Kylian Mbappé didn’t wait long to stir the pot. On the eve of France’s opener in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Real Madrid forward took aim at something that’s been irritating players for years: the European soccer calendar. He argued that expecting anyone to play 60 games in a season while keeping the same level of performance is unrealistic. In fact, he linked the overload directly to some health issues he’s already dealt with.
The limits of the body
Mbappé pointed back to the bout of gastroenteritis he suffered during the Club World Cup, played between June and July, as a perfect example of what happens when the body is pushed too far. For him, the issue isn’t simply the number of matches, but the lack of time to breathe and recover. “I don’t remember a player who’s played 60 matches at a high level in one season. Physically it might be possible, but at the very top level it’s impossible,” he said. The forward stressed the need for longer breaks and proper vacations, making it clear that recovery is essential if players are to perform at their best.
According to the French captain, this debate always seems to hit the same wall. Whenever players ask for rest, the answer is predictable: you earn big money, so you play. Mbappé dismissed that argument as shallow and even dangerous. “More time off, more vacation is needed to try to recover the body. But the answer is always that we make a lot of money and therefore we play,” he explained, clearly frustrated with the way the conversation usually ends.
When the quality starts to suffer
Mbappé didn’t stop at the players’ well-being. He argued that the current pace is hurting the game itself. Fewer chances to rest mean more fatigue, which leads to weaker performances and lower-quality matches. “It will continue this way. It’s not a matter of the number of games, but of recovery. Everyone should find a solution, because in the end everyone will benefit, the matches will be of higher quality. We love soccer and we love our job,” he said.
What Mbappé laid out is far from a new problem, but his words carry weight. Coming from one of the most visible figures in the sport, the warning hits harder. If even athletes at their peak are struggling with the packed schedule, how long can clubs and federations ignore the risks? At some point, pushing players past their limits threatens not just individual health but also the spectacle fans are paying to see.