Yeah. They do need prayers. You know, most players do all to please their club and fans. If you don't do well you are thrown away. No one wants to be thrown away. That is the reason every player would like to overstress himself, beyond what the body can carry, in order to make wonderful impact. Some die, some develope problems (usually heart problems). Some commit suicide when they think they are not good enough.
Now one of our players, Eric Abidal, has a serious problem now. I don't know if this has to do with stress. Not long ago he underwent an a surgical stuff, tumor something. Now he has liver problem. He is going (or perhaps has gone) for a transplant. You can see that could mark the end of his career.