Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has voiced his advocacy for more rest for players, as the debate over the football calendar continues to pit players against governing bodies. Over the last decade, the Spanish Supercup, the Nations League and the Champions League have all added extra games to the calendar.
That trend is set to continue, with the World Cup increasing the number of teams by 50% next year, and doubling in size for the 2030 edition, albeit the 2026 version will see the winner play only one more game in total.
Mbappe has started off the season in fine fettle scoring the opening goal in two of Los Blancos three encounters, while looking razor-sharp in their third too. It will be music to Madridista ears that Mbappe believes Xabi Alonso has the ingredients at the Santiago Bernabeu for a great season.
“I’m very happy to be able to start a new season. I’ve come here with a lot of enthusiasm. It’s a great year for my club, my national team, and for me. There’s everything necessary to do great things, and that starts tomorrow. I try not to think too much about the end of the season,” he told Marca.
Real Madrid players have been outspoken of late over the saturation of the football calendar, with Thibaut Courtois the most vocal on the matter. Mbappe was also asked about it, and explained that maintaining the same level over the length of a full season is no longer possible in his eyes.
“I don’t know if we’re ready to play a 60-game season. From my experience in football, I watch a lot of games, and I don’t remember seeing any player play more than 60 top-level matches. There’s always a basic level that remains. But I’ve seen players considered the best in history, others a little less good, but never anyone play 60 games at the highest level. There will always be games where you perform a little less.”
During the summer, Real Madrid were involved in the Club World Cup, in which they earned a little over €70m, but added another six games to their workload, and as a result, saw their preseason shortened to just 19 days.
“Last season I had gastroenteritis, that kind of virus. Last season was a total bewilderment. Did we play too much? I don’t necessarily believe that anymore. The debate is like that. We can give explanations, but the answer is always that we earn a lot of money, ‘play,’ and that’s why we play. It’s going to continue like that. I understand people on their sofas who want to watch a lot of games. We just need a little more rest to be able to come back. It’s not a question of games, but more of recovery. I saw teams returning to training when we were still in the Club World Cup…”
m1111
0
all these guys now go Madrid guys
woabdelouy
2
Asx
Nuuacenr
0
Nuuacenr
0
Nuuacenr
2
,
iceprinceamarni1989
0
the complain is not about the number of games but the recovery of the players..
exactly
iceprinceamarni1989
0
hmmm
Constantinetino
1
His absolutely right ,I mean this guys are not robots regardless of what they earn,it's too much [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
rosadkluy
6
currently the best player in the world
kitabcekmu
0
you'll are earning millions of euros per week and still complaining for a 90mins game
let them come to Africa an c wahala for only 30k
wenbimnpt
3
the complain is not about the number of games but the recovery of the players..
Linozaha99
2
Kyky political science
Wocbimpt
0
cry more ..boeller
if it was brownish teeth yamal who said it u would've applaud 👏 him stupid boy
Solex07
0
you'll are earning millions of euros per week and still complaining for a 90mins game
isofadaik87
0
With the kind of money involved in football I wouldn't mind the number of games considering the fact that we play almost everyday for fun and without getting paid. Get injured treat yourself by yourself and return to the pitch when fit. So enough of the excuses
reedelmopz
0
real Madrid is god 🙏🙏 Tem I'm 2025
reedelmopz
2
Mbappe getter 3
Emmysomto
1
We all know is too much. This season doesn't seem like a new season even cos last season was just like yesterday
Ceaabcdmry
0
cry more ..boeller
bancknpt
2
but our. past legend never complained about too much of games
Of course bcos the number of tournaments and games were lesser. They’ve steadily been increasing in recent times and will still increase in the feature of nothing is done. E.g Worldcup from 36 teams to 48 if I’m not mistaken. That’s lot of games for a player if his team progresses
wuwilpsu
1
Rodri complaint and no one paid attention
but our. past legend never complained about too much of games
Oladimeji6
0
team have d right to pull out of any competition, if they are not ok with d features or if dey feel their players need rest
Hoycdenoz
4
Rotation is better for all coaches
jasondrx77
2
Real have a squad, rotate!👍🏾
Pundlpsuz
1
zidan
daadelpuz
4
don't worry gonzalo will play some matches
stephtyler
1
That's why team rotation was brought fourth, stop complaining mate.
Commando98
0
Stfu
heaackoru
0
Ask your coaches to rotate more and give other players minutes
bancknpt
1
That's why you get paid millions, you're still young stop complaining like an old man
Evening machines are stopped for overhauling or check ups. We’re all humans mate
Balogun kola
0
what of players crazy salaries bro😂
bancknpt
0
Rodri complaint and no one paid attention
Rachtake7
4
That's why you get paid millions, you're still young stop complaining like an old man