• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

Yellow Card: Soccer Stars Warn of Load Management Concerns

  • Mbappé cites rising issues stemming from expanding schedules, competition formats.
  • Major League Soccer is facing similar concerns.
Mbappe
Witters Sport-USA TODAY Sports

The concept of load management is becoming a more prevalent issue in soccer, expanding beyond its notable presence in basketball.

French superstar Kylian Mbappé revealed in a new interview with British GQ that the bloating schedule of European soccer could result in conflict between athlete needs and fan desires. “We’re getting closer to the NBA model, with seasons of 70 games,” Mbappé said. “Personally, I’m not against playing that many matches, but we won’t be able to be good every time and give the public the spectacle they expect. In the NBA, players don’t play every game and franchises practice load management. But if I said, ‘I’m tired. I’m not playing on Saturday,’ it wouldn’t go down well.”

Mbappé’s comments arrive as European soccer indeed is mushrooming with additional cup competitions and friendlies and national team commitments supplementing core pro league seasons. The Paris Saint-Germain star and French team captain played 63 times in the 2022-23 season, up from 56 the year before. The number of games is set to expand further with the pending revival of the European Super League, and competition formats are expanding for both the Champions League and the World Cup. 

Back in the U.S., Inter Miami drew scrutiny after late-season injuries to star Lionel Messi amid a packed schedule, while MLS Cup finalist LAFC played a league-record 53 matches in 2023. 

Mbappé cited the NBA in his concerns, but that league has already addressed this issue. Players must play in a minimum of 65 games to be eligible for NBA awards such as MVP, All-NBA Team, or Defensive Player of the Year. Star players must also be made available for national TV and In-Season Tournament games, and teams face a series of escalating fines for violations. Additionally, the NBA has found in an internal study that there’s no link between player rest and injury prevention. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Silver: My Comments About Basketball Highlights Were ‘Misconstrued’

The NBA commissioner spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned in summit.
Apr 24, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) dribbles on New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the second half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.

Adam Silver: NBA’s Problems With Gambling ‘Have Been Predictable’

Silver originally advocated for legalized sports betting in a 2014 op-ed.
Maria Taylor

Maria Taylor Talks About ‘Moving Differently’ in ESPN-NBC Jump

Taylor will be NBC Sports’ lead NBA and WNBA studio host.

Featured Today

Adriunna Brown

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.

Adam Silver Walks Back Claim He’d Never Heard of Aspiration

Adam Silver spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.
September 15, 2025

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.
September 16, 2025

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 15, 2025

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.
September 14, 2025

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.
September 14, 2025

Low-Payroll Brewers Buck the Math, Clinch First MLB Playoff Berth

Milwaukee continues to defy its market size and economic constraints.