According to a new study published in the journal Scientific Reports, the so-called “football fever” triggers serious physiological and emotional reactions in football fans.
The study, conducted during the 2025 German Cup (DFB-Pokal) final, showed that the average stress level among fans of the football club “Arminia Bielefeld” was 41% higher on match day compared to regular days.
Scientists analyzed smartwatch data from 229 adult fans over a period of 12 weeks. The research revealed that stress levels began to rise several hours before the match, peaking at kick-off and remaining elevated even after the game ended.
Additionally, the average heart rate increased from 71 to 79 beats per minute. A particularly high physical load was observed in fans attending the match directly at the stadium; their heart rates were 23% higher than those of television viewers.
The study’s authors note that alcohol consumption was among the factors influencing heart rate. When consuming alcohol, the heart rate increased by an additional 5%. Scientists warn that such a sharp rise in heart rate, combined with alcohol, may increase the risk of arrhythmia.
This study once again emphasizes how closely emotional attachment to sports is linked to physical health. Researchers believe that studying such high-stress situations will help better determine the body’s response to emotionally intense events in the future, contributing to the refinement of preventive healthcare strategies.
