Injuries have taken a heavy toll on Real Madrid’s squad depth over recent years, both physically and financially, according to newly released data analyzing the cost of player absences across European football.
Recent reports have revealed eye-catching figures regarding the financial impact of injuries in Europe’s top leagues over the past five seasons, with Real Madrid emerging as the most affected club in terms of injury-related losses, surpassing even long-time rivals Barcelona by a considerable margin. The findings underline the growing physical and economic burden faced by elite clubs amid increasingly congested schedules.
According to a study published by global insurance brokerage firm Howden, Real Madrid’s total injury cost over the last five seasons reached approximately €168.76 million, compared to €122.99 million for Barcelona during the same period. These numbers place the Spanish giants at the top of the injury-cost rankings in European football.
Real Madrid Lead Europe’s Injury Cost Rankings
The report, titled European Men’s Football Injury Index – Fifth Edition, analyzed injury trends across the five major European leagues over a five-year span, including clubs set to participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The study recorded a staggering 22,596 injuries across Europe during this period, highlighting the intense physical demands placed on players at the highest level.
Notably, Real Madrid, along with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, suffered average losses exceeding €40 million per season solely due to injuries. This trend confirms that the issue is neither temporary nor seasonal, but rather a recurring and escalating challenge.
The report also pointed to other clubs facing significant injury concerns. Chelsea, the reigning Club World Cup champions, experienced a 44% increase in injured players between June and October 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting the direct impact of fixture congestion and expanded international competitions.
In France, Paris Saint-Germain stood out as the only Ligue 1 club to record injury rates above the league average in each of the past five seasons, with nearly 300 total injuries—an alarming figure for a club heavily reliant on high-profile, high-salary stars.
Meanwhile, in Italy, Juventus and AC Milan were the most affected clubs in terms of injury numbers, while the Bundesliga consistently posted the highest injury rates per season. However, Germany’s overall financial cost remained significantly lower, averaging €115.95 million per season, due to differences in wage structures and insurance models.
2024–2025: The Season of Injuries
One of the most striking findings was that the 2024–2025 season recorded a noticeable rise in injury numbers across Europe’s top five leagues. Despite this increase, the total financial cost actually dropped by €160.48 million compared to the previous season. Experts attribute this decline to improved load management, enhanced prevention programs, and updated insurance agreements.
Read also:-
3 Matches Decide Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid Future
Commenting on the findings, James Burrows, Howden’s Global Head of Sport, stated that the figures reflect the ever-increasing physical demands placed on elite players. He emphasized that rising injury numbers and costs reinforce the ongoing debate about the need for better player protection—whether through reducing the number of matches or improving recovery periods.
Burrows added that the report aims to serve as a key reference for players, clubs, and governing bodies when making informed decisions about the future of football, particularly in light of packed calendars and the continued expansion of international competitions.
The data once again reopens the injury debate for clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona, where losses are no longer confined to on-field performance but have evolved into a major financial challenge—forcing club executives to rethink fitness strategies, squad rotation, and long-term player management to avoid bleeding millions due to enforced absences.
