Australia’s Goalkeeper Mathew Ryan and the Hidden Costs of Modern Football
The rigorous demands placed on professional football players have come under increased scrutiny, particularly in light of a new report by the international players’ union, Fifpro. The study reveals alarming insights into player welfare, including the staggering travel distances and game loads faced by athletes like Mathew Ryan and Luka Modric. This article examines the implications of these findings and addresses the pressing concerns around player health and sustainability in the sport.
The Burden of Excessive Game Loads
The report highlights a troubling trend: many players are participating in an unsustainable number of matches. Mathew Ryan, for instance, logged a jaw-dropping 100,000 miles in travel last season, while Luka Modric played more games than any other professional footballer, totaling 76 appearances for club and country. This excessive workload not only breaches the recommended limit of 55 matches per season but also raises serious questions about the long-term health of players.
The statistics are sobering: 10 players were reported to have played 69 matches or more last season, all of whom also participated in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This highlights a systemic issue within football’s calendar, where players are pushed beyond their physical limits, often leading to injuries. High-performance consultant Darren Burgess aptly described this scenario as a “perfect storm of how not to treat a human.”
Travel Strain: The Hidden Toll on Players
Beyond the number of matches, the extensive travel required for international fixtures further exacerbates player fatigue. Mathew Ryan’s travel of over 169,000 kilometers (105,000 miles) stands out as the most extreme case, but he is not alone. New Zealand’s Marko Stamenic and Ben Waine also faced significant travel burdens, with Waine covering 157,000 kilometers during the season.
Traveling long distances can severely disrupt recovery times, particularly when players are expected to perform shortly after arriving at their destination. The report cites instances where players, such as Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, had to travel across continents within days, resulting in insufficient recovery periods that jeopardize their performance and health.
Insufficient Off-Season Breaks
Another critical issue identified in the Fifpro report is the inadequacy of off-season breaks for top players. Most elite footballers receive no more than three weeks of rest between seasons, a stark contrast to other professional sports. For example, basketball players in the NBA enjoy up to 23 weeks off depending on playoff participation, while players in the Australian Football League and Major League Baseball have a minimum of 14 weeks.
The report argues for a more humane approach, suggesting that players should have a minimum of 28 days off after each season, followed by an additional 28-day pre-season. Unfortunately, clubs participating in the FIFA Club World Cup failed to meet these recommendations, with many teams resuming training just days after their last matches.
The Rise of Young Talent and Its Risks
The increasing prominence of young players in professional football brings its own set of challenges. Lamine Yamal, for example, played 130 times before turning 18, a figure that far exceeds what many of his predecessors achieved at the same age. This trend raises concerns about the long-term development and health of young athletes, as they are often exposed to excessive workloads before they have fully matured.
High-performance experts warn that this can lead to a greater risk of injury, with young players experiencing the physical toll of a demanding schedule at a critical stage in their development. The potential consequences could be dire, as these early strains may lead to chronic issues that affect their careers well into adulthood.
A Call for Change in Football’s Structure
The Fifpro report underscores the need for urgent reform in how football is structured, particularly regarding player welfare. Forest striker Chris Wood has suggested that the threat of player strikes is on the table if conditions do not improve, although he hopes it does not come to that.
Fifpro has been advocating for a more manageable football calendar, yet the organization acknowledges that progress has been slow. Director Alexander Bielefeld noted a shift in discourse around player welfare, stating that the issue is now more widely recognized than it was five years ago. However, the implementation of meaningful changes remains elusive.
Coaches and players alike express concern that the relentless pace of modern football diminishes the excitement of the game. As coach Ange Postecoglou put it, the abundance of matches may lead fans to lose interest, ultimately harming the sport’s overall appeal.
The findings from the Fifpro report serve as a wake-up call for football authorities, clubs, and fans alike. The health and well-being of players must take precedence, prompting a reevaluation of the existing structures that dictate their workloads. Only through concerted effort can the beautiful game be preserved for future generations.