Cédric Brunner’s silent battle ends a career shadowed by anxiety
Swiss footballer Cédric Brunner has ended his professional career after years of battling mental health struggles. The 32-year-old revealed that anxiety and self-doubt plagued him throughout his time in football. His story has now been shared in the latest episode of Kehrseite – Beyond the Glory.
Brunner’s career included a brief spell with Bielefeld during their 2020 promotion to the Bundesliga. Despite the achievement, he played only a few matches, as deep nervousness overwhelmed him before every game. The fear of making a costly mistake left him physically drained, causing stomach and digestive problems on match days.
For years, he kept his struggles hidden, even from his family. Mental health was rarely discussed openly in college football, though he was far from the only player facing such challenges. His experiences are also detailed in the SRF 2 documentary Cédric Brunner – Zwischen Applaus und Angst, which explores the contrast between public success and private fear. Now, after retiring in early January 2025, Brunner is speaking out. He urges young players to seek help early, stressing that mental health support is just as important as physical training.
Brunner’s retirement marks the end of a career shadowed by unseen battles. His decision to share his story highlights the pressures faced by professional athletes. The hope is that more players will now feel able to speak openly and seek help when needed.
