Soccer fans know the feeling: watching a decisive match is not just an emotional rollercoaster but a real physiological strain. A recent study from Bielefeld University in Germany has quantified the physical impact of a soccer final, showing that stress increases by 41 percent and heart rate spikes significantly compared to a normal day.
Study tracked 229 Arminia Bielefeld fans for three months
Researchers recruited 229 supporters of the German club Arminia Bielefeld and monitored them over three months. Each participant wore a smartwatch that continuously recorded heart rate and a stress index based on heart rate variability. The data allowed comparison between the day of the 2025 German Cup final and the days leading up to the match. Results show that the physiological reaction begins early in the morning of the match, with stress levels peaking just before kickoff and remaining elevated even after the final whistle.
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Heart rate averaged 94 bpm for fans at the stadium
Where you watch the game also makes a difference. Fans who watched at the stadium had an average heart rate of 94.2 beats per minute, compared to 79.4 among those watching on television. After their team's first goal, fans in the stands saw their heart rate climb to an average of 108 bpm, a much more intense response than in other contexts. This highlights how the stadium atmosphere amplifies emotional and physiological responses.
Alcohol consumption amplified cardiovascular strain
Drinking during the game further increased cardiovascular stress. Participants who reported drinking had a heart rate approximately 5 percent higher than other fans during the match and nearly 12 percent higher after their team's first goal. Although the researchers did not assess medical risks, they note that alcohol can increase strain on the cardiovascular system when people are already in a heightened emotional state.
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Late goals spike heart rate even when the game seems decided
During the first few minutes of the match, when the outcome was uncertain, heart rates reached their highest levels. Once the game seemed decided, heart rates dropped. However, two goals scored in the final minutes caused them to spike again, even though the chances of a comeback were practically nil. This indicates that the body reacts not only to objective winning chances but also to emotions such as hope, pride, or attachment to the team.
Consistent with previous studies showing tripled cardiovascular risk
The findings align with earlier research on the physiological effects of soccer. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine after the 2006 World Cup in Germany found that the risk of an acute cardiovascular event nearly triples during German national team matches among people with preexisting heart conditions. Subsequent studies also reported increased stress hormones like cortisol and that fans with stronger team identification exhibit more intense biological responses during decisive matches. For more on sports-related stress, check our article on the record heat in Miami that put the England-Norway quarterfinal at risk.
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For more details, see the original article on WIRED.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/what-watching-soccer-final-does-to-your-body
