Manchester City midfielder Rodri has raised serious alarm over the sustainability of modern football’s fixture calendar, warning that early retirement is a genuine possibility if the schedule is not addressed.
Speaking in a candid interview with DAZN’s Premier Corner, the 29-year-old was direct about the consequences of the expanding football calendar. “Either we stop or I won’t make it to 32,” the Spanish international said. “You have to know how to pace yourself, because the body has its limits and we all have an expiration date.”
Rodri, who won the Ballon d’Or and has been a central figure for both Manchester City and the Spanish national team, is no stranger to serious injury. He returned this season from an ACL injury — a setback that sidelined him for an extended period — and has since resumed an important role in City’s Premier League title challenge. The midfielder contributed to a 2-1 victory over Arsenal last weekend, a result that bolstered City’s position in the title race.
Beyond the physical demands, Rodri highlighted the psychological toll of consistently competing at the highest level across multiple competitions. He revealed that following Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024, he experienced significant mental exhaustion that affected his outlook on the game.
“When that European Championship we won ended, I was extremely worn out from reaching the final stages of everything for 5-6 consecutive years,” Rodri explained. “More than physically, mentally I didn’t know how to face it in the following years because of the burnout. I reached the peak, I almost reached the maximum I could have achieved, and it was a moment I used to recharge and recharge.”
Rodri’s comments arrive at a moment when concerns over player welfare and fixture congestion have become a prominent topic across European football. The introduction of an expanded FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, featuring 32 clubs and a group stage format, added further competitive matches to an already demanding schedule for elite players. Governing bodies including FIFA and UEFA have faced sustained criticism from players’ unions and club managers over the volume of matches being demanded of top-level athletes.
Professional Footballers’ Associations in several countries have raised formal concerns about burnout and injury rates, with research consistently linking high match volumes to increased soft-tissue injury risk. Rodri’s own ACL injury, sustained during the 2024-25 season, is among the high-profile cases that have intensified that debate.
At 29, Rodri would ordinarily be approaching what many consider the peak years for a defensive midfielder. His suggestion that he may not reach 32 in professional football underscores the severity with which some players view the current demands placed upon them. Should City secure the Premier League title this season, it would add to a trophy haul that already includes multiple domestic and European honours under Pep Guardiola.
The midfielder’s future at Manchester City has also been the subject of speculation in recent months, with reports linking him to a potential move away from the club. No official announcement regarding his contractual situation has been made by Manchester City.
