FIFPRO Unveils Workload Issues in Women’s Soccer

Current issues in women’s soccer are endangering players' health worldwide. A recent report from FIFPRO on player workload monitoring indicates that elite athletes are contending with excessive match schedules, while others face risks of injury due to insufficient competitive exposure.

Top female athletes are now navigating more fixtures with their clubs and national teams, often without adequate recovery time. This escalating workload, fueled by a surge in interest for women’s soccer and a boost in competitions, is pushing these elite players to their physical and mental limits. Alex Culvin, FIFPRO’s director of women's football, emphasized that star players, who draw significant attention, lack the robust support mechanisms enjoyed by their male counterparts, such as chartered flights, specialized nutritionists, trained physiotherapists, and top-tier training facilities.

Conversely, the report sheds light on a concerning “underload” phenomenon, whereby players in leagues with fewer matches encounter greater injury risks. Evidence suggests that competing in fewer than 25 matches a year can leave athletes susceptible to various injuries due to diminished match fitness and conditioning. Spain international and Chicago Stars player Maitane Lopez pointed out that young talents lacking competitive time find it difficult to develop, exacerbating the gap between elite and lower-tier players.

FIFPRO’s study revealed pronounced disparities even within prestigious European leagues. In Germany and France, top-tier players average only 14 matches across all competitions, totaling about one-and-a-half games per month. England's Women’s Super League reflects a similar pattern, where first-team players at top clubs like Arsenal can amass 13 more full matches compared to those at lower-tier teams such as Crystal Palace. This discrepancy results in lost national team opportunities and hampers overall player development.

The issue of overload was highlighted by Spain's Aitana Bonmati, a Barcelona midfielder and recent Ballon d’Or winner, who participated in 60 matches last season across various competitions. While her remarkable performance contributed to a domestic league and cup double for Barcelona, along with a Champions League runner-up finish and a Euros final with Spain, the intense workload has led to a five-month recovery period following surgery for a fractured left fibula sustained in national team training.

Experts emphasize that while women’s soccer is rapidly expanding, its infrastructure and support systems lag behind. The dual challenges of overload and underload not only raise injury concerns but threaten the long-term nurturing of talent. Lopez stressed that mental health is vital as well, with burnout among female footballers emerging as a pressing issue. There is an urgent need for improved facilities, recovery protocols, and investments in player well-being.

As women’s soccer attracts unprecedented global attention, resolving workload imbalances is essential for players' performance, career longevity, and the development of future talent. Balancing match schedules and enhancing comprehensive player support frameworks must be prioritized for the growth of women's football globally.