Retired Congolese international Gaël Kakuta recently disclosed widespread psychological distress among professional footballers, stating that many suffer in silence. Kakuta, who retired from playing football at age 35, indicated that a significant number of players face mental health challenges despite outward appearances. He remarked, "90%, rather I say 99.9% of footballers feel sad." Kakuta added that players often wear "masks" at home, with family, or among friends, with some resorting to substances or escapism to cope. "It's easy to pretend to be happy, but do they (the players) sleep at night? Some don't sleep and are forced to take drugs," he stated.
The Weight of Expectation
Congolese international Gaël Kakuta stated that players frequently experience exhaustion due to the continuous pressure of performance and responsibility, noting that their psychological state is often overlooked. Kakuta, who was a substitute in his national team's match against Algeria in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, asserted that a vast majority of professional footballers struggle with their mental well-being. He claimed, "90%, rather I say 99.9% of footballers feel sad." Kakuta added that many players wear "masks" when at home, with family, or among friends to conceal their true feelings. He further elaborated on coping mechanisms, stating, "It's easy to pretend to be happy, but do they (the players) sleep at night? Some don't sleep and are forced to take drugs." Kakuta also mentioned that some players resort to parties or video games as a way to cope with their distress.
Masking the Struggle
A significant number of professional footballers wear "masks," presenting a different demeanor in their social relationships than what they genuinely feel. This practice of concealing their true emotional state extends to interactions with family and friends. The former Congolese international, Gaël Kakuta, indicated that players often feel compelled to project an image of happiness, even when experiencing profound sadness. Many players contend with underlying psychological distress while maintaining an outward appearance of well-being. This discrepancy between public perception and private struggle is a common theme among athletes, according to Kakuta.
Kakuta's Career Context
Gaël Kakuta, who is 35 years old, played as a substitute for his national team in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 round of 16 match against Algeria. His career included a Premier League title win with Chelsea FC during the 2009-2010 season. Kakuta stated that a vast majority of professional footballers struggle with their mental well-being, asserting, "90%, rather I say 99.9% of footballers feel sad." He added that players often wear "masks" at home, with family, or among friends to conceal their true feelings. "A significant number of players wear masks. Whether at home, with their families, or in their relationships with friends," Kakuta said. He further elaborated on coping mechanisms, stating, "It's easy to pretend to be happy, but do they (the players) sleep at night? Some don't sleep and are forced to take drugs. If you are constantly taking them, it goes beyond mere exhaustion. Some resort to parties, others to video games."