Introduction: Nutrition plays an integral role in optimizing football players’ performance during training sessions and matches and maintaining their overall health throughout the season. This study aimed to evaluate how well the dietary practices of professional and adolescent football players in Morocco during the competitive period met international macronutrient recommendations, and to explore the relationship between their nutritional status and aerobic performance, as measured by the Yo-Yo IRL1 test.Methods: A total of 277 footballers from Morocco's professional league, “Botola-Pro”, were monitored over a seven-day (training microcycle) during the competitive period. The dietary intake was assessed through self-reported methods and 24-hour recalls. Relevant body composition was measured with bioelectrical impedance (BI), and aerobic performance was evaluated using the Yo-Yo IR test.Results: The results indicated significant variations in performance and nutritional status across different categories and age groups. The nutritional status of the players didn't match the UEFA recommendations (p < 0.001). We found that higher intake levels of carbohydrates and proteins were positively correlated with the total distance covered by the players (p < 0.001, r = 0.63, R² = 0.4 for carbohydrates; p < 0.001, r = 0.59, R² = 0.35 for proteins). Conversely, a higher proportion of energy derived from fats in the diet was negatively correlated with the distance covered (p < 0.001, r = −0.64, R² = 0.41).Conclusion: These findings suggest that optimizing carbohydrates and protein intake while managing fat consumption is crucial for enhancing sporting performance. This information is essential for tailoring training programs and nutritional regimens based on the competition level.

Sleep and nutrition play a crucial role for athletes, contributing to the quality of recovery, optimization of performance, as well as the preservation of health and injury prevention. This study aimed to explore the potential relationships between sleep quality, nutritional status, and dietary habits among Moroccan male professional football players during the competitive period, while examining the influence of sleep quality on nutritional behaviors. This descriptive research included 49 professional male football players. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to differentiate “good sleep” and “poor sleep” groups. Dietary intake was collected using the 24-hour recall and analyzed by validated nutritional software to obtain data on energy intake and dietary frequency. The results revealed that 36 participants were classified as having “Good Sleep” quality and 13 as “Poor Sleep” quality. With a significant difference (4.0 ± 0.2 vs. 6.9 ± 0.9, p < 0.001), consecutively. The correlation between the PSQI score and nutritional status variables has revealed significant associations: a negative correlation with total energy intake (TEI) (r = -0.687, p < 0.01), carbohydrate intake (CHO g/kg BM) (r = -0.499, p < 0.01); and well as (CHO%) and (PRO%) ratios (r = -0.294, p < 0.05), (r = -0.292, p < 0.05) consecutively. On the other side, the PSQI score demonstrates a positive correlation with (FAT%) and Fats and butter. These results suggest an association between sleep quality and dietary intake, indicating a potential influence of sleep quality on dietary choices.

This study represents the first to examine the nutritional status of Moroccan football players. The aim of this research is to assess the energy and macronutrient intake of professional players from a club competing in the Moroccan professional league "Botola-Pro." Moreover, the study tries to find the potential correlation between nutritional intake and physical performance. A total of 27 professional players participated in a seven consecutive-day study, during a microcycle of the preseason period. The dietary intake was evaluated using the self-reported, complemented by a 24-hour recall. The InBody 120 bioelectrical impedance was employed for assessing body composition measurements, while the Yo-Yo test was utilized to evaluate physical performance; which estimates the maximal oxygen consumption level (VO2max). Among these players, their protein intake levels aligned with recommendations (1.6 to 2.2 g/kg of Body Mass). On the other hand, fat intake slightly surpassed the recommended values. However, carbohydrate intake was relatively subdued compared to recommendations of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) in the pre-season training phase. A positive correlation was observed (P-value of < 0.001 and R=0.831) between carbohydrate intake and the measure of VO2max. This suggests that an increase in carbohydrate consumption is associated with enhanced performance, especially within the range of 6 to 8 g/kg BM per day. Conversely, a negative correlation was identified (P-value of < 0.01 and R= − 0.847) between the percentage of dietary fat and the VO2max. The findings of this study highlight areas of nutrition that could be enhanced among professional football players to optimize their performance. In effect, nutritional education is necessary for this category of athletes. Thus, an individual care approach is strongly recommended.