Caffeine supplementation for soccer: A review of strengths, limitations, and knowledge gaps

Tallis, Jason and Duncan, Michael and Richardson, Darren and Clarke, Neil and Guimarães-Ferreira, Lucas (2025) Caffeine supplementation for soccer: A review of strengths, limitations, and knowledge gaps. International Journal of Sports Medicine. ISSN 0172-4622

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Abstract

Caffeine is a well-established ergogenic aid with a wealth of evidence demonstrating beneficial effects for physical performance, cognitive function and sport specific skills. Intuitively, it may be considered that such effects may translate to improved soccer specific performance, however, evidence examining the effects of caffeine on the interacting demands of soccer match play is sparse. Given that caffeine supplementation is highly prevalent in professional soccer, and in a number of cases practices adopted lack supporting evidence, this review evaluates the current state of the knowledge regarding the ergogenic potential of acute caffeine consumption specifically for soccer performance. Furthermore, this review identifies knowledge gaps to guide future research, and whilst considering the unique environmental constraints, uses the available evidence to develop practical guidelines for safe and effective use.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1055/a-2709-6847
Dates:	Date Event 24 September 2025 Accepted 24 September 2025 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	ergogenic aids, football, performance, sports nutrition
Subjects:	CAH03 - biological and sport sciences > CAH03-02 - sport and exercise sciences > CAH03-02-01 - sport and exercise sciences
Divisions:	Life and Health Sciences > Life and Sports Sciences
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	06 Oct 2025 13:17
Last Modified:	06 Oct 2025 13:17
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16662

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