Do headers in football (soccer) cause brain damage? I read once an article that soccer players have reduced brain function when doing too many headers (i.e. hitting the soccer ball with your head). Discovery.com > A new study of long-time adult soccer players has found changes in the brain similar to traumatic brain injury as a result of repeated “headers” of the ball. The study also found an association between players who had repeatedly headed, and slight memory loss. Is there any scientific data backing this up? Is the damage permanent or only temporary?

Certainly in England the link between heading a football and injury leading to death has been proven as the case of Jeff Astle, a former West Bromwich Albion soccer player, shows. In a definitive ruling, based on evidence provided by neurosurgeon Dr. Willie Stewart, the original diagnosis of Alzheimer's has been shown to be wrong and the correct diagnosis of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is now recorded as the cause of Astle's death. As his Wikipedia entry shows, he played over 360 times for his club and 5 times for his country.

Former England and West Brom striker Jeff Astle has been confirmed as the first ever British footballer to die as a result of heading a football.

And this article, drawing on data provided by the same authority, expands upon the subject of head injuries in sport.