Footstrike Hemolysis in an Elite Soccer Player: Early Recognition and Response

ABSTRACT: Footstrike hemolysis is a mechanical form of red blood cell destruction that can occur during high-impact activities yet remains underrecognized in team sports.1 Although well documented in endurance sports, hemolytic responses and hematologic shifts after high-intensity activity have also been observed in elite football players.2 We report a case of a 30-year-old elite soccer player presenting with fatigue and normocytic, normochromic anemia late in the preseason. Common causes of anemia were excluded, and laboratory markers indicated intravascular hemolysis. The temporal relationship with training intensity and normalization of hematologic markers after the use of soft insoles-without a reduction in training load-supports a diagnosis of mechanical hemolysis. This case highlights footstrike hemolysis as a potential cause of unexplained anemia in athletes. Increased awareness may support timely recognition and individualized management, though further research is needed to clarify incidence, impact on performance, and treatment outcomes.