As the 2024/2025 European football season unfolds, a growing number of players are raising concerns about the increasingly congested fixture schedule.
With more tournaments, new formats in competitions like the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, and domestic leagues all running simultaneously, players are facing an unprecedented number of matches. This relentless schedule coupled with international duties has sparked frustration among top players who are now speaking out with some even hinting at the possibility of strike action if the situation doesn’t improve. Read also: FOOTBALL: Top 5 European football leagues overview on their opening day
Manchester City midfielder, Rodri one of the key figures in his club’s recent treble-winning campaign, expressed his frustration, suggesting that players may have no other option but to strike if the current pace continues.
“We’re close to going on strike,” Rodri stated. “If it keeps this way, we’ll have no other option as it’s something worrying.”
Rodri’s concerns have been echoed by other top players across Europe, all of whom are feeling the strain of the packed calendar.
Barcelona defender Jules Koundé voiced his frustrations, highlighting how this issue has been brewing for years without any meaningful resolution.
“Every year we’ve more games, less rest. We have been saying this for years… but nobody cares.”
Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid also added his voice to the growing chorus of discontent, making it clear that players feel overlooked in these decisions.
“Going on strike for us is a possibility,” Carvajal remarked. “Players are not taken into account! We have to raise our voice.”
The revamped formats in European competitions, particularly the introduction of the “League system” in the Uefa Champions League, have resulted in more midweek fixtures than ever before. Read also: UEFA Champions League Unveils Exciting New Format for the 2024-2025 Season
This, combined with the demands of domestic leagues and international matches, has left players with very little time for recovery.
The toll this takes on their bodies is beginning to show, with a noticeable rise in injuries and physical exhaustion.
Many players are now calling for football authorities to reconsider the calendar and prioritize the well-being of the athletes. As the voices of Rodri, Koundé, and Carvajal suggest, a tipping point could be near.
Whether a strike materializes or not, the situation clearly demands attention before the beautiful game risks losing its top stars to burnout.
The growing unrest among players serves as a reminder that while football is a global business, the players are the ones who bear the brunt of the demands. It’s time for the authorities to listen.