NMR-based metabolomics profile during a soccer season of a sub-elite soccer team

This study aimed to characterize metabolomic profiling, match performance, and GPS-derived variables across the competitive season of a sub-elite soccer team.

Performance variables were recorded by GPS during matches. Urine samples were collected pre-match across 20 games. For integrative analysis, only players participating ≥ 25 min per match were included (n = 13 matches). Spectra were pre-processed using TopSpin^®3.2, and metabolites were identified using Chenomx^®.

Heatmap analysis revealed two main metabolite clusters (C): C1 (choline to citrate - C1) and C2 (dimethylamine to trans-aconitate - C2). C1 showed lower concentrations at the beginning of the season with a progressive increase toward the end, whereas C2 displayed the opposite trend. A sub-cluster within C2 (trimethylamine to trans-aconitate) exhibited a three-phase pattern, decreasing mid-season and increasing thereafter. PCA and OPLS-DA demonstrated clear separation between early- and late-season matches, indicating a shift in the metabolomic profile. Distance covered across speed zones was higher in C1 and lower in C2. Leucine, guanidinoacetate, creatinine, and 3-hydroxyisovalerate were inversely associated with distance metrics, linking elevated protein catabolism markers to reduced performance. Glycerophosphocholine was also inversely correlated with most distance variables of GPS metrics, suggesting reduced muscle integrity. In contrast, glucose was positively associated with player load, accelerations, decelerations, and impacts, while citrate correlated with high-speed running and maximum velocity.

Seasonal metabolomic shifts are associated with external load and performance. Markers of protein catabolism relate to reduced output, whereas energy-related metabolites support high-intensity actions, highlighting metabolomics as a complementary tool for monitoring recovery and performance in soccer.