PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF UNPLANNED RETIREMENT AND THE EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES FACED BY ATHLETES WITHOUT SUPPORT AT THE END OF THEIR SPORTING CAREER

Abstract

The transition from a sports career to post-competitive life constitutes a critical process, especially when it occurs abruptly or without planning. Athletes who experience this unexpected disconnection tend to show significant impacts in different dimensions, including physical, financial, psychological, and legal aspects. In the physical domain, the interruption of sports activities can result in loss of conditioning, functional limitations, and difficulties in adapting to a new lifestyle. From a financial perspective, the absence of proper planning can lead to economic instability, poor resource management, and debt. In the psychological field, difficulties related to the loss of athletic identity stand out, as well as the emergence of symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and a sense of emptiness. Additionally, legal and contractual issues may arise, especially in the face of a lack of legal guidance throughout the career. In this context, the present study aims to analyze the effects of unplanned sports retirement, with an emphasis on the risks to athletes' overall health. It is a literature review of national and international studies, which discusses the implications of detraining, economic instability, mental disorders, and contractual vulnerabilities in the lives of former athletes. The results indicate that the implementation of public policies and multidisciplinary follow-up programs is essential to promote a healthier transition and reduce the negative impacts of sports retirement.