Archive · 17 Jun 2025
Football's Busy Schedule Causing Player Injuries
Professional football players are getting injured more often because they're playing too many games.
The schedule is packed with tournaments, and players are running a lot during games, which is very tiring.
Experts say players shouldn't play more than a certain number of games each season, but many do.
To help, teams are changing how they train to make it less intense and prevent injuries.
Players are worried about their health, and some may take action if things don't improve.
Football's congested schedule is causing more player injuries, particularly hamstring issues.
An expanded Club World Cup and Champions League contribute to player workload.
Many players are covering significant distances per game due to pressing tactics.
FIFPro recommends players play no more than 55 matches per season, but many exceed this.
Clubs are adjusting training to reduce intensity to mitigate the effects of overwork.
- Who
- Professional football players, clubs, and leagues.
- What
- Increased injuries due to football's packed schedule.
- When
- During recent football seasons, including the 2023/2024 season.
- Where
- Premier League and other major football leagues.
- Why
- Due to the increasing number of matches and intensity of play, leading to player fatigue and injury.
Players' Concerns
League/Club Priorities
Match Schedules
Players' Concerns
Players are overworked and at risk of injury due to excessive match schedules.
League/Club Priorities
League organizers focus on financial gains through more matches.
Training and Player Usage
Players' Concerns
Players are prioritized for rest and health.
League/Club Priorities
Coaches prioritize playing star players, potentially risking their health.
- Hamstring Injury Increase
- 60% of injuries kept players out for a month or more in a recent season, compared to 40% previously.
- FIFPro Recommendation
- Players should not play more than 55 matches per season.
- Players Exceeding Limit
- Almost a third of players played more than 55 matches.
- Premier League Chief Executive
- Richard Masters