‘On average, two players on every football team suffer from mental health issues.’

We track our PRs, log our macros, and never miss a recovery session. But let’s be honest for a moment: when was the last time you checked in on your mental health?

In the world of sports, we’re taught to push through the pain, stay focused, and keep going. “No pain, no gain,” right? But somewhere along the way, that mindset became something more harmful for men: hide your emotions, bottle things up, and whatever you do, don’t show weakness.

That’s exactly why the Dutch documentary Echte mannen huilen niet (Real Men Don’t Cry), available on Cinetree, resonated with me so strongly.

Breaking the Silence in Professional Sports

For a long time, elite sports—especially professional football—have been a proving ground for traditional ideas about masculinity. Toughness was expected; vulnerability was seen as a weakness.

But things are changing.

Over the past year, we’ve seen growing awareness of mental health in professional football. Outlets such as NOS and ESPN have highlighted initiatives in which professional players have come together to break the silence around men’s mental health. From open conversations during broadcasts to dedicated matchdays, athletes are increasingly speaking out about something that affects everyone, regardless of how fit or successful they may be.

Mental health doesn’t care how strong you look on the outside.

If athletes competing at the highest level—under enormous pressure and in front of thousands of spectators every weekend—can admit that they struggle with anxiety, depression, or burnout, why shouldn’t the rest of us?

It’s Normal Not to Feel Normal

During a recent community session centred around the documentary, one message stood out to me: “It is normal not to feel normal.”

Think about your mental health in much the same way you think about a physical injury:

• If you tear a hamstring, you don’t simply ignore it and keep sprinting. You rest, seek treatment, and go through rehabilitation.
• If your mental health is suffering, silently trying to power through won’t necessarily make things better. Seeking help isn’t a sign that you’ve failed—it can be an important part of the recovery process.

Real strength isn’t about wearing a mask until you break. Real strength is having the courage to take off the mask and admit that you’re struggling.

The Challenge for Our Community

We need to rethink what it means to be “strong.”

1. Watch the documentary: Stream Echte mannen huilen niet on Cinetree. It’s honest, thought-provoking, and a powerful reminder that mental health deserves the same attention as physical health.
2. Check in with your team: Send a quick message to your gym buddy, teammate, or friend today. Not just a casual “What’s up?”, but a genuine “How are you actually doing?”
3. Speak up: If you’re going through a difficult time, don’t carry the burden alone. Talk to a friend, coach, or mental health professional.

Let’s build a sports culture where supporting each other mentally is considered just as important as pushing our physical limits.

Ready to help break the taboo? Start the conversation.

Need someone to talk to? Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health support service in your area. You don’t have to go through it alone.

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This article was written with the support of AI and is based in part on the documentary Echte mannen huilen niet and related discussions around men’s mental health and sport.