FIFPRO has just released its 2024 annual report on monitoring the workload endured by men’s and women’s professional players. The report reaffirms concerns about the overcrowded game schedule and the lack of attention given to players by soccer's governing bodies. Backed by statistics, the global players' union highlights that, at the highest levels, players are physically and mentally strained by grueling schedules. The study claims that a soccer player is 1,000 times more likely to get injured at work than an employee in a traditional sector. The report further concludes that "excessive workload far exceeds recommended limits" and warns of "unprecedented risks for young players." While this may not shatter the professional dream for aspiring players, it reflects a growing trend in the level of commitment and investment required to pursue such a career—along with the inherent risks. Commenting on the issue, Olivier Frapolli, head coach of Stade Lavallois (Ligue 2, France), emphasized the need to "carefully measure weekly workloads and listen to the players." Talking to and listening to players might seem like an obvious suggestion to some, yet it remains the most viable way to identify the fine line between training and overtraining.
A soccer player faces 1 000 times more injury risk
Brief