Neuropsychological Determinants of Cognitive Performance in Soccer Players: A Review of Contemporary Research

Cognitive performance is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of success in soccer, extending beyond physical and technical abilities. This review synthesizes contemporary neuropsychological research to examine the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying elite performance in soccer players. Particular emphasis is placed on executive functions, attentional processes, perceptual-cognitive expertise, and their neurobiological foundations. A systematic narrative review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering studies published between 2000 and 2025. Evidence consistently indicates that elite soccer players outperform non-athletes and sub-elite players in executive function domains, including working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. These abilities are essential for rapid and adaptive decision-making in dynamic and time-constrained environments. Neurophysiological findings reveal enhanced neural efficiency and functional connectivity in key brain regions, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and cerebellum. In addition, perceptual-cognitive skills—such as anticipation, pattern recognition, and visual search strategies—are highly developed through deliberate practice and sport-specific experience. Psychological factors, including emotional regulation, stress resilience, and motivation, interact with cognitive processes to influence performance outcomes. Furthermore, cognitive training interventions, such as virtual reality simulations and dual-task training, show promising effects in improving on-field decision-making. Overall, this review highlights the multidimensional nature of cognitive performance in soccer and emphasizes the importance of integrating neuropsychological training into athlete development programs, while recommending further longitudinal and neuroimaging-based research.