Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe – ‘I don’t know if we’re ready for a 60-game season’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has voiced his advocacy for more rest for players, as the debate over the football calendar continues to pit players against governing bodies. Over the last decade, the Spanish Supercup, the Nations League and the Champions League have all added extra games to the calendar.

That trend is set to continue, with the World Cup increasing the number of teams by 50% next year, and doubling in size for the 2030 edition, albeit the 2026 version will see the winner play only one more game in total.

‘Everything there for a great season’ – Mbappe

Mbappe has started off the season in fine fettle scoring the opening goal in two of Los Blancos three encounters, while looking razor-sharp in their third too. It will be music to Madridista ears that Mbappe believes Xabi Alonso has the ingredients at the Santiago Bernabeu for a great season.

“I’m very happy to be able to start a new season. I’ve come here with a lot of enthusiasm. It’s a great year for my club, my national team, and for me. There’s everything necessary to do great things, and that starts tomorrow. I try not to think too much about the end of the season,” he told Marca.

Image via Marca

Mbappe doubts over calendar and strain on players

Real Madrid players have been outspoken of late over the saturation of the football calendar, with Thibaut Courtois the most vocal on the matter. Mbappe was also asked about it, and explained that maintaining the same level over the length of a full season is no longer possible in his eyes.

“I don’t know if we’re ready to play a 60-game season. From my experience in football, I watch a lot of games, and I don’t remember seeing any player play more than 60 top-level matches. There’s always a basic level that remains. But I’ve seen players considered the best in history, others a little less good, but never anyone play 60 games at the highest level. There will always be games where you perform a little less.”

During the summer, Real Madrid were involved in the Club World Cup, in which they earned a little over €70m, but added another six games to their workload, and as a result, saw their preseason shortened to just 19 days.

“Last season I had gastroenteritis, that kind of virus. Last season was a total bewilderment. Did we play too much? I don’t necessarily believe that anymore. The debate is like that. We can give explanations, but the answer is always that we earn a lot of money, ‘play,’ and that’s why we play. It’s going to continue like that. I understand people on their sofas who want to watch a lot of games. We just need a little more rest to be able to come back. It’s not a question of games, but more of recovery. I saw teams returning to training when we were still in the Club World Cup…”