One of the most notable moments in soccer in 2024 was when a prominent player, Rodri, received the Ballon d’Or award for best male player of the year while on crutches due to a season-ending ACL injury. Rodri had been vocal about the strain of the congested soccer calendar on players' performance and health, a sentiment echoed by many in the football community.
Top footballers are now facing a grueling schedule, playing over 60 games per season for club and country, amidst a sport that is becoming faster and more intense. The recent introduction of the expanded Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams and to be held every four years, has raised concerns among players about the increasing workload.
