Sport and Virility: Deconstructing Stereotypes

According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), 35% of professional male athletes reported suffering from symptoms of depression or anxiety in the past two years.

Sports have long been associated with masculinity, a concept that often extends beyond the physical to encompass values ​​such as strength, competitiveness, and leadership. However, this association is increasingly being questioned, as it tends to exclude a large portion of the population and perpetuate limiting stereotypes.

Indeed, sports are seen as a predominantly masculine domain, where men can demonstrate their physical strength and endurance. Olympic champions, professional footballers, and boxers are often presented as models of virility, embodying power, determination, and the ability to overcome adversity. This image has helped create an ideal of masculinity that is not only difficult for most men to achieve, but can also be a source of pressure and stress.

Masculinity stereotypes in sport can therefore have negative consequences on athletes’ mental health. The pressure to always be strong, invincible, and emotionally resilient can lead to isolation, anxiety, and even depression. In addition, these stereotypes exclude men who do not fit the traditional ideal of masculinity, creating an atmosphere of exclusion and discrimination. “I remember times when I felt like I had to hide my emotions so as not to be perceived as weak. This had a negative impact on my mental health,” says Marc Ezekiel, a former professional football player.

Fortunately, the trend is changing. More and more athletes, coaches, and sports organizations are recognizing the importance of deconstructing stereotypes of masculinity and promoting a more inclusive masculinity. This involves valuing the diversity of bodies, playing styles, and personalities. For example, athletes like Novak Djokovic, who do not hesitate to express their emotions, are increasingly accepted as role models.

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There are many initiatives aimed at promoting a more balanced representation of sport. Organisations such as FIFA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have launched educational programmes aimed at raising awareness about access to sport and promoting a more diverse representation of athletes. According to a report by the IOC, 48% of athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games were women, marking a significant increase from the 1996 Olympic Games when they made up only 25% of participants.

Simply put, sport is a space for expression in which athletes can express themselves without being confined by stereotypes of masculinity. By encouraging diversity and inclusion, sport can not only improve the mental health of athletes, but also contribute to a more just and balanced society.

Junior NTEPPE KASSI