Two Battles, One Player: On the Pitch and Online
Written by Matthew, Abdallah and Grace
A missed goal, a bad pass, or even sitting on the bench is no longer the end of the story for athletes. In today’s digital world, a single mistake on the field can spark a wave of criticism that follows players off the pitch and into their private lives. Social media has transformed the way fans interact with sports, but it has also created a new battlefield where young athletes often face harassment, ridicule, and abuse. Cyberbullying has emerged as a serious threat to their mental health, with consequences that can affect confidence, performance, and even career longevity.
When One Mistake Goes Viral
“Bullying is a universal behavior present in all cultures, societies, and age groups. It starts at a very young age, 4-5 years old, and is more prevalent during adolescence, under 18, and is strongly present among young players. Especially since there is competition between them, its effects do not end quickly after the age of 18, and it is called toxic masculinity,” said Dr. Ahmed Abou El Wafa, Head of the Sports Psychology Unit at Al Ahly Club, in an interview with Sportify. He warned that “bullying at this stage may reach the point of suicide, and we have witnessed this during the last three years in Egypt,” highlighting the real-life risks that young athletes face.
In competitive youth environments, the pressure to perform and to fit in can intensify these psychological challenges. According to Dr. Abou El Wafa, some players may shine in youth championships but fail to sustain their careers because they lack the mental resilience to cope with setbacks. Conversely, players who may appear average at first often succeed professionally because of their psychological and emotional strength. “We can measure the level of a player’s ability to commit to training starting from the age of 15, and this is where the real differences become clear,” he said.
Injuries You Can’t See on the Scan
Cyberbullying does not just affect confidence, it can manifest physically as well. Islam Gamal, physical trainer at Pyramids Club, explained that mental health issues often underlie poor performance and even injuries. “Mental health is sometimes the basis of every injury a player suffers, because the psychological problem prevents all decisions and makes your performance not the best thing, as your mind and intellect are out of focus and do not give all the energy you have,” he told Sportify.
Gamal described online criticism and fan attacks as a form of “psychological assassination.” “Whether due to a player’s lack of participation or the fans’ attacks on them, all of this causes psychological problems for the player and leaves a wound inside him whose effects appear even after several years,” he said. The long-term nature of these effects highlights why cyberbullying is more than just a temporary nuisance; it can shape a player’s career trajectory and personal well-being for years to come.
Support Systems Behind the Scenes
Recognizing these risks, some clubs are taking proactive steps to support players. Al Ahly Club, for example, has created a psychological and mental preparation department within its youth sector. Dr. Abou El Wafa explained that the club appointed four psychologists to work directly with young players, in addition to a specialist for the women’s team. Beyond individual support, the department also provides educational workshops for coaches, focusing on child development, behavior modification, team-building strategies, and conflict management.
Despite these initiatives, challenges remain. Dr. Abou El Wafa noted that youth teams are often small in terms of staff: “Youth teams consist of a doctor, a masseur, a head coach, and an assistant coach supervising around 35 players. Consequently, they cannot monitor all the behaviors that occur. This is considered social interference, not psychological interference.” He emphasized that children and young players learn by imitation, meaning that adult supervision and guidance are critical. Ideally, he said, there should be at least one trained adult for every two young players a standard not always met in smaller clubs.
A National Shift Toward Mental Resilience
At the national level, Egypt has started to recognize the importance of sports psychology as part of player development. Balegh Abu Ayed, Head of the Media Union at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, told Sportify that the Ministry launched a project in October 2022 to train qualified sports psychologists to support athletes in both individual and team sports. “This is no longer a luxury, but a necessity that requires our attention and official commitment, mandating that clubs include psychologists within their technical staff to monitor players’ well-being,” he said.
The rise of cyberbullying shows that the pressures athletes face today extend far beyond training schedules, match days, or media interviews. Young players are not only learning to handle competition they are also navigating a world of constant online visibility, where mistakes are amplified, criticism is immediate, and the psychological consequences can be severe.
Experts like Dr. Abou El Wafa and Gamal stress that mental resilience is often the difference between a player who thrives and one whose career is derailed by external pressures.
Addressing these challenges requires more than awareness, it demands structured intervention. Clubs must provide qualified mental health professionals, ensure consistent supervision, and create a culture where emotional vulnerability is accepted rather than stigmatized. National initiatives, like those from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, are critical, but experts warn that systemic changes are needed across all levels of sport.
As football and other sports continue to evolve in the digital age, the battle for players’ well-being is no longer confined to the pitch. The most difficult challenges may now be fought behind the screens, where mental strength, emotional support, and professional guidance determine not only a player’s performance but their long-term health and career success.
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