Group cohesion in football: a scoping review and bibliometric analysis (1996-2024)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v76.117507

Keywords:

Football (soccer), group cohesion, scoping review, sport psychology, team dynamics

Abstract

Introduction: Group cohesion, understood as the dynamic process that reflects a team’s tendency to remain united in the pursuit of common goals and achieving the socio-affective needs of its members, is a decisive factor for performance in team sports. In football, however, while technical and tactical advances are extensively documented, human and social dimensions remain less explored, resulting in a fragmented body of literature.

Objective: To map and analyse the scientific production on group cohesion in football published between 1996 and 2024.

Methodology: A scoping review supported by bibliometric techniques was conducted using data collected from Scopus and Web of Science. Sixty-four articles were identified and examined with regard to temporal evolution, authorship networks, journals, instruments employed, geographical distribution, and sample characteristics.

Results: Studies predominantly involved male youth samples, with limited participation of coaches and elite clubs. The scientific output also revealed temporal trends and networks of collaboration among authors, with greater concentration in Spain and Canada.

Discussion: The findings confirm the fragmented nature of the field and the under-representation of women’s and elite-level football, contrasting with the recognised importance of cohesion for sporting success.

Conclusions: Significant gaps were identified in the literature, reinforcing the need to broaden methodological and sample diversity. This study provides a comprehensive overview to guide future research and support team management strategies, such as the systematic application of validated instruments.

Author Biographies

  • Fernando Schena, Universidade Federal do Paraná

    Doctoral student in Physical Education at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR). Master in Social Anthropology (UFPR), specialist in Psychology and Psychoanalysis (Metropolitan Faculty of the State of São Paulo - FAMEESP), specialist in People Management (FAMEESP), specialist in Management and Environmental Engineering (UFPR), and bachelor's degree in Geography (UFPR). Researcher of the Academic Excellence Program (PROEX/CAPES). Certified in Talent Development: The Brazilian School by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and Technical Management of Football by the University of Football (UdoF), where I work as a columnist and consultant. Began my career in sports as a Human Development Consultant at Club Athletico Paranaense. Currently, I work as an entrepreneur, professor, writer, and consultant in education and human development. Former professor at institutions such as Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUC-PR), Faculdade Expoente, Faculdade Opet, and Uniandrade. Recipient of the "Expotalento" award (FIEP/PR) for innovation in university teaching. Former Project Manager at the Free University of the Environment (a global pioneer in environmental and sustainability education) and Educational Advisor at Editora Positivo, delivering courses and lectures nationwide. In 2019, founded and directed Mantys Neurociência Esportiva, introducing innovative methodologies and technologies in high-performance sports and occupational achievement.

  • Marcos Oliveira de Carvalho

    PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology from the PPGBM at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Master’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from PPGBCM-UFRGS (both degrees with emphasis on molecular genetics and bioinformatics), and Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM). He has multiple publications in national and international scientific journals.

    He completed entrepreneurship training at Babson College (Wellesley, MA – USA) and several other specialized programs. He received special distinction from the UFRGS Rector for his academic excellence, as well as various national and international awards and recognitions, including the Santander Entrepreneurship Award, Ibero-American Innovation Award, Edson Bueno Innovation in Health Award, FAPESC Innovation Award, Medtech Awards, and Braskem Innovation Award, among others.

    He was the creator, founder, and CEO of Neoprospecta, the first company to use metagenomics with proprietary technology applied to the health and industrial sectors. He also founded and served as CEO of Brava, a company specialized in integrating advanced computational systems and molecular analysis methodologies applied to precision medicine.

    He is a specialist in complex systems architecture (physical and digital), development of computational systems, large-scale data analysis, development of molecular analytical processes, and integration between business models and technological innovations. He teaches the postgraduate courses “Sports at School and Talent Detection” (online) and “Exercise Biochemistry” at Faculdade Uninter.

  • André Mendes Capraro, Universidade Federal do Paraná

    He holds a degree in Physical Education from the Federal University of Paraná (1997), a degree in Psychology from Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná (1999), a degree in History from Uninter (2021), a Master's degree in History from the Federal University of Paraná (2002), and a PhD in History from the Federal University of Paraná (2007). He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Università Ca' Foscari di Venezia (2012–2013).

    He is currently a Full Professor at the Federal University of Paraná, affiliated with the Department of Physical Education. He is also a permanent faculty member of the Graduate Programs (Master’s/PhD) in Physical Education and Tourism (Master’s); a reviewer for scientific journals in the fields of Physical Education, Tourism, History, and Humanities; a member of the Sports Intelligence Research Institute (a partnership between the Ministry of Citizenship and UFPR); an institutional and undergraduate program evaluator (INEP); and a member of the International Sociology of Sport Association (ISSA) and the Società Italiana di Storia dello Sport (SISS).

    He has experience in Physical Education and History, with an emphasis on the intersection of the humanities and sport. His current research interests include sports literature, history of combat sports and martial arts (with an emphasis on Mixed Martial Arts – MMA), history of football, the concept of sport, sports memory (oral history), and sports tourism.

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Published

15-12-2025

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Vol. 76 (2026)

Section

Theoretical systematic reviews and/or meta-analysis

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Copyright (c) 2025 Fernando Schena; Marcos Oliveira de Carvalho; André Mendes Capraro

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How to Cite

Schena, F., & Mendes Capraro, A. (2025). Group cohesion in football: a scoping review and bibliometric analysis (1996-2024). Retos, 76, 24-39. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v76.117507