Fernandes GS, Parekh SM, Moses J, et al. - Researchers conducted the largest study investigating ex-professional footballers and controls in the UK for depressive symptoms and general health. Using postal questionnaire, they assessed 572 retired professional footballers and 500 general population controls in the UK. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms, and probable caseness was indicated by a threshold score of ≥ 11. To ascertain general health, they used the Short Form-12 Health Survey Questionnaire quality of life (QoL) tool; self-reported comorbidities, analgesic usage and body pain; and Index of Multiple Deprivation based on postcode data. Ex-professional footballers and general population controls had a comparable prevalence of depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms and probable caseness. Ex-footballers less frequently reported diabetes and heart attacks, indicating potential long-term physical health benefits of professional football, however, with a lower health-related QoL, more widespread body pain and higher analgesic usage.