The pandemic period significantly impacted professional football, leading to mandatory SARS-CoV-2 testing and quarantine. Our study aimed to examine the factors influencing time of recovery after a positive test, including return-to-training (RTT) and return-to-first-match (RTFM) of male football players in a first-division Hungarian team between 8 May 2020 and 30 June 2022. Infection was determined using mandatory RT-PCR testing 3 times per week, which later decreased to 1 to 2 times per week, in 55 elite players. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services symptom list and modified with relevant factors of return-to-play in football. The incidence of SARS-CoV-2-positive players in the three consecutive years was 5.26; 21.43 and 45.71%. Mild symptoms were present in test-positive players, completing the questionnaire (n = 31), predominantly loss of smell and dry cough. Post-infection fatigue levels correlated with the perceived performance decline. In players with precisely documented dates (n = 18), the average RTT was 18.7 days, while the RTFM was 67.3 days. Older players returned to training faster than their younger counterparts and the RT-PCR Ct number had a weak negative correlation with RTFM. Mental support was provided by family and friends in 68% of the players. This study highlights the variability in return-to-play timelines and the role of age, symptom severity and mental help in recovery and emphasizes the need for individualized rehabilitation in elite football.

This summary article reviews the complex relationship between hypertension and sports, addressing key aspects of prevalence, risk factors, and management strategies. Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and mortality, and while regular exercise generally provides cardioprotective effects, certain sports disciplines and lifestyle choices may elevate blood pressure levels in athletes. The article highlights the role of isometric training, high body mass, and the use of performance-enhancing substances as contributors to increased risk. Additionally, it explores the implications of high blood pressure on both athletic performance and long-term cardiovascular health. Diagnostic challenges are discussed, emphasizing the limitations of routine measurements and the need for advanced tools such as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Updated European guidelines are presented as a framework for accurate hypertension diagnosis and risk assessment among athletes. Management approaches prioritize lifestyle interven-tions, including dietary changes, stress reduction, and tailored exercise programs. When necessary, pharmacological treatments are recommended with careful consideration of doping regulations and potential impacts on athletic perfor-mance. This article underscores the importance of individualized care in addressing hypertension in athletes, advocat-ing for a multidisciplinary approach that integrates medical, nutritional, and training expertise. By consolidating current evidence, the article aims to provide practical guidance for clinicians, treating athletes and patients with regular physical activities, to better understand and manage hypertension in this population.