In brief
A global survey by FIFPRO shows that while revenues for women’s football are expected to rise to over $1bn by 2027, the majority of professional players earn less than £15,000 a year and still live on precarious short‑term contracts. The report reveals that 59% of players cite financial stress as a reason to leave, with 46% pointing to psychological pressures and a lack of institutional support. Female players across ten regions report salaries that often fall below national minimum wages, especially in Eastern Europe and Africa, while even top leagues in North America and Europe lag behind the cost of living. FIFPRO’s Alex Culvin warns that the commercial boom is masking a growing disconnect between revenue and the real‑world conditions of athletes, and calls for a “wake‑up call” to protect player welfare. The study highlights the need for policy reforms – such as mandatory maternity regulations – and stronger safeguards so that growth in the sport is matched by security for the players who drive it.
The global women's football industry is on track to generate more than $1bn in revenue by 2027, but a latest FIFPRO survey reveals that the vast majority of professional players are still stuck with low wages, short‑term contracts and mounting mental‑health pressures.
Financial stress tops the list – 59% of surveyed players said they would consider leaving the sport for financial reasons, and 46% highlighted psychological stress as a major factor. The figures speak to a stark gap between the industry’s commercial upside and the realities on the pitch.
Alex Culvin, FIFPRO’s head of women’s football, said the boom has created a sharp distinction between a small elite subset of players who enjoy high salaries and a vast majority who still struggle to cover basic costs. “Players are now very visible, yet they are forced to be visible because the income is so low,” she said.
Contract instability is rampant – although average contract lengths have risen to 19 months, 24% of players reported late payments in the past two seasons and 42% were not offered a pension. Only two‑thirds receive pay for the entire 12 months, forcing many to find work elsewhere to bridge gaps.
Geographic disparities loom – while North America averages $6,450 a month, Eastern Europe averages just $878, and Africa $480. Across all regions, majority of salaries hover around the national minimum wage, leaving teams dependent on the goodwill of clubs rather than reliable contracts.
The study also points out a worrying trend in mental‑health support: 57% of participants struggled with mental‑health issues but had no club‑or‑national‑level support. The digital age has exposed players to online abuse, amplifying the psychological toll.
Policy gains: maternity rights – In 2021 FIFA introduced maternity regulations, and they were strengthened two years later. Those measures have already helped reduce the proportion of players citing family promises as a reason to quit from nearly half in 2017 to just 19% today, showing that regulatory intervention can make a difference.
Culvin calls for a “wake‑up call” – the commercial growth of women's football should not outpace the establishment of robust safeguards for players. She urges that player welfare and career security be elevated alongside revenue gains, ensuring that the industry’s future is built on a secure foundation for all professionals.
Further reading: FIFPRO official site
