The 2022-23 football season proved to be an arduous marathon for both players and fans, with numerous elite athletes participating in an extraordinary number of matches for their clubs and national teams.
The campaign, which included the Qatar World Cup held in the winter, seemed never-ending, and for some of the sport’s luminaries, it hardly came to a close. Between September 15, 2022, and September 15, 2023, a total of 15 dedicated workhorses relentlessly competed for both their clubs and countries, amassing more than 65 appearances across various competitions. This impressive feat was revealed in a comprehensive study conducted by FIFPro, encompassing 1,500 male players.
Let’s delve into the top 10 players who exemplified extraordinary dedication and resilience during this exhaustive season:
- Oscar Castellanos (66 games)
- A rising star in the Guatemalan top flight with Antigua, the 23-year-old Castellanos is poised for greatness.
- Julian Alvarez (66 games)
- The Argentine forward enjoyed a stellar year, securing four trophies through sheer hard work and determination.
- Aurelien Tchouameni (66 games)
- Despite his yet-to-be-realized potential at Real Madrid following an £85 million transfer in 2022, the Frenchman continues to be a prominent figure.
- Jhon Arias (66 games)
- Fluminense’s Colombian midfielder has become indispensable since his arrival two years ago, becoming a linchpin for his team.
- Manuel Akanji (66 games)
- Akanji showcased his brilliance during his debut season under Pep Guardiola, contributing significantly to Manchester City’s historic Treble.
- Nicolo Barella (66 games)
- This Italian midfield dynamo remains a reliable and pivotal figure for both Inter and his national team.
- Marcus Rashford (67 games)
- The English star has yet to replicate his outstanding performance from the previous season, facing the challenges of a demanding schedule.
- Gustavo Gomez (67 games)
- As the captain of Palmeiras and a 30-year-old Paraguay international, Gomez serves as the defensive rock for his team.
- Bernardo Silva (67 games)
- Silva’s exceptional skills make him an invaluable asset for both club and country.
- Eduardo Camavinga (68 games)
- A versatile player under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, Camavinga and three others managed an impressive 68 appearances in the past year.
- Luka Modric (68 games)
- Despite being 38 years old, Modric continues to perform at an elite level week in and week out.
- Lautaro Martinez (68 games)
- As the captain of Inter, Martinez rarely missed a match for both his club and the Argentina national team.
- Rodri (68 games)
- Manchester City’s linchpin played a pivotal role in their triumphant Treble campaign.
- Rodrygo (70 games)
- Real Madrid’s Brazilian winger was one of only two players to surpass the remarkable milestone of 70 appearances.
- Bruno Fernandes (72 games)
- Topping FIFPro’s list is the indomitable Manchester United and Portugal star, who astonishingly accumulated a staggering 72 appearances.