""Last year, the Ballon d'Or winner [Rodri] got injured and missed nearly a season. "This season, the Ballon d'Or winner [Ousmane Dembele] is out again with a muscle injury. "How long will this keep happening until even the club owners realise it's bad for business? "We're looking at the player health issue but even the people owning clubs and leagues are starting to take note and realise the system isn't working for anyone.""
"Among its findings were that Modric, who turned 40 this summer, played more games than any other player in 2024-25, including friendlies - 76 for Real Madrid and Croatia. Europe-based Ryan had to travel 169,000km (105,000 miles) in the season for Australia duty. And Lamine Yamal has played 130 games by the age of 18, which is far more than most of his peers ever managed."
"Image source, Getty Images Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan travelled more than 100,000 miles last season - and veteran Luka Modric played more games than anyone else in the world, according to a new Fifpro report into players' welfare. It also found players at the Fifa Club World Cup - which took place in June and July - did not get a safe amount of off-season or pre-season days."
Players experienced extreme match and travel loads during 2024-25, with significant consequences for health and recovery. Luka Modric played 76 matches for Real Madrid and Croatia, while Mathew Ryan traveled about 169,000 km for Australia duty. Lamine Yamal had accumulated 130 senior matches by age 18. Tournament scheduling such as the Fifa Club World Cup increased individual workloads and reduced off-season and pre-season rest. Calendar congestion, long-haul travel, short turnaround between seasons, heat exposure, and rising youth involvement combined to elevate injury risk. Club owners and leagues are beginning to recognise that current scheduling harms player welfare and business interests.
Read at www.bbc.com
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