Socio-environmental Factors and Vulnerability in the Migration of Brazilian Soccer Players

Abstract

Background: Migration has been a phenomenon since the beginning of human history, driven by the pursuit of better living conditions for individuals or populations. Economic, sociocultural, environmental, political, and religious contexts are directly linked to migratory patterns. Soccer players migrate mainly in search of better professional opportunities, such as higher pay, greater visibility and the chance to play in more competitive leagues. Migration occurs in professional sports, such as in professional soccer, for similar reasons. Objective: This study aims at contextualizing the socio-environmental and vulnerability aspects related to migration in professional soccer. It is a theoretical essay that values qualitative changes in the objects or phenomena analyzed through reflection and interpretation. Methods: This is a narrative review of the literature with searches in random scientific databases on the theme of vulnerabilities associated with migration in professional football. This methodology is justified by the scarcity of works in the scientific literature addressing this theme. Results: The study reveals that young soccer athletes, during their professional training process, may face various situations of vulnerability and risks related to physical or mental health, such as bullying; physical, sexual, or psychological violence; or negligence. The fact that young people are away from their families can exacerbate these situations of vulnerability and risk. Conclusions: The implications of the evidence related to the vulnerabilities of soccer athletes are discussed to expose and reflect on this reality.