Women's football boom leaves most players in financial hardship

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 13:07 · Archive

Women's football is on course to become a billion-dollar industry, but many professional players earn low wages and struggle with mental health.

Women's football is on course to become a billion-dollar industry, with global revenue expected to rise from $581m in 2024 to over $1bn by 2027. Yet a Fifpro global survey of more than 800 players reveals a stark disconnect between the sport's financial growth and working conditions for most professionals.

Nearly half of female footballers surveyed—49%—are considering leaving the game earlier than planned. Among those considering early retirement, 59% cited their financial situation as a reason and 46% pointed to psychological stress. Most women players earn less than £15,000 annually. While inflation-adjusted average monthly club wages have tripled since Fifpro's previous study in 2017 to $2,601, the median is substantially lower at $1,669, revealing what the report describes as 'uneven and fragmented' growth. In 10 eastern European countries analysed, average salaries remain below the national minimum wage.

Mental health is a particular concern. The report shows 57% of women surveyed struggled with their mental health, yet only half were provided with support by their clubs. Alex Culvin, head of women's football at Fifpro, said growing public visibility of players was forcing them to subsidise their low incomes through additional exposure. She noted that whilst awareness of mental health had improved, players felt they were being left to cope alone.

How it is being reported

• Almost half of female footballers are considering retiring early, survey showsFinancial situation and psychological stress cited Fifpro global survey interviewed 800 players Nearly half of female footballers are considering leaving the game early, with financial pressures and mental health struggles the main reasons, according to a Fifpro report highlighting the gulf between the sport’s rapid growth and conditions for most players. The 2026 Fifpro global employment report “Working Conditions in Women’s Football”, billed by the global players’ union as the most extensive review of working conditions in the women’s game in a decade, interviewed 800 players and found…The Guardian · 12 Oct, 12:39
• Women's billion-dollar boom leaves players behind, says FifproWomen's football is on course to become a billion-dollar industry, but many professional players are still earning low wages, working on insecure contracts and experiencing rising psychological stress, a Fifpro survey indicates.BBC News · 12 Oct, 11:04

In this story: Fifpro · Real Madrid · Barcelona · Alex Culvin · Spain

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