The Dark Side of Women's Soccer's Rise: Are We Pushing Players to the Breaking Point?
The beautiful game is booming for women, with leagues expanding globally and international competitions reaching new heights. But amidst the celebrations, a shadow looms. A recent report by FIFPRO, the global players' union, reveals a disturbing trend: top players are being stretched thinner than ever, juggling a grueling schedule of club and international matches with dwindling time for rest and recovery. And this is the part most people miss: while some players are overworked, others struggle to get enough playing time, hindering their development and potentially leading to injuries.
FIFPRO's report, released last Friday, paints a complex picture. The growth of women's soccer is undeniable, but it's coming at a cost. The expansion of leagues, larger international tournaments, and new competitions have significantly increased the workload for elite players. Take Aitana Bonmati, the Ballon d'Or winner, for example. She played a staggering 60 matches for Barcelona and Spain in the 2024-25 season, with less than five days of recovery between over half of those games. The consequences? A fractured fibula during training, sidelining her for months.
But here's where it gets controversial: is the current pace sustainable? FIFPRO argues that a more balanced competition calendar is crucial, along with mandated rest periods to protect players from burnout and injury. Alex Culvin, FIFPRO's director of women's football, emphasizes a holistic approach: "It's about growing the game sustainably, while ensuring players have the environment to thrive."
The report, based on data from 300 players across 30 leagues, highlights the stark disparities. While top players like Bonmati are overburdened, others in leagues like France and Germany's top divisions played as few as 13-14 matches in a season, hindering their development.
"It's a double-edged sword," says Maitane Lopez, who plays for the Chicago Stars and Spain. "Young players coming into the league need time to develop, but the pressure to win is immense. If we don't prioritize player welfare, it will have long-term consequences."
FIFPRO's call for mandated rest periods within the FIFA competition calendar is a crucial step. However, with the current women's calendar set until 2029, change may not come soon enough.
What do you think? Is the current workload sustainable for women's soccer players? Should FIFA prioritize player welfare over the expansion of the game? Let us know in the comments below.
