Jules Kounde’s warning sheds light on football’s unsustainable calendar and its impact on the game
Football has always been a game of passion, endurance, and skill. But when does the passion of the sport turn into an overwhelming grind? Jules Kounde, Barcelona’s defensive stalwart, has raised a red flag that the footballing world cannot afford to ignore. After playing an astonishing 70 matches in 2024, Kounde has become the poster child for the unsustainable demands placed on modern players. His candid words—”We are really killing football”—ring as both a warning and a plea for change.
Kounde’s record-breaking year is a testament to his resilience and value to his team. He takes pride in being a reliable presence on the pitch, but even he acknowledges the toll this relentless schedule takes. “It’s far too many matches,” he remarked, pointing to the ever-expanding football calendar, which now includes the controversial Club World Cup. While Barcelona may not participate in this particular competition, Kounde expressed concern for his peers who will face even more grueling schedules.
The issue of overcrowded football calendars is not new, but Kounde’s remarks bring it into sharp focus. The sport’s governing bodies continue to add tournaments and matches, driven by the lure of broadcasting deals and global audiences. However, the human cost—both physical and mental—on players is often overlooked. Kounde’s 70-match milestone is not an achievement to celebrate but a symptom of a broken system that prioritizes revenue over the well-being of its athletes.
Beyond individual players, the overcrowded schedule affects the quality of the game itself. Fatigued players are more prone to injuries, and the spectacle of football suffers when its stars are sidelined or performing below their best. Fans may enjoy the increased access to matches, but at what cost? The very essence of the sport—its artistry, its unpredictability—is at risk of being diluted.
As someone who has followed football for decades, I can’t help but feel a sense of loss. The game I grew up watching was about the moments that took your breath away, not the sheer volume of matches. Kounde’s words resonate deeply because they highlight a fundamental shift in football’s priorities. The sport needs to find a balance between growth and sustainability, or it risks alienating the very people who make it special: the players and the fans.
So, what can be done? Reducing the number of matches and rethinking the structure of competitions would be a good start. Players like Kounde deserve to be heard, not just because of their talent but because they are the ones bearing the brunt of these decisions. It’s time for football’s decision-makers to listen and act before the game we love becomes unrecognizable.
Kounde’s warning is a wake-up call. The question is, will the footballing world hit snooze, or will it rise to the challenge?
References: ‘Far too many matches’ – Jules Kounde speaks out after being most used player in 2024 – Barca Blaugranes
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