Erling Haaland’s stellar start highlights the importance of rest

A recent report by FIFPRO highlights the increasing mental strain faced by professional footballers due to an overwhelming fixture schedule. The impressive performance of Erling Haaland at Manchester City underscores the critical need for players to take extended breaks.

At just 24, Haaland has already made a remarkable start to the Premier League season, scoring seven goals in his first three matches. His outstanding form can be partly attributed to a full summer off, as Norway did not qualify for the Euro 2024 tournament.

In contrast, fellow players Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid and Phil Foden of Manchester City have already missed matches this season due to injuries or fatigue. Both players participated in the Euro 2024 campaign, which concluded with England in the final in Berlin on July 14.

Looking ahead, Haaland, Bellingham, and Foden are also expected to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, which spans 32 games across the United States and concludes on July 13, 2025. This will mark a record for the longest club season ever.

The FIFPRO study reveals that elite footballers now enjoy a mere 12% of the calendar year off, translating to less than one day of rest per week. Former City player Julián Álvarez, who now plays for Atlético Madrid, attributes his rigorous schedule to being the busiest player last season with 75 appearances and 83 matchday squad inclusions.

Maheta Molango, the CEO of England’s Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), emphasized the importance of adequate rest after surveying players in the Premier League. He pointed to Haaland as the perfect example of how proper breaks can lead to improved performance.

“I found it astonishing how different the feedback was between players who had proper holidays and those who didn’t,” Molango stated. “The way they expressed themselves and their body language was striking.” He noted that Haaland’s excitement for the new season, stating, “I was missing being back, I was missing being able to train again and I’m pumped up,” was indicative of his readiness.

This season, Haaland has returned to his peak form, reminiscent of his initial impact when he joined English football. Molango compared this with Mohamed Salah, noting that both players had significant rest this summer and, as a result, are again delivering top performances.

While the number of games played by elite players is escalating, FIFPRO advocates for a shift in how footballers’ activity levels are measured. The focus should now include squad appearances, encompassing both the matches played and the travel required to participate, which adds a significant mental and physical burden to players.

Darren Burgess, FIFPRO adviser and former performance coach for clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal, suggested assessing squad inclusion offers a more comprehensive understanding of a player’s activity. He explained, “Previously, if you saw Phil Foden come off the bench for seven minutes, it might not seem significant. However, the travel and disruption involved plays a crucial role in his overall stress and performance.”

Players often face extensive travel for matches, arriving home in the early hours after late games. Such schedules can severely impact their performance in subsequent training sessions and matches, leading to physical exhaustion and mental fatigue.

FIFPRO’s research has shown that mental stress correlates directly with physical stress. Studies conducted with functional MRI techniques reveal that mental and physical strains are interconnected, highlighting the serious implications of fatigue on players’ performance and injury risks.

In response to these overwhelming pressures, FIFPRO, along with various players’ unions in Europe, has initiated legal action against FIFA, accusing the governing body of exerting undue influence over football without regard for player welfare. This ongoing case has the potential to alter the structure of competitions, including the Club World Cup.

MOLANGO pointed out that this season will be pivotal for the future of football. “This will be the defining season,” he remarked. “It is crucial for us to address these concerns now, especially since we have long anticipated the challenges that are beginning to emerge.” With fatigue and injury concerns looming large, the football world must navigate this critical juncture carefully.