Women’s football is moving towards becoming a billion-dollar industry, yet many professional players continue to face low salaries, unstable contracts and increasing psychological pressure. A new report from global players’ union FIFPRO highlights the gap between the sport’s commercial progress and the conditions experienced by its players.
The findings are based on a worldwide survey of more than 800 female footballers. The research examined why some players consider leaving the game before the end of their careers.
Among those contemplating an early exit, 59% identified financial difficulties as a major factor, while 46% pointed to psychological stress.
Alex Culvin, FIFPRO’s head of women’s football, said there was no single reason behind these concerns. She highlighted greater public exposure, financial insecurity and inadequate support as possible contributors.
“Players are now very visible,” Culvin said.
She explained that some footballers feel compelled to maintain a public profile and pursue additional income opportunities because their earnings from playing are insufficient or unreliable.
Although awareness of mental health has improved, many players still feel they lack the necessary assistance. According to Culvin, respondents reported psychological pressure without receiving adequate support from their clubs or national teams.
Overall, 57% of the women surveyed said they had experienced difficulties with their mental health. Half of those affected reported receiving no support from their clubs.
Women’s Football Revenue Is Rising, but Player Welfare Lags
FIFPRO’s report projects that worldwide revenue in women’s football will grow from approximately $581 million (£439 million) in 2024 to more than $1 billion (£756 million) by 2027.
However, increased investment, visibility and commercial opportunities have not removed the employment challenges affecting much of the professional game.
Social media has made players more accessible to supporters, helping them build stronger connections with fans. At the same time, this exposure can leave footballers vulnerable to online harassment and abuse.
Since 2017, salaries and investment have increased significantly in women’s football. Nevertheless, FIFPRO argues that financial growth has not been matched by consistent protections for players.
Culvin believes the commercial potential of the sport is already clear. She says the next priority must be stronger regulations, institutional policies and safeguards that allow players to develop their careers in secure conditions.
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Many Players Still Lack the Security of Professional Employment
One of the report’s most significant findings concerns how players describe their own employment status.
Under FIFA’s definition, a professional footballer must have a written contract and receive payment exceeding the expenses associated with playing.
Despite every respondent competing for a club in their country’s top division, only 62% described themselves as professional. Another 27% identified as semi-professional, while 12% considered themselves amateur.
The survey also exposed gaps in basic employment arrangements. Only 78% of respondents said they had written contracts, and 82% reported receiving payment from their clubs.
More concerningly, just 57% said their earnings were sufficient to cover the costs of playing football.
Culvin argued that players who are technically professionals but do not feel they enjoy the security of professional employment are missing out on important benefits and protections.
Large Salary Differences Across Regions
Women’s football salaries have increased considerably since 2017. Average monthly earnings have tripled to $2,601 (£1,970), but the median monthly salary is considerably lower at $1,669 (£1,250).
Pay varies substantially depending on the region.
- North America: $6,450 (£4,886) per month on average.
- Central and Western Europe: $3,982 (£3,016).
- Eastern Europe: $878 (£664).
- Africa: $480 (£363).
Although some leagues, including competitions in the United States and Mexico, have experienced significant salary growth, average earnings in 10 Eastern European countries remain below their respective national minimum wages.
In Western Europe and Asia/Oceania, average salaries are also not substantially higher than minimum-wage levels in some countries.
FIFPRO did not publish average salaries for individual leagues because the study examined regional figures rather than providing country-by-country comparisons.
Short Contracts and Late Payments Create Financial Pressure
Contract lengths have improved since 2017, rising from an average of around 12 months to 19 months. However, many players still lack guaranteed earnings throughout the calendar year.
Culvin said only about two-thirds of players receive wages for all 12 months. Others have contracts lasting seven or nine months and must find alternative work to cover the remaining period.
This problem can remain hidden behind the rapid commercial expansion of prominent competitions, including England’s Women’s Super League.
While leading clubs and high-profile players attract sponsorships and investment, conditions elsewhere in the women’s game can be much less secure.
The report found that 24% of players had experienced late payments during the previous two seasons. Meanwhile, 42% said their clubs did not provide them with a pension.
These findings underline the financial uncertainty that continues to affect many footballers despite the sport’s growing commercial value.
FIFPRO Calls for a Wake-Up Call on Player Welfare
Culvin believes football’s governing bodies, clubs and other decision-makers must respond to the difficulties players face.
She called for stronger accountability and more comprehensive support systems, arguing that the industry needs to take player welfare more seriously.
However, the report also identifies a positive development concerning parenthood.
In 2017, almost half of the respondents considering an early retirement said that wanting to start a family could influence their decision to leave football.
That figure has since fallen to 19%. FIFPRO attributes part of the improvement to FIFA’s maternity regulations, which were introduced in 2021 and subsequently updated.
Culvin said the change demonstrates that targeted regulatory action can improve conditions for players.
Nevertheless, the report warns that the benefits of growth remain unevenly distributed. Elite clubs and the most prominent players have gained considerable visibility and investment, while many others continue to face short contracts, unreliable payments and limited employment protection.
Culvin described the industry as heavily focused on its top 5% of players, leaving the remaining 95% in more vulnerable circumstances.
Commercial Success Must Go Hand in Hand with Player Protection
FIFPRO