Rodri, a midfielder for Manchester City and Spain, has been a vocal critic of the overloaded soccer calendar. He has repeatedly warned that the lack of rest is damaging players’ health and performance. Just a month before the Oct. 28 award ceremony, Rodri tore his ACL during a match against Arsenal. While such injuries are common, his injury became a clear symbol of the physical toll on players due to the increasingly congested schedule.
Increased Games, More Injuries
Top footballers are now regularly playing over 60 games per season, including matches for both their clubs and national teams. As the game becomes faster and more intense, injuries are on the rise. Rodri’s injury is just one example of this growing concern. Moreover, players argue that FIFA’s newly expanded Club World Cup, which will run every four years, is pushing them to their limits. Alexander Bielefeld from FIFPRO commented, “Players are at breaking point… it’s actually too much.”
FIFA’s New Club World Cup
The newly revamped Club World Cup will be much larger than before. Instead of the previous 7 teams, it will feature 32 teams. Furthermore, the tournament will be held every four years, starting next summer in the United States. This will add a month-long competition on top of players’ regular domestic seasons. In addition to the increased games in the Champions League and the upcoming 2026 World Cup, the soccer calendar is quickly becoming overstuffed.
Rodri, in September, expressed his concern, saying, “It’s something that worries us because we are the guys who suffer.” He further added that players might be forced to refuse to play if this trend continues.
Player Frustration Grows
Other players share Rodri’s frustration. For instance, Raphael Varane, a member of France’s 2018 World Cup team, posted on social media, “Why are our opinions not being heard?” Varane, who retired from international play and later from all football due to injury, is not alone in his sentiments. Jude Bellingham, the England and Real Madrid midfielder, also described the schedule as “crazy.” He explained that the physical and mental strain is simply exhausting.
In fact, FIFPRO reports that many players now routinely play 60-70 matches a season, far exceeding the recommended limit of 55. For example, Julian Alvarez played 75 games last season, and Bruno Fernandes played 70 the year before.
Injury Rates Rise
The number of injuries in top European leagues continues to climb. The Men’s European Football Injury Index recorded 4,123 injuries last season. Moreover, Tony Strudwick, medical director for West Bromwich Albion, explained that the rise in injuries shows a mismatch between players’ physical limits and the number of games they are expected to play. He warned that too many games inevitably lead to burnout and injury.
Additionally, Strudwick pointed out that players are often reluctant to speak up about their exhaustion. “It takes a relatively brave person to do that,” he said.
FIFA Defends Its Schedule
FIFA, on the other hand, defends its decision to expand the Club World Cup. They believe the tournament will become one of the most popular and lucrative events in soccer. Featuring stars like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe, FIFA insists that the tournament will be scheduled to ensure players have enough rest before the start of their domestic leagues.
However, FIFPRO disagrees. In October, the union filed a legal complaint against FIFA’s decision to add more competitions to the calendar. FIFA responded, accusing European clubs of hypocrisy, highlighting that many of these clubs organize exhibition matches during their summer breaks.
A Small Group of Players Is Most Affected
Gelson Fernandes, a FIFA official, argued that calendar congestion primarily affects a small group of players. He stated, “It’s a small group of players, that minimum percentage of them, which are affected.”
Overall, the soccer calendar is becoming increasingly crowded, and the strain on players is evident. Injuries are on the rise, and players are vocalizing their concerns. While FIFA defends its decisions, players and unions continue to call for changes to protect their health and well-being. It remains to be seen whether adjustments will be made to the schedule.