Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has humorously suggested he might need to retire by the age of 30 due to the relentless and ever-expanding football fixture schedule. The Switzerland international, now 29, has expressed concern over the growing demands placed on professional footballers, with little time for rest between seasons and competitions.
Akanji, who joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in September 2022, has been an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s squad, helping City secure numerous accolades, including the historic treble last season. However, the toll of continuous football on his body is becoming a subject of concern for the defender, who has already played a staggering 127 games for club and country in the past two years.
A Grueling Two Years
Akanji packed schedule has included Premier League games, domestic cups, international matches, and deep runs in European competitions. The 29-year-old has already made seven appearances this season, including the Community Shield and two Nations League fixtures for Switzerland.
Reflecting on his heavy workload, Akanji half-jokingly stated, “At this rate, I might have to retire by 30. The schedule is so demanding that there’s hardly any time to rest and recover between games. It’s tough on the body, and it doesn’t look like it’s getting any easier.”
From the Treble to Another Intense Season
Akanji’s busy schedule is perhaps best illustrated by the fact that he played his final game of the 2022-23 season on July 6, when Switzerland were knocked out of the European Championship by England. Just a month later, he was back on the pitch for City, participating in the Community Shield against Arsenal.
City’s first fixture in the tournament is against Inter Milan on Wednesday, a repeat of the 2023 final that saw City lift the trophy for the first time in their history.
The Physical and Mental Toll
Akanji is not alone in voicing concerns about the impact of the relentless fixture schedule. Many players and managers have pointed out the potential for injury and burnout, as the intensity of the game continues to rise. With international breaks, expanded competitions, and post-season tours, modern football offers little respite for its stars.
“We train hard and play hard, and as professionals, we know that’s part of the job,” Akanji explained. “But the level of games we play now is just incredible. It’s not just the physical exhaustion but the mental strain as well. You have to stay sharp every single game because at a club like Manchester City, you can’t afford to switch off.”
Akanji’s remarks resonate with concerns expressed by top players across Europe. In recent years, high-profile names like Kevin De Bruyne, Harry Kane, and even Lionel Messi have spoken out about the lack of rest and recovery time between seasons, which can lead to injury and early retirement for some players.
Akanji, known for his reliability and consistency in City’s backline, has become a crucial part of the team’s defensive structure. His ability to read the game, combined with his athleticism, makes him an indispensable asset for Guardiola. However, with the Swiss international nearing his 30th birthday, both the player and his club will need to monitor his fitness closely to prevent burnout.
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