France Defender Kounde Calls for Change in Football's Packed chedule

Kounde speaks out on Football's congested calendar

France defender Jules Kounde criticizes football's congested calendar, saying 'it's overconsumption' and calling for change. Read more about his comments.

There are families. I also think about all the people who work around football and who are sometimes victims of this relentless...

France defender Jules Kounde is sounding the alarm on the congested football calendar, warning that the sport's excessive schedule is having far-reaching consequences. “It's overconsumption,” Kounde said, highlighting the impact on players, families, and the entire ecosystem surrounding the game. He believes the relentless pace of fixtures is taking a toll, making it difficult for people to appreciate the game.

Kounde's concerns come on the heels of an expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which added 63 matches to the summer schedule, sparking criticism from players and clubs over fatigue and injury risks. Although Kounde didn't participate in the tournament, he acknowledges its impact on the already packed season. “Sometimes in life, when we overdo things, we stop appreciating them,” he noted.

Key Issues with the Current Calendar:

Increased Matches: More games mean less rest time for players, leading to potential injuries and burnout.

Impact on Players and Ecosystem: Kounde emphasizes that it's not just players who are affected, but also families and people working around football.

Need for Change: “These are things we need to put into perspective... and I think they need to change,” Kounde urged, calling for football's governing bodies to reassess the schedule.

Kounde's stance is supported by other players, like Manchester City's Rodri Hernandez, who also spoke out against the packed calendar. Kounde even suggested that players might need to go on strike to make their voices heard

The inaugural 32-team Club World Cup has added 63 matches to the summer schedule, sparking intense criticism from players and clubs regarding fatigue and injury risks. France defender Jules Kounde weighed in on the issue, urging football's governing bodies to reassess the long-term sustainability of the current model. “These are things we need to put into perspective,” Kounde said. “And I think they need to change.”

France defender Jules Kounde expressed concerns about football's packed calendar, emphasizing that the issue extends beyond players to their families and support staff. “It's not just about the players,” he said. “There are families. I also think about all the people who work around football and who are sometimes victims of this relentless pace.” Kounde's comments come ahead of France's upcoming matches against Ukraine in Wroclaw, Poland, and Iceland in Paris.

The expanded FIFA Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams, added 63 matches to the summer schedule, sparking criticism from players and clubs about fatigue and injury risks. Although Kounde didn't participate in the tournament, he believes the current format is unsustainable. “These are things we need to put into perspective... and I think they need to change.” As a Barcelona player, Kounde has experienced the demands of the sport firsthand, playing a crucial role in the team's success.

Kounde's concerns are echoed by recent studies highlighting player workload. In 2024, he played 6,522 minutes, with 73% of that being back-to-back minutes, according to FIFPRO and Football Benchmark. This intense schedule takes a toll on players and the broader ecosystem around football.

Contents de retrouver les terrains ensemble 🤗#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/9V2fSJE9OB

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) September 2, 2025

Manchester City's Rayan Cherki .

PSG recently played 65 matches in the 2024/25 season, culminating in their Champions League title win. The team's forward line, led by Dembele, who scored 33 goals and provided 13 assists, will likely need to adapt to his absence. Gonçalo Ramos will likely lead the line in Dembele's stead, with Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also expected to play key roles.

“It's a whole ecosystem,” kounde said.

𝐄𝐧 𝐞́𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩𝐞 🤜🤛 pic.twitter.com/7ywcLUT3QH

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) September 3, 2025

“Sometimes in life, when we overdo things, we stop appreciating them. When we see too much, we no longer give it the same importance.

“That's what's happening with football - it's overconsumption.”

Kounde's concerns stem from the sport's excessive schedule, which affects not only players but also the broader ecosystem around the game, including families and support staff. “It's not just about the players,” he emphasized. “There are families. I also think about all the people who work around football and who are sometimes victims of this relentless pace.” This sentiment echoes a growing sentiment among players and clubs, who are pushing for a more balanced and sustainable calendar.

The expanded FIFA Club World Cup has been a significant contributor to the packed schedule, with PSG playing 65 matches in the 2024-25 season. Kounde's call for change highlights the need for football's governing bodies to prioritize player welfare and the overall well-being of the sport.