Sport Injury Profile and Influence of Playing Position in Egyptian Professional Soccer Players: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Despite soccer's popularity in Egypt, no comprehensive epidemiological studies have examined injury distribution by playing position. Purpose: To characterize the injury profile of Egyptian professional soccer players and assess differences by playing position. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted across 12 soccer clubs in the Egyptian professional league during the 2022 to 2023 season. Player exposure was recorded using a standardized form. Injuries were documented by medical staff. Data were collected on player demographics, injury profile, and diagnostic modalities. Associations between categorical injury variables and position were assessed using chi-square tests with Cramér V, followed by post hoc analysis using adjusted residuals. Results: Among 384 male players, midfielders were the largest group (38.5%), followed by forwards (27.9%), defenders (22.1%), and goalkeepers (11.5%). There were 422 time-loss injuries (incidence: 2.36/1000 player-hours). Goalkeepers were taller (182 ± 5 cm) and heavier (74.5 ± 3.9 kg) than defenders (178 ± 4 cm; 70.2 ± 5.1 kg), midfielders (175 ± 3 cm; 67.2 ± 4.8 kg), and forwards (175 ± 4 cm; 67.1 ± 5.5 kg); all Conclusion: Our study showed that injury patterns among Egyptian professional soccer players vary significantly by playing position. While muscle/tendon and lower limb injuries are common overall, the 4 positions exhibit distinct anthropometric, injury mechanism, site, severity, and diagnostic profiles. These findings recommend position-specific injury prevention and rehabilitation in Egyptian professional soccer.