FIFPro raises alarm over Lamine Yamal overload
Concerns are mounting about the physical demands placed on Barcelona’s teenage sensation, with Lamine Yamal overload becoming a central issue in FIFPro’s latest report. At just 18 years old, Yamal has already made 130 first-team appearances, far more than legendary players such as Andres Iniesta had at the same age.
Early success but mounting risks
Yamal has shattered records since debuting at 15 — becoming the youngest player to score in La Liga, the youngest Spanish international, and the youngest ever to reach 100 Barcelona appearances. He also played a starring role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and recently won his second consecutive Copa Award for best young player.
But FIFPro warns that such an overload at a young age could jeopardize his development and long-term health. “Exposing players to such pressure during their growth years increases the risk of injury,” said Darren Burgess, a member of FIFPro’s advisory network.
Calls for reform in football’s calendar
FIFPro’s monitoring report argues that modern footballers face harsher demands than athletes in other sports. For example, NBA and MLB players receive up to 15 weeks off, while elite footballers sometimes get just three weeks. Comparisons were drawn with LeBron James, who still competes at the highest level at 40, thanks in part to longer recovery times.
Premier League striker Chris Wood suggested football could extend player careers if it followed similar rest structures.
Champions League focus shifts back to Barcelona
While the Lamine Yamal overload debate continues, Barcelona is preparing for their upcoming Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain. After defeating Newcastle 2-1 in their opening game, Barcelona aims to overcome last year’s disappointment, when they fell to Inter Milan in the semi-finals.
The Catalan giants remain determined to reclaim the Champions League title, a trophy they last lifted in 2015 under Luis Enrique — now ironically the coach of PSG.
