Primary ACL reconstruction enables return to football competition in over half of athletes, with rates strongly influenced by pre-injury competitive level.
Long-term career sustainability post-RTC varies widely; top-level players sustain longer participation and accumulate more matches compared to lower-level peers.
Sex and age impact career longevity, with men and younger players generally maintaining longer post-ACLR football careers.
Neuromuscular deficits and psychological factors such as kinesiophobia coexist despite physical recovery, underscoring the need for integrative rehabilitation approaches.
