'We need more time for rest' - Kylian Mbappe reveals how hospital scare 'evolved' his opinion

Real Madrid forward Mbappe argued that players "need more time for rest" as he revealed his opinion on the intensity of the fixture schedule had "evolved" after a bout of gastroenteritis sidelined him during the Club World Cup. The French captain stated it is impossible for players to maintain a high level over a 60-game season and criticised the common argument that high wages should justify the physical demands.

Mbappe's comments add a powerful voice to the growing chorus of players and managers concerned about player welfare and fixture congestion. Moreover, with competitions like the Champions League and Club World Cup expanding, the football schedule is more demanding than ever. The French captain argued that the core issue is the lack of recovery time between seasons, noting that some teams were already in pre-season training while Real Madrid were still competing.

Speaking on the issue, Mbappe said: "I don't know if we're ready to play a 60-game season. I've seen many games in my experience, and I can't remember a player who has played a 60-game season at the highest level. Last season I had gastroenteritis, that kind of virus. I thought about it and my thinking has evolved: we need more time for rest, for vacations.

"The answer is always that we're making a lot of money, 'play,' and that's why we play.

"I saw teams returning to training when we were still in the Club World Cup, so there's a problem. There is a problem. Everyone must find a solution. In the end, everyone will win. There will be higher-level matches. We love football and we love our jobs."

In the immediate term, Mbappe will lead France in two crucial World Cup qualifiers, facing Ukraine on Friday evening before a match against Iceland on Tuesday, 9th September. His public statements will add further pressure on governing bodies like FIFA and UEFA, as well as players' unions, to address the relentless schedule in future calendar reforms. The debate over the game's structure is set to continue, with Mbappé's influential voice now firmly part of the conversation.