Performance Nutrition in the English Premier League: An Evaluation of Culture, Nutritional Requirements and Professional Practice

Foo, WL (2026) Performance Nutrition in the English Premier League: An Evaluation of Culture, Nutritional Requirements and Professional Practice. Doctoral thesis, Liverpool John Moores University.

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Abstract

In 2020, The Union of European Football Association (UEFA) published evidence based nutritional guidelines for elite soccer, recommending periodised carbohydrate (CHO) intakes of 3 to 8 g∙kg-1BM∙day-1, ~1.6 g∙kg-1BM∙day-1 of protein and dietary fat contributing 20-35% of total energy intake (EI) (Collins et al., 2021). While protein and fat intakes are generally adequate, CHO consumption frequently falls below recommendations (Steffl et al., 2019). In English Premier League (EPL) players, suboptimal CHO intake around match play has been reported (Anderson et al., 2017b; Kasper et al., 2024), potentially compromising muscle glycogen availability and performance (Saltin, 1973; Anderson et al., 2022). This highlights a persistent gap between evidence-based guidelines and real-world practices. Over the past decade, EPL match play has seen significant increases in total, high speed running (HSR) and sprint distances (Allen et al., 2024, 2025), alongside intensified fixture congestion, with players now completing 60-70 matches per season (Allen et al., 2025). Players have expressed concerns regarding injury risk, career longevity and match quality under increasingly congested schedules (Milner and Houghton, 2025). Within this context, this thesis aims to advance the evidence base on nutrition culture, energy requirements and dietary practices of professional soccer players and to develop an applied theory of practice that informs the practice of sports nutritionists operating within elite soccer environments.

Study 1 (Chapter 2) identified the gaps in the existing CHO literature in soccer. A scoping review (258 studies) revealed the dominance of laboratory based experimental studies and field based observational studies. Most observational studies included developmental (~52%) and professional players (~31%) whereas experimental studies primarily featured recreationally active (~40%) and collegiate/university participants (~26%). These data highlight the lack of experimental research in professional and world class players, limiting the translational applicability of current CHO guidelines. Study 2 (Chapter 3) explored nutrition culture from EPL players’ perspectives using semi-structured interviews (n = 10). Reflexive thematic analysis, informed by Bourdieu’s Theory, demonstrated that dietary practices were shaped by habitus (familial, ethnic and religious backgrounds), social capitals (managers, teammates and online sources) and economic capital. Hierarchical structures create unequal access to nutritional support, particularly between academy and first team players, while doxic beliefs around body composition perpetuated stigma and unhealthy dietary practices. Overall, nutrition culture in male professional soccer is multifaceted, highlighting the need for practitioners to understand their specific context before implementing any nutritional interventions.

After exploring research gaps and the cultural landscape of nutrition in elite soccer (Studies 1 & 2), Study 3 (Chapter 4) quantified the total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) of male EPL players (n = 9) during one-game week (1GW) and two-game week (2GW) microcycles using doubly labelled water (DLW) over a 15-day in-season period. Mean TDEE was 3551 ± 507 kcal·day-1, with no difference between 1GW (3554 ± 963 kcal·day-1) and 2GW (3467 ± 821 kcal·day-1, p = 0.781), reflecting similar accumulative weekly external load (total, high speed running and sprint distances). CHO intake was significantly higher on match day (MD) (5.0 ± 1.1 g·kg BM-1·day-1) than the day before the match (MD-1) (3.5 ± 1.3 g·kg BM-1·day-1), the day after the match (MD+1) (3.0 ± 1.0 g·kg BM-1·day-1) and training days (3.0 ± 1.1 g·kg BM-1·day-1) (all p < 0.05); but remained below recommendations. The quantification of TDEE support the continued relevance of current UEFA CHO guidelines (4-6 g.kg-1 on training days and 6-8 g.kg-1 for match day preparation, competition and recovery). After exploring the energy requirements of fit players, Study 4 (Chapter 5) examined TDEE via DLW method, EI via RFPM and body composition changes across two distinct rehabilitation phases in EPL players. Case Study 1 (22 years-old, 193 cm, 93.7 kg) involved early-stage hamstring rehabilitation, while Case Study 2 (21 years-old, 186 cm, 88.7 kg) captured the transition from partial (PWB) to full weight-bearing (FWB) during rectus femoris rehabilitation. Body composition was measured via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in Case Study 1. In Case Study 1, TDEE increased by 1013 kcal·day-1 (Week 1: 3143 kcal·day-1; Week 2: 4156 kcal·day-1) with stable BM (+0.10 kg), but a reduction in fat-free soft-tissue mass (FFSTM) (−0.50 kg), primarily in the trunk and non-injured leg. In Case Study 2, TDEE increased by 538 kcal·day-1 (PWB :3175 kcal·day-1; FWB: 3713 kcal·day-1) but remained below pre-injury levels (4546 kcal·day-1). DLW-estimated EI indicated energy deficits in both phases (PWB: 139 kcal·day-1; FWB: 557 kcal·day-1). These findings demonstrate that energy requirements fluctuate across rehabilitation phases, highlighting the need for individualised nutritional support.

