Under Pressure: How Heavy Schedules Are Taking a Toll on Female Footballers

Women’s football is experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity. Record-breaking crowds, increased media coverage, and expanding international competitions have brought well-deserved attention to the sport. However, this rapid growth has come with a cost: the health and well-being of the players themselves. As the demands on female footballers escalate, so too do injuries and mental health struggles, raising critical questions about how the game is managed—and whether the current pace is sustainable.

The Rise of the Game—and the Schedule

The evolution of women’s football has been swift. Top-tier players are now competing across domestic leagues, international club competitions, and major global tournaments like the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Olympics, and continental championships—all within compressed timeframes. While increased visibility has been a long-awaited victory, it’s also led to a relentless calendar.

Unlike many of their male counterparts, female footballers often lack the same level of resources, recovery time, and medical support. This discrepancy is especially pronounced at the club level, where staff and infrastructure vary greatly between teams. Add in frequent travel, back-to-back games, and limited off-season breaks, and the outcome is clear: players are being pushed to their physical and mental limits.

The Injury Epidemic

One of the most glaring consequences of this schedule overload is a sharp rise in injuries, particularly anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Studies and injury reports from recent seasons show female footballers are experiencing ACL injuries at a disproportionately high rate compared to male players. Notable stars—some even missing major tournaments—have fallen victim to this devastating injury, which often requires 9–12 months of recovery.

Experts point to several contributing factors:

•⁠  ⁠Overload and fatigue, reducing players' physical resilience.
•⁠  ⁠Insufficient recovery periods, especially between domestic and international play.
•⁠  ⁠Lack of investment in tailored strength and conditioning programs for female athletes.
•⁠  ⁠Turf pitch exposure, which increases injury risk.

With more competitions being added and limited adjustments made to accommodate recovery, the injury trend shows no signs of slowing.

The Silent Struggle: Mental Health

Physical injuries are only part of the equation. Many players have begun speaking openly about the mental strain of non-stop football. The pressure to perform, coupled with limited time for rest, family, or self-care, is leading to burnout and mental health challenges.

Former and current professionals have described:

•⁠  ⁠Anxiety and depressive symptoms related to constant travel and competition.
•⁠  ⁠Feelings of isolation, especially when injured and away from the team.
•⁠  ⁠Fear of job security, due to short contracts and limited financial support.
•⁠  ⁠Pressure to stay silent, as mental health is still stigmatized in some locker rooms and organizations.

The environment often fails to provide adequate psychological support, further compounding these issues. Some players have even taken breaks from the game entirely to protect their mental health, a decision that underscores the seriousness of the problem.

A Call for Change

For women’s football to thrive sustainably, systemic changes are necessary. These include:

•⁠  ⁠Smarter scheduling that prioritizes player recovery and limits fixture congestion.
•⁠  ⁠Equal investment- in sports science, physiotherapy, and mental health resources.
•⁠  ⁠Standardised rest periods and off-seasons just as in the men’s game.
•⁠  ⁠Education and support networks to encourage open discussions about mental health.

Governing bodies, clubs, and sponsors have a responsibility to act. The momentum in women’s football is a tremendous opportunity—but if not managed with care, it risks compromising the very players who built it.

Female footballers are breaking barriers and inspiring millions, but the current pace of the sport is unsustainable. As injuries rise and mental health concerns deepen, the conversation must shift toward protection, not just promotion. The health of the game depends on the health of its players—and right now, they need time, care, and a seat at the table where decisions are made.