Sex has long been a topic of debate in football, with myths, scientific research, and player experiences shaping discussions on its impact on performance. Over the years, various teams have imposed bans on sex before matches, believing it could drain energy and weaken players’ legs. From World Cup squads to club-level curfews, the debate over abstinence and performance continues to divide coaches, players, and sports scientists. But is there any truth to this belief?
The Origins of the Myth
The idea that sex affects athletic performance dates back to ancient Greece, where Olympians were advised to abstain before competing. In modern times, famous athletes like Muhammad Ali reportedly avoided sex for six weeks before a fight, while football coaches have issued strict no-sex policies during tournaments. Some players swear by abstinence, while others, including legendary figures in football, have dismissed the notion entirely.
Major sporting events have recognized the active role of sex in athlete culture. The 2024 Paris Olympics, for example, distributed nearly half a million condoms to athletes, similar to the 2016 Rio Games. But does engaging in sexual activity actually impact a footballer’s performance?
The Science Behind Sex and Performance
Some coaches historically believed that abstinence could increase aggression and testosterone levels, making players more competitive. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, some teams even used nitrate salts to suppress sexual urges, believing this would help players perform better on the pitch.
However, modern research challenges these claims. Multiple studies have found no conclusive evidence linking sexual activity to a decline in athletic performance. In fact, some experts argue that sex may even have positive effects.
Physiologically, sexual activity burns only 200-300 kilocalories—roughly equivalent to a chocolate bar—making it far less exhausting than a training session or match. Additionally, sex can help athletes feel relaxed and mentally satisfied, reducing anxiety before an important game.
Some exceptions exist, particularly in combat sports where aggression is crucial. Trainers in boxing and similar disciplines argue that sex before a fight can reduce aggression, making fighters more passive. However, football does not rely on the same levels of aggression as combat sports, making this argument less relevant.
What Footballers Say About It
Despite scientific findings debunking the myth, footballers remain divided on the issue. Some teams have allowed players to engage in sexual activity during tournaments, while others have enforced strict bans.
At the 1978 World Cup, the Netherlands’ national team permitted players to be accompanied by their wives, finishing second in the tournament. Some players have even been encouraged by coaches to have sex before games, believing it helps them stay relaxed.
On the other hand, certain teams have taken a stricter approach. Before the 2014 World Cup, one coach famously declared that his squad would not be allowed to engage in any sexual activity, emphasizing that they were there to focus on football, not leisure. In some cases, players have been permitted to have sex but only with their wives—possibly to prevent distractions associated with casual encounters.
Some of football’s biggest legends have openly rejected the no-sex-before-games philosophy. One of the sport’s most celebrated figures once admitted that he never refrained from sex before matches and saw no impact on his performance.
The Truth About Sex and Sports Performance
While the belief that sex weakens athletes has persisted for centuries, scientific studies provide little evidence to support it. Research conducted in elite football leagues found that players who had sex the night before a match experienced only a minimal decrease in running speed. However, this slight difference had no real impact on overall performance.
A larger meta-analysis of multiple studies also concluded that sexual activity within 24 hours of exercise does not significantly affect endurance, aerobic capacity, or strength. Instead, factors such as lack of sleep, alcohol consumption, and emotional stress play a much larger role in an athlete’s ability to perform at their peak.
Ultimately, sex itself is not the issue. Rather, it is the lifestyle choices surrounding it. Footballers who maintain a healthy routine, get enough rest, and stay mentally focused are unlikely to see any negative effects from engaging in sexual activity. The long-standing debate may continue, but science suggests that, as far as performance is concerned, footballers can make their own personal choices without fear of compromise on the pitch.
