Post-match biochemical signatures and their association with video tracking metrics in elite soccer (football) players using multiplatform targeted metabolomics

Abstract

Abstract Urinary metabolomics offers promise for monitoring exercise‑induced physiological stress in football, yet evidence linking post‑match urinary markers to match workload in elite players remains limited. This study investigated pre‑ to post‑match changes in the urinary metabolomic profile of professional male football players across 10 official matches, and examined their associations with external workload. A multiplatform targeted metabolomics workflow quantified 87 metabolites in 158 paired urine samples. External workload was characterized using a composite player load metric and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of video tracking variables. Match‑play elicited a distinct urinary metabolomic shift, with 60 metabolites changing significantly. Orthogonal partial least square – discriminant analysis (OPLS‑DA) showed clear separation between pre‑ and post‑match samples. Urinary n-terminal titin fragment (UTF) exhibited large fold‑increases and the most consistent correlations with external workload indicators. Several short‑ and medium‑chain acylcarnitines, amino acid- and redox‑related metabolites, and purine‑related compounds also contributed to the post‑match metabolic signature, with some biomarkers showing statistically significant associations with workload metrics. Elite football match‑play is associated with a clear shift in the urinary metabolomic profile of professional male players. UTF emerged as the metabolite most closely linked to external workload, supporting its value as a as a practical tool for post‑match recovery monitoring.