All that heading in football can cause brain damage

Heading is a core skill of football players but it has been linked to a risk of cognitive impairment in later life. — Sebastian Kahnert/dpa

“He’d put his head where others wouldn’t even put their feet” is a well-worn eulogy for a braver-than-usual footballer.

Typically a centre-back or sometimes a striker – positions which entail more heading of the ball than elsewhere on the pitch – such players often become cult heroes.