Kevin de Bruyne, Manchester City’s midfield maestro, has added his voice to the growing chorus of players and managers criticizing the increasingly congested football calendar. Following Bernardo Silva’s recent statement, de Bruyne expressed his concerns over the relentless scheduling of matches, especially in light of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup and the implications for the 2025 Premier League season.
“Money Speaks Louder than Players’ Voices”
De Bruyne didn’t mince words as he addressed the issue, stating, “The real problem will emerge after the Club’s World Cup.” His concerns stem from the fact that there will be only three weeks separating the Club World Cup final from the start of the 2025 Premier League season.
In his words, “We will basically have three weeks rest… and prepare for another 80 matches for the new season, that’s it.” The Belgian star pointed out that players are being pushed to their physical limits, with little regard for their health and well-being.
A Growing Problem with No Solutions in Sight
The player associations, including the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), have been attempting to address these concerns with football’s governing bodies. De Bruyne acknowledged these efforts, saying, “The PFA and other player associations have tried to find solutions… but the issue is UEFA and FIFA keep adding extra matches every single season and year.”
Despite raising these issues consistently, de Bruyne lamented the lack of progress: “We raise concerns… no solutions have been found.”
Player Welfare vs. Profit
Kevin de Bruyne’s comments underscore a broader issue in modern football: the increasing clash between player welfare and the commercial demands of the sport. As he put it bluntly, “It seems money speaks louder than players’ voices!” The coming seasons will undoubtedly test the resilience of players, as the sport continues to grapple with balancing its commercial interests against the physical and mental health of those on the pitch.
As the debate over the congested fixture list rages on, it remains to be seen whether the governing bodies will take meaningful action or continue to prioritize profits over players.