Money is a big aspect of football. UEFA needs money to run European competitions. Clubs need money to run their facilities and train their players. But this comes at a price; football now emphasises more on money, which sees clubs and players having a busy match schedule, leading to problems like injury. As well as players chasing money instead of passion, slowly ruining this amazing sport.

The biggest concern is the busy match schedule that professional footballers play. Most top-flight football teams participate in cup competitions along with their domestic football leagues, as well as European competitions. This is absolutely necessary for clubs to secure sponsorships, matchday revenue, and shirt sales, which are vital for the operation of the football club. As a result, players end up with a packed schedule, often playing multiple 90-minute games within a week. There isn’t enough time for their bodies to recover, often leading to injuries that jeopardize their careers.

Recently, Manchester City midfielder Rodri voiced his concern about the workload faced by footballers. Just days after his comments, he suffered an ACL injury which could see him out for the rest of the season. This just goes to show how the monetary reward for clubs to participate in multiple competitions can have such a great impact on their players. This workload problem could take a turn for the worse with the recent format change for European competitions, which will see teams playing even more matches. On one hand, UEFA and clubs will receive more revenue from these matches. But on the other hand, footballers will face an even busier match schedule, which just shows how football is a money game, completely neglecting the wellbeing of the players.

Footballers make a lot of money; that’s a well-established fact. But why are players signing for clubs for a big paycheck instead of chasing their dreams of playing for the biggest clubs in the world? The simple answer is money. Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr in 2023, securing a contract that results in him being the highest-paid footballer ever, earning £177 million per year. Many players have since followed his footsteps, switching to the Saudi Pro League, including famous players like Neymar Jr., Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kante. Some might say it’s understandable for players nearing the end of their careers to secure one last big paycheck, which will set them up for retirement. But young players like Ruben Neves and Gabri Veiga have switched from top-five leagues to the Saudi League just to chase that big paycheck. This just shows how football is less about passion and ambition; it’s more about money.

Ultimately, money is slowly ruining football. Money is taking over. Players are chasing money instead of dreams. Clubs want to make as much money as possible, in turn neglecting the wellbeing of their players. Some serious changes must be made to make sure players are taken care of; they won’t need to worry about money and can solely focus on playing this beautiful sport.