Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe has raised concerns about the potential hazards of overworking players, particularly in light of the expanded formats of the Champions League and World Cup.
UEFA is set to implement a significant change to the Champions League structure, replacing the traditional group stages with a new league and knockout format.
This alteration will involve an additional four teams and two extra group matches. Simultaneously, FIFA has introduced plans for a 32-team Club World Cup starting in 2025, along with an expanded international tournament featuring 48 teams beginning in 2026.
In an interview with GQ, Mbappe acknowledged his willingness to play more frequently but expressed worries about the potential impact on the quality of football.
The PSG forward said: “We are approaching the NBA model with seventy-game seasons. Personally, I am not against playing so much, but we will not be able to be good every time and give the public the expected show. In the NBA, players do not play every match and franchises practice load management [resting squad members who are not injured]. But, today, if I decided to say, ‘I’m tired; I’m not playing on Saturday’, it wouldn’t work.
“The spectator who pays for his ticket and who will perhaps see you only once in the season wants to witness a performance worthy of the name and that is normal. However, it is a different mode of management to which football is exposed if the number of matches increases. I don’t want to give lessons, but we must think together to succeed in offering the best possible show and for players, spectators and authorities to come together.”
Mbappe joins a growing list of players expressing concerns about the continuous expansion of football. His former France teammate, Raphael Varane, has taken a more serious stance, stating that the relentless schedule could significantly shorten players’ careers.
The current season has witnessed an unprecedented surge in injuries, with Premier League clubs alone facing a collective absence of 161 players at present (as per Premierinjuries.com).
While Mbappe aims for another world title in 2026, his future in club football remains uncertain. Real Madrid is actively pursuing the 25-year-old forward for a potential move this summer.
Meanwhile, the possibility of a Premier League transfer is not ruled out, although some insiders in Paris envision him staying with the Ligue 1 club.