Objective: To investigate the available evidence on the risk factors (RF) of shoulder pain syndrome (SPS) in athletes.Methodology: A scope review was carried out, following the criteria of the PRISMA declaration. The search was limited in Pubmed, WOS and Scopus.Results: Nine studies were included, two discussed the RFs of shoulder pain from overuse of the upper extremity (UE); two other studies referred to playing position, and the remaining five studies have no RF in common. It was mainly found that the development of SPS involves multiple factors and mechanisms; however, a predominant RF could be determined, which was the excessive use of the EU.Conclusion: This scope review confirmed the high prevalence of shoulder pain in athletes and the most frequent RF; despite this, studies on causality or preventive measures are still lacking.