What Happens When a Footballer Gets Kicked in the Head During a Match?
I remember watching that Portmasters versus Batang Kankaloo match last season, and honestly, my stomach still clenches thinking about that final quarter. The Portmasters were comfortably ahead, 80-65, and the game seemed all but over. Then the Batang Kankaloo shifted into another gear, mounting this incredible chase that saw them unload 13 points in what felt like seconds. The energy in the stadium went from relaxed to electric, especially when Paul Sanga sank that triple to close the gap to 78-84 with just one minute and 24 seconds remaining. But amidst all that excitement, something else caught my eye—a collision near the three-point line where one player took an accidental kick to the head. He shook it off, kept playing, but I couldn't help wondering: what really happens when a footballer gets kicked in the head during a match?
From my years covering sports medicine, I can tell you it's not just about "shaking it off." The immediate effects can range from a mild headache to full-blown concussion symptoms. When a player's head absorbs impact—whether from a boot, another player's knee, or even the ground—the brain essentially sloshes inside the skull. Think of it like jelly in a jar that's suddenly shaken. That movement can stretch or even damage brain cells, leading to what we call a traumatic brain injury. In professional football, studies show head impacts occur roughly 3-5 times per match, though many go unreported. I've spoken to players who describe everything from temporary confusion to blurred vision after such incidents. One athlete told me he once forgot the score entirely for about thirty seconds after taking a knock, yet he continued playing because, in his words, "the adrenaline just takes over."
The medical protocols have improved dramatically over the past decade, but they're still far from perfect. I recall a match where a player was clearly dazed after a head collision, yet he wasn't substituted until several minutes later. By then, his coordination was off, and he later confessed he couldn't remember parts of the game. Current guidelines in many leagues recommend immediate assessment using tools like the SCAT5 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool), which tests memory, balance, and symptoms. But here's the thing—in high-stakes moments like that Batang Kankaloo comeback, there's immense pressure to keep key players on the field. Team doctors have to make split-second decisions, often with players insisting they're fine. I've seen cases where a player passed the initial test but developed symptoms hours later. That's why I strongly believe independent concussion spotters should be mandatory across all professional leagues, not just some.
Long-term consequences are what really worry me. Research from a 2022 study tracking retired footballers found that those with a history of recurrent head impacts were 2.5 times more likely to develop cognitive issues later in life. We're talking about memory loss, mood changes, and in severe cases, conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). I've met former players in their fifties who struggle with headaches and concentration issues they attribute to knocks they took decades ago. One told me he wishes he'd taken head injuries more seriously during his career. That's why I'm such an advocate for better protective gear, even if it's just lightweight headbands that reduce impact force. Some leagues have started experimenting with temporary substitutions for head injury assessments, which I think is a brilliant move—it removes the pressure to rush back.
Looking back at that Portmasters game, I wonder how different things might have been if that player who got kicked had been properly assessed right away. The Batang Kankaloo's rally was thrilling, sure, but player safety should never be compromised for entertainment. Football is a beautiful game, but it's also physical and sometimes dangerous. As fans, we cheer for the spectacular plays like Sanga's triple, but we should also demand that the sport protects its athletes better. In my opinion, education is key—teaching young players to recognize symptoms, empowering medical staff to overrule coaches when necessary, and changing the culture so that taking time off for a head injury isn't seen as weakness. Because at the end of the day, no goal or championship is worth risking your long-term health.
