Objective:To analyze the biomechanical characteristics of the knee joint under different lateral cut angles and ground contact modes using the validated finite element model of the knee joint,which provided a theoretical basis for preventing lateral cut sports injuries in football players and formulating rehabilitation training pro-grams after injury. Method:Fifteen male football players(all of whom are national second-level athletes and above)were recruit-ed to perform cutting movements at the angles of 45°,90° and 135° in front and rear touchdown modes at a speed of 6m/s±10％.The kinematics and dynamics data of the knee joint were calculated by Visual 3D soft-ware,and the peak moment of ground reaction force in the six touchdown actions was numerically simulated based on the verified knee joint model. Result:①The cutting angle is positively correlated with the peak knee flexion angle(P＜0.05),indicating that as the cutting angle increases,while vertical ground reaction force decreases significantly with increase cutting angle(P＜0.05).②Significant differences in kinematics and dynamics exist between forefoot and rearfoot strik-ing(P＜0.05).In the forefoot striking mode,there are larger knee flexion angles,external rotation,and inter-nal rotation peak angles,along with higher upward ground reaction force.③At the moment of side cutting contact,the distribution of Von Mises stress in the meniscus and the contact stress in the femoral cartilage show characteristics related to the cutting angle and the mode of foot contact.In the 90° rearfoot striking mode,there is a noticeable concentration of stress on the external edge of the medial meniscus and the medi-al femoral cartilage,which may indicate an increased risk of knee joint injury under these conditions. Conclusion:Performing a 90° cut with a rearfoot striking pattern may lead to an imbalance in internal knee joint stress,particularly causing significant stress concentration on the external edge of the medial meniscus,indicating a higher risk of injury.