without missing preventable risks.
