Impact of Four-Match Congestion on the Well-Being of Under-16 Male Soccer Players González-Fernández, Francisco Tomás Martínez-Aranda, Luis Manuel Sanz-Matesanz, Manuel Quiñones-Rodríguez, Yarisel Castillo-Rodríguez, Alfonso Monitoring Training Recovery Performance Fixture congestion The assessment of player well-being through questionnaires is vital for managing training and match demands in soccer, aiming to mitigate injury and overtraining risks. This study investigates the impact of Four-Match Congestion on the well-being of under-16 male soccer players. An observational study design was implemented, focusing on the well-being of eighteen male soccer players throughout a championship. Players were monitored daily for indicators such as muscle soreness, stress levels, mood, fatigue, sleep quality, and an overall well-being index. Data collection was conducted by research team staff without interfering with established training plans. Preliminary findings indicate significant fluctuations in well-being indicators throughout the championship, with lower well-being scores correlating with higher match intensity. Specifically, it was indicated that the athletes’ fatigue increased, while their stress levels gradually decreased (p < 0.05). Furthermore, muscle soreness, mood, and sleep quality metrics fluctuated throughout the study, with significant differences found between matches 1 and 3. These results highlight the importance of monitoring well-being to inform coaches about necessary adjustments in training loads during congested match schedules. Understanding the relationship between match demands and player well-being can lead to effective recovery strategies, enhancing performance and reducing injury risks. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of well-being monitoring and its integration into training regimens to optimize athlete management in competitive settings. 2025-09-05T07:44:24Z 2025-09-05T07:44:24Z 2025-06-26 journal article González-Fernández, F.T.; Martínez-Aranda, L.M.; SanzMatesanz, M.; Quiñones-Rodríguez, Y.; Castillo-Rodríguez, A. Impact of Four-Match Congestion on the Well-Being of Under-16 Male Soccer Players. Sports 2025, 13, 209. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13070209 https://hdl.handle.net/10481/106078 10.3390/sports13070209 eng http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ open access Atribución 4.0 Internacional MDPI