Abstract

RAMOS-GALARZA, Carlos et al. Talented soccer players, the big secret is in the brain: the great tragedy of the star player and the fate of magicians with a preserved nervous system. Rev Ecuat Neurol [online]. 2017, vol.26, n.3, pp.275-282. ISSN 2631-2581.

In previous work, we have presented case studies from fascinating films for the eye of the neuropsychologist(1)(2)(3); continuing with this line of research, we describe here for your consideration a critical analysis of the role of brain functions in one of the most fascinating sports, soccer. In this analysis, we will look more closely at the brain damage suffered by the great footballer Salvador Cabañas and the role of the highly complex brain functions that allow the magical players to stand out in this sport. In the next pages, we present the case of Salvador Cabañas, both before and after his cerebral accident, and later we analyze the cerebral functions that are activated in brilliant players like Messi or Ronaldinho. We conclude this article by reflecting on the role of the brain in our normal human activities, and how catastrophic it becomes on a daily basis when our brain tissue is damaged so that as a result of this condition we can lose everything.

Keywords : brain damage; traumatic brain injury; neuropsychological rehabilitation; cerebral functioning in athletes; frontal lobe; executive functions..

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