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Dr. Kadhim Alabady, MBBS, MPH, MSc, DrPH, FFPH (UK), FRCP (Glasgow) Dr. Kadhim Alabady is a public health and epidemiology specialist with over 20 years of international experience. He holds a Doctorate in Public Health and Epidemiology, along with Master’s degrees in Public Health and Clinical Epidemiology from universities in the Netherlands. He is a Fellow of both the UK Faculty of Public Health and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and is registered as a Grade A Epidemiologist with the Netherlands Epidemiological Society. Dr. Alabady has worked across academia, international organizations, and national health systems, including roles with Erasmus University, Queen Mary University, the United Nations, the NHS (UK), Qatar’s National Health Authority, and the Dubai Health Authority. He has published extensively on non-communicable diseases, mental health, and population health. Reference: The Role of Psychology in Professional Football: A Qualitative Study on Mental Performance and Player Well-being Background: Sports psychology plays an increasingly important role in professional football, contributing to mental resilience, focus, leadership, and emotional control. Many elite teams now integrate psychologists into their coaching staff to enhance individual and team performance, manage stress, prevent injuries, and support player rehabilitation. Objective: This study investigates the role of psychologists within football teams by exploring: The specific functions psychologists serve in football settings. Whether football teams benefit more from psychologists or psychiatrists. The most common mental health challenges faced by players. The impact of psychological support on overall team performance and player development.   Methods: A qualitative research approach was employed using in-depth interviews with 25 psychologists affiliated with top European football clubs. Participants included leading professionals such as Dr. Eric Matser, former team psychologist at Chelsea FC under Coach José Mourinho. Interviews were conducted across 25 sessions. Key Findings: The psychologist's role is essential, as a player's mental condition can significantly influence match outcomes. Psychological skills training supports commitment, communication, concentration, control, and confidence. Mental health concerns are prevalent in football and often under-addressed. Psychologists contribute to psychosocial development, injury prevention, emotional regulation, and performance optimization. Ongoing psychological support helps players recognize and build on their strengths while addressing weaknesses. Conclusion: Psychologists are integral to modern football teams, offering valuable expertise in enhancing mental performance and supporting holistic player well-being. Their role extends beyond performance enhancement to long-term health, team cohesion, and injury recovery.