After examining the energetic requirements of EPL players in Studies 3 & 4, Study 5 explored the enablers and barriers influencing dietary practices of EPL players using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model. Ten EPL players recorded dietary intake via the remote food photography method (RFPM) over four days (training day, MD-1, MD and MD+1), followed by dietary recall and dietary behaviour interviews. Although “knowledge” (i.e. psychological capability) was identified as the main enabler of dietary behaviour on MD-1 and MD+1, players failed to meet CHO guidelines (MD-1: 4.6 ± 0.8 g·kg BM-1·day-1; MD+1: 3.6 ± 0.5 g·kg BM-1·day-1). Pre-match (0.9 ± 0.3 g·kg BM⁻¹) and during match (24 ± 15 g·h⁻¹) CHO intakes were insufficient, largely due to prioritising a feeling of “lightness” during match (i.e. reflective motivation). Immediate post-match and post-match recovery meal CHO intakes were also compromised by suppressed appetite (i.e. automatic motivation). These findings highlight the complexity of dietary behaviours in elite soccer and indicate that effective nutrition interventions must extend beyond education and incorporate practical guidance and behaviour change techniques (BCT) to align practices with guidelines.

Following the evaluation of nutrition culture (Study 2), energetic requirements (Studies 3 & 4) and habitual dietary practices (Study 5) of professional soccer players, Study 6 (Chapter 7) explored the practice of performance nutritionists with the aim to develop a theory of practice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders from one EPL team, including players, coaches, sports scientists, physiotherapists, a chef and a medical doctor (n = 14). Using reflexive thematic analysis, informed by Bourdieu’s framework, data demonstrate that successful performance nutritionists must navigate the implicit “rules of the game” shaped by hierarchical structures and entrenched norms in soccer field. Their effectiveness depended on the strategic use of cultural capital (technical, sport specific and interdisciplinary knowledge) and social capital (ability to build relationship with key stakeholders). The accumulation of these capitals was underpinned by a habitus characterised by passion, adaptability, resilience and positivity, which resonates with the cultural expectations of professional soccer. These data demonstrate that the perceived success for performance nutritionists in the EPL extends beyond technical expertise, requiring the ability to navigate tacit field rules, strategically mobilise cultural and social capital and embody a habitus aligned with the values of elite soccer.

In summary, the data presented in this thesis provide a contemporary examination of nutritional culture, energy requirements and dietary practices of EPL soccer players. These studies identified gaps in existing CHO literature, explored nutrition culture in professional soccer field, quantified energy requirements during in-season and rehabilitation and investigated the enablers and barriers influencing dietary behaviours. Additionally, a theory of practice was developed to inform practitioners working in elite soccer settings. The findings demonstrate that although current recommendations remain appropriate, real-world practices are shaped by complex behavioural and cultural factors. Collectively, the thesis advances the applied understanding of performance nutrition in elite soccer and provides a practical framework to support performance nutritionists operating in professional soccer environments.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Nutrition; Soccer; Culture; Practice
Subjects:	T Technology > TX Home economics > TX341 Nutrition. Foods and food supply G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV561 Sports
Divisions:	Sport and Exercise Sciences
Date of acceptance:	4 June 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	9 June 2026
Date Deposited:	09 Jun 2026 11:14
Last Modified:	09 Jun 2026 11:14
Supervisors:	Morton, J, Close, G, Areta, J and Cronin, C
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28739

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