Informing Digital Career Transition and Mental Health Support Services Implementation: Perspectives of Active and Retired European Elite Athletes

This cross-sectional study explored the perceived challenges and needs of a convenience sample of European elite athletes regarding multilevel support services (dual career, mental health, and career retirement). Athletes recruited through the networks of the EU-funded “PORTAL” project partners in five European countries completed a 50-item semi-structured electronic questionnaire. Information relative to career path, career challenges and needs, and the perceived relevance, availability, satisfaction, frequency of provision, and possible digital implementation of 12 potential career support services were considered for analysis. Respondents (n = 136; 46% female; 44% retired; 75% Olympic/World) highlighted difficulties during their athletic and dual career paths, with limited formal recognition from sport (41%) and academic/vocational environments (43%), and inadequate preparation for retirement (48%). For retirement preparation, career transitions and mental health support services were considered crucial (5 pts/6), although the perceived effectiveness of currently available services was low (3 pts/6). Among the 12 evaluated services, workshops, career development/networking, financial planning, and mental health counselling were rated as the most relevant (4 pts/5). Most services (10/12) were reported as available by fewer than half of respondents (range: 20–44%), with a generally perceived low satisfaction (range: 2.5–3.2 pts/5). Positive perceptions emerged for possible digital implementation of all 12 services (range: 3.8–4.2 pts/5), with a service-dependent preferred frequency of provision varying from weekly to occasional. Considering the importance of multidimensional support systems for addressing practical, psychological, and emotional retirement-related challenges, although descriptive of the present sample and not generalizable to all European elite athletes, these end-user-informed findings may guide the development and implementation of a digital platform supporting athletes throughout their dual-career and retirement pathways and life beyond sport.