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Man City’s Manuel Akanji Expresses Concerns About Football Calendar
Manuel Akanji, a defender for Manchester City, has lightheartedly suggested that he might retire at the age of 30 due to the escalating number of matches in the elite football calendar.
The 29-year-old has already been on the field seven times for both his club and national team this season. His last match of the previous season was on July 6, when Switzerland faced elimination in the Euro 2024 tournament. He then kicked off the new season with his first official match during the Community Shield in England on August 10.
Next week, Manchester City will commence their journey in the newly expanded Champions League, which features eight league phase matches before the knockout rounds begin. The season will culminate with the 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, with the final set for July 13.
Akanji expressed his concerns about the relentless schedule. “It’s so tough,” he stated. “You don’t just think about this season but also the next. Imagine if we win the league or cup and then reach the final of the Club World Cup; the Community Shield follows just three weeks later. When do we actually get a holiday?”
He continued to highlight the lack of breaks: “There are no winter breaks, so if we’re fortunate, we might get two weeks off before diving right back into the next season. And then there’s the World Cup next summer. It feels endless.”
In recent years, Akanji has been a workhorse, playing 48 matches for his club during each of his two full seasons at City. He anticipates facing a similar level of demands in the current campaign.
Akanji raised concerns about fatigue and the risk of injuries, noting, “At some point, you’ll simply be too exhausted to continue playing. Injuries will definitely follow. We train hard and are in shape, but there has to be a limit. Maybe I’ll retire at 30.”
This outlook is not unique to Akanji. Many players share similar sentiments, as highlighted by the global players’ union, FIFPRO. In June, FIFPRO took legal action against FIFA, the governing body of world football, over its authority to unilaterally set the football calendar, particularly concerning the scheduling of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
The rising number of matches and lack of adequate breaks raise important questions about player health and the sustainability of the current football calendar. Players like Akanji are advocating for changes to ensure they can maintain their performance and well-being throughout their careers.
As football continues to grow in popularity and commercial success, ensuring the welfare of the athletes who drive the sport is increasingly vital. The ongoing dialogue about the football schedule could shape the future landscape of the game and impact players of all levels.
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