This study investigates the incidence and nature of muscle injuries in male professional footballers, focusing on a large cohort of 2,299 players from 51 teams across Europe. The study found that muscle injuries accounted for 31% of all injuries and caused 27% of total injury absences. On average, a player sustained 0.6 muscle injuries per season, with a squad of 25 players expecting about 15 muscle injuries annually. The majority of muscle injuries (92%) affected the lower limbs, specifically the hamstrings (37%), adductors (23%), quadriceps (19%), and calf muscles (13%). Sixteen percent of muscle injuries were re-injuries, which resulted in significantly longer absences compared to initial injuries. The incidence of muscle injuries increased with age, particularly for calf muscle injuries, but not for hamstring, quadriceps, or hip/groin strains. The study highlights the substantial impact of muscle injuries on both players and their clubs, emphasizing the need for better injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies.This study investigates the incidence and nature of muscle injuries in male professional footballers, focusing on a large cohort of 2,299 players from 51 teams across Europe. The study found that muscle injuries accounted for 31% of all injuries and caused 27% of total injury absences. On average, a player sustained 0.6 muscle injuries per season, with a squad of 25 players expecting about 15 muscle injuries annually. The majority of muscle injuries (92%) affected the lower limbs, specifically the hamstrings (37%), adductors (23%), quadriceps (19%), and calf muscles (13%). Sixteen percent of muscle injuries were re-injuries, which resulted in significantly longer absences compared to initial injuries. The incidence of muscle injuries increased with age, particularly for calf muscle injuries, but not for hamstring, quadriceps, or hip/groin strains. The study highlights the substantial impact of muscle injuries on both players and their clubs, emphasizing the need for better injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies.