HOOFDDORP, Netherlands — A recent analysis conducted by the global players’ union FIFPRO has revealed significant disparities in the workloads of elite women’s soccer players. While some athletes are facing an exhaustive schedule, others struggle to find enough game time.

According to FIFPRO, players like Mariona Caldentey, who represented both Barcelona and Spain, experienced an intense season with a total of 64 matches played. Barcelona’s participation in four competitions resulted in a successful campaign, with the team securing victories across all fronts. Now, Caldentey competes for Arsenal in the English league. Conversely, FIFPRO’s findings indicate that many players average only about 33 games a season, reflecting a stark contrast in competition availability.

The study emphasizes that the uneven distribution of games is largely due to the introduction and expansion of tournaments in specific regions, particularly Europe and North America, while growth remains stagnant in other areas. Ongoing developments such as a women’s Club World Cup could potentially alter this landscape in the future.

Traditionally, concerns surrounding packed schedules have focused on potential injuries and player fatigue as the popularity of women’s soccer increases, but FIFPRO has drawn attention to the issue of “underload,” where athletes have insufficient playing time. For instance, some players selected for their national teams in the upcoming Paris Olympics have reportedly participated in fewer than ten games in the preceding year.

“There is a two-speed development of women’s football,” stated Alex Culvin, FIFPRO’s director of policy and strategic relations for women’s football. “While some athletes are overwhelmed by the demanding calendar and the frequency of matches, a significant number lack adequate competitive play, a situation that often goes unnoticed.”

Culvin advocated for “a more balanced calendar” that would not only provide increased opportunities for competition but also ensure adequate recovery time for players.

This report emerges at a pivotal moment as FIFPRO seeks to influence FIFA regarding the expansion of the men’s soccer calendar. Leading male players have voiced their concerns about the potential for strike action if their schedules become increasingly taxing.