How important is therapy for players at the World Cup? Psychologist responds
The 2026 World Cup has once again put athletes' mental health in the spotlight. In recent months, players like Neymar, 34, have publicly reported the importance of seeking psychological help in difficult times, reinforcing a debate that is gaining more and more space in high-performance sport.
For experts, psychological support is no longer a resource used only in times of crisis and has become part of the preparation of those who need to act under constant pressure.
The pressure of the World Cup requires preparation beyond the physical part
According to Ticiana Paiva, PhD in Psychology and head of Psychology at Starbem, playing in a World Cup means dealing with much more than challenges on the field. "Representing a country involves carrying the expectations of millions of people. Even experienced athletes are not immune to this pressure, because it does not disappear over time, it just changes form", he explained.
The expert states that this scenario can make the player enter a permanent state of alert, marked by fear of making mistakes, excessive self-demand and difficulty resting. As a consequence, essential skills for a match, such as concentration, decision-making and quality of sleep, may be impaired.
Despite the advances, Ticiana highlights that there is still resistance when it comes to football therapy. "For a long time, seeking psychological help was associated with fragility or a lack of strength. Fortunately, this scenario has been changing, mainly because elite athletes have started to talk openly about anxiety, depression and other emotional challenges."
In the psychologist's opinion, today many clubs already understand that taking care of mental health is part of sports preparation and not just a measure for moments of intense suffering.
How therapy helps players' performance
Another point highlighted by the expert is the idea that an athlete needs to demonstrate strength all the time. For her, this view is wrong. "Being strong does not mean not feeling fear, frustration or pain. Psychological strength has more to do with recognizing your own emotions, processing them and moving forward with clarity", he clarified.
She explains that therapy helps players develop self-knowledge, deal better with criticism, reduce anxiety and face the emotional impacts caused by mistakes, defeats or injuries. In parallel with clinical monitoring, Sports Psychology also works on skills such as focus, emotional control, resilience and concentration.
According to the professional, visualization techniques, breathing exercises, mental training and pre-game routines are tools that help the athlete maintain emotional stability even in decisive matches.
In addition, psychological support also helps to create healthy boundaries in the face of criticism on social media and strengthens the player's identity beyond performance on the field.
Personal life can also directly influence sports performance. According to Ticiana, romantic conflicts, separations, grief or family problems consume emotional energy and can compromise concentration and the ability to recover physically. On the other hand, healthy relationships function as an important support network for athletes.
Mental health is also part of high performance
For the specialist, it is possible to say that psychological support also improves sports performance. "Psychology does not teach anyone how to win, but it reduces emotional and cognitive interference that compromise performance. In high-performance sports, the difference often lies precisely in the ability to maintain confidence, clarity and emotional stability under pressure."
When talking about the increase in cases of anxiety, depression and exhaustion among athletes, Ticiana reinforces that taking care of the mind must be seen in the same way as taking care of the body.
"Performance without care comes at a high price. Everyone understands that an injured muscle needs treatment. We need to normalize the idea that the mind is also overloaded and needs care", he highlighted.
She also left a message for athletes, families and fans. "Asking for help does not diminish anyone's strength, on the contrary, it helps to sustain a longer career. And it is important to remember that, before being idols, players are human beings. No victory is worth losing yourself."
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Source: CNN