A new study reveals that the stress of watching football matches—especially major tournaments like the Coupe d’Allemagne—can spike supporters’ heart rates to levels comparable to intense physical exertion, with the most extreme reactions occurring in stadiums where the crowd’s collective energy amplifies individual physiological responses.
How much stress does football really cause?
The data, collected by researchers at the University of Bielefeld over twelve weeks, shows that supporters’ average heart rates jumped from 71 beats per minute on a normal day to 79 during the final of the Coupe d’Allemagne in May 2025. But the real spikes came in the stadium: fans there saw their heart rates climb to 94 beats per minute, with peaks of 108 after goals—36% higher than those watching at home.
According to the study, published by Le Progrès, the stress response began hours before kickoff, with cortisol and adrenaline levels rising steadily. The researchers noted that the physical proximity to the action—along with the shared excitement of a packed stadium—created a feedback loop of heightened emotion. Even watching on TV raised heart rates, but nothing matched the intensity of being there in person.
Separate research, cited by SANA, found that supporters’ heart rates could reach 150 beats per minute during critical moments like penalties or shootouts—levels typically seen in sprinting. The study also highlighted that the stress wasn’t just tied to scoring; anticipation and uncertainty (such as extra time or penalties) triggered similar spikes in adrenaline.
Why stadiums are the worst for your heart
The difference between watching at home and being in the stadium wasn’t just about excitement—it was about the environment. As Christian Deutscher, a professor of sports economics at Bielefeld and a co-author of the study, explained, the stadium creates a unique physiological experience. “The presence of 50,000 screaming fans, the heat, the noise—it’s not just about the game. It’s about the collective emotion,” he said.
The data showed that supporters in the stadium had heart rates 15 beats per minute higher than those watching on TV and 20 beats higher than those in public gatherings. The researchers attributed this to a mix of factors: the physical exertion of standing and moving, the shared adrenaline of the crowd, and the sheer volume of sensory input. Even the act of cheering—loud, repetitive, and often involving physical movement—contributed to the spike.
“The body doesn’t distinguish between physical and emotional stress,” said Christiane Fuchs, another co-author. “When you’re in a stadium, your brain treats it like a high-stakes event—even if you’re just watching.” The study also found that alcohol consumption, common in stadiums (with 65% of surveyed fans drinking during matches), further elevated heart rates by an average of 5.3%, with peaks of 11.7% during intense moments like goals.
What does this mean for football fans’ health?
The findings raise serious questions about the long-term health risks for supporters, particularly those with preexisting cardiovascular conditions. Previous research has linked extreme stress spikes to temporary arrhythmias, and the combination of adrenaline, alcohol, and physical exertion in stadiums could pose additional risks. The study’s authors emphasized that while the effects are usually temporary, repeated exposure—such as during tournaments—could have cumulative impacts.
Medical experts cited by SANA warned that the most vulnerable groups—older fans, those with hypertension, or individuals with a history of heart issues—should be particularly cautious. The study’s lead researcher noted that while most fans recover quickly, the data suggests that the body’s stress response during matches is far more intense than previously understood.
How the study changes our understanding of fandom
This isn’t just about individual health—it’s about redefining what it means to be a football supporter. The study is the first to track over 200 fans continuously over multiple weeks, providing a granular look at how the sport affects the body beyond the pitch. Previous research had focused on players’ physical demands, but this shifts attention to the fans.
“Football isn’t just a game—it’s an emotional and physiological experience,” said Deutscher. “We’re only beginning to understand how deeply it affects the people watching.” The implications could extend to how clubs and broadcasters manage fan health, particularly during high-pressure events like the Coupe du Monde or Champions League finals.
What happens next?
The researchers plan to expand their study to include larger samples and longer observation periods, particularly during international tournaments like the World Cup. They’re also exploring whether interventions—such as stress-reduction techniques or controlled alcohol policies in stadiums—could mitigate the physical toll on fans. For now, the message is clear: if you’re watching football in a stadium, your heart might not know the difference between a sprint and a last-minute winner.
For fans with health concerns, the study suggests a simple but critical takeaway: the intensity of the experience isn’t just in your head. The body reacts as if it’s under real physical stress—and for some, that could be more than just excitement.
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