At just 26, Kylian Mbappe has already built a notable career in professional soccer, including winning a FIFA World Cup. With 521 matches played, he is recognized as one of the top players globally. Currently a key player at Real Madrid, Mbappe has spoken out against FIFA, highlighting concerns shared by his teammates about issues in the sport.
“I can try to understand people who say from their couch: ‘You earn a lot of money, so you have to play.’ My view is that we simply need a little more rest. We can play the same number of games, but we should have more rest during the holidays to regenerate our bodies, come back and handle the burden of so many games,” Kylian Mbappe stated at a press conference with France.
While NBA players often play around 60 games a year, the average number is just above 80. However, the difference in rest durations makes Kylian’s request fair. According to FIFPro, soccer players get roughly four weeks off after their season ends, while NBA players can rest for three months or longer. This discrepancy highlights the validity of Mbappe’s comments.
Kylian further discussed the issue, noting that more games don’t always lead to better matches. He remarked, “I’ve never seen a soccer player play 60 games in a season at their best. I’ve seen some who are regarded as the greatest, but I’ve never seen a player perform at their best after that many games.”
Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates after scoring a goal.
Other Soccer Stars Also Raise Concerns About Heavy Match Schedules
While Kylian Mbappe recently highlighted FIFA’s demanding schedule, he is not the first to do so. Following the announcement of the 2025 Club World Cup, critics, including coaches and notable players, quickly expressed their concerns about the short rest periods after the season. Several soccer stars have joined in voicing these concerns.
Jules Kounde, a player for Barcelona and France, shared his thoughts on the intense demands of the professional schedule. “Sometimes when we do too much, we stop enjoying it. We see too much soccer, and it loses its significance. This overconsumption is something we need to reflect on, and I believe changes are necessary,” he said.
Rodri Hernandez, the recent Ballon d’Or winner, also expressed his frustration with the packed schedule in September 2024. “It’s too much. Someone needs to take care of us because we are the ones playing. It’s not just about the money; it’s about the quality of the game… As the number of games rises, the performance and quality drop.”