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.
Players like Rodri, Raphael Varane, and Jude Bellingham have expressed frustration over the demanding schedule, citing its impact on their physical and mental well-being. The global players’ union, FIFPRO, has highlighted that many players exceed the recommended limit of 55 matches per season, with some playing up to 70 games.
Injuries in European top divisions have been on the rise, with a significant increase in incidents such as hamstring injuries. Despite advancements in sports science and medicine, players are facing a higher risk of injury and burnout due to the mismatch between their physical capacity and the number of games they are exposed to.
The upcoming Club World Cup, set to feature renowned players like Lionel Messi and Neymar, has drawn criticism from FIFPRO and domestic leagues, leading to legal challenges against FIFA's decision to add more competitions to an already packed calendar. FIFA has defended the tournament, emphasizing its alignment with the international match calendar and the establishment of a player welfare task force.
While FIFA argues that the calendar congestion primarily affects a small percentage of players, concerns remain about the toll it takes on those consistently involved in deep runs in club and international competitions. The debate between player welfare and the commercial interests of expanding tournaments continues to be a contentious issue in the world of soccer.
