In 2024, a memorable moment in soccer occurred when Rodri, a midfielder for Manchester City and Spain, received the prestigious Ballon d’Or award for best male player of the year in Paris. Despite being critical of the congested soccer calendar, Rodri suffered a season-ending ACL injury just before the award ceremony. This injury highlighted the physical toll of modern soccer, as players face a busy schedule with over 60 games per season for club and country.
The introduction of FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams and held every four years, has raised concerns among players about excessive playing demands. With the addition of more games in competitions like the Champions League and upcoming World Cups, the soccer calendar is becoming increasingly packed. Some players have expressed frustration and concern about the impact on their well-being.
Players like Rodri, Raphael Varane, and Jude Bellingham have voiced their worries about the demanding schedule and its effects on their physical and mental health. Injuries are on the rise, with players often exceeding the recommended limit of 55 matches per season set by the players’ union FIFPRO. The growing number of games, coupled with the intensity of play, is posing challenges for players and raising discussions about the need for better player welfare in the sport.
The top divisions of England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France witnessed a rise in the number of injuries last season, signaling a concerning trend in professional football. Tony Strudwick, medical director for West Bromwich Albion and former head of performance for Manchester United, highlighted the discrepancy between players’ physical capacity and the demands placed on them, leading to an increase in injuries, particularly hamstring-related incidents over the past eight seasons.
Despite advancements in sports science and medicine, the issue persists, with players often reluctant to express fatigue or concerns about their workload to their clubs or national teams. This reluctance, coupled with a packed schedule, has raised fears of injury and burnout among players. For instance, Manchester City played 61 games in the 2022-23 season, a number that could potentially rise to 71 due to additional fixtures in competitions like the Champions League and the Club World Cup.
While FIFA aims to harmonize tournament schedules for player welfare, concerns persist within the football community. FIFPRO, representing over 66,000 players globally, has raised objections to FIFA’s handling of calendar congestion, particularly regarding the addition of new tournaments. FIFA defended its position, highlighting the global appeal of these competitions and accusing European leagues of hypocrisy in their scheduling practices.
The debate underscores the challenges faced by a select group of players who consistently feature in high-stakes matches for both club and country. Gelson Fernandes, a former player now working for FIFA, emphasized the importance of balancing player welfare with the aspirations of fans worldwide, acknowledging the impact on a minority of elite players. With differing perspectives from stakeholders, the issue of calendar congestion in football remains a complex and ongoing discussion.
