Lamine Yamal, an example of excessive demands

Barcelona's young prodigy, Lamine Yamal, is now being used by FIFPRO to draw attention to the overload of matches faced by football’s rising stars. At just 18 years old, Yamal accumulated 130 appearances for club and country before reaching adulthood, a record that far surpasses other historical young talents like Andrés Iniesta or Gavi.

Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels warns that this overexposure can have serious consequences: structural injuries, premature physical wear, and a significant psychological impact. “Exposing young players to high match loads with insufficient recovery can cause long-term damage. The psychological impact should not be underestimated,” warned Dr. Darren Burgess, chair of FIFPRO’s high-performance advisory board.

Comparison with other sports

FIFPRO highlights that football remains a global exception compared to sports like the NBA, AFL, or Major League Baseball, where athletes enjoy up to 14–15 weeks of off-season rest. In contrast, European footballers may have barely three weeks of downtime after an intense campaign.

The report also notes that elite players such as Luka Modric, Federico Valverde, Fabián Ruiz, and Julián Álvarez face extreme workloads, playing over 50 matches per season. This shows that overloading is not only a problem for young talents but for all of football’s elite players.

Risks for young talents

Lamine Yamal’s case exemplifies what FIFPRO considers a systemic problem in football: players under 21 require special protection protocols. Experts point out that tendons, ligaments, and growth plates remain vulnerable, and short recovery periods can lead to permanent damage.

The report recommends at least 28 days of rest off-season and another 28 days for pre-season, as well as reduced international call-ups to avoid extreme fatigue and injuries. “Without sufficient rest, performance capacity declines and players’ careers are shortened,” Burgess explains.

FIFPRO calls for immediate action

The union urges FIFA, leagues, and clubs to protect young players. “To safeguard our most valuable assets, the players, minimum standards for rest and pre-season are needed. This doesn’t weaken the game, it strengthens it,” Burgess stated.

FIFPRO also calls for protocols to address extreme heat, reduce travel burdens, and monitor workloads more closely, ensuring future stars like Lamine Yamal can reach their full potential without compromising their health.