MetLife UK has reported that football accounted for 22% of Active Lifestyle injury claims made by adults in 2025, with 225 football-related claims out of 1,015 total.
Consumer research from MetLife UK found that nearly a quarter (23%) of UK adults have experienced a sporting accident, such as a football injury.
Among those injured, the average hospital stay was four days, and one in five spent even longer out of action.
The most common worry for those injured or concerned about an accident was having to take time off work (23%).
Other concerns included unpaid leave (16%), reduced pay (13%), and costs like food, travel and hospital parking.
Phil Jeynes, head of individual protection at MetLife UK, said: “Football is a huge part of life for many people across the UK, especially during major moments in the sporting calendar when more fans are inspired to get involved themselves.
“Whether that’s five-a-side with friends, Sunday League matches or a kickabout in the park.
“But while the focus is often on scoring goals and staying active, injuries can have a real impact off the pitch too.”
Jeynes added: “Time away from work, unexpected costs and the knock-on effect on family life are concerns many people don’t think about until an accident happens.
“These findings are a reminder that protection isn’t just about the big moments in life – it can also help people feel more prepared for the unexpected challenges that can come from everyday activities and hobbies.”
Related
One in six UK businesses do not monitor employee absenteeism, report reveals
Employers warned over rise of “football sickies” during 2026 World Cup
One in three Gen Z workers have signed NDAs after workplace injury, study finds
Liquidation Centre urges employers to tackle workplace stress amid rising absences
Workplace illness driving £861m in sick pay costs as absences reach decade high, analysis finds
Simplyhealth partners with mental health charities to improve support in the workplace
Employee absence costs impact more than half of UK employers – WTW
Employers face £21.6bn sickness bill as workplace wellbeing priorities shift, study finds
Over two million workers miss shifts due to financial stress, Pepper Money finds
41% of workers admit pulling ‘sickies’ to make the most of hot weather, research reveals
UK records 604,000 workplace injuries in 2024, data reveals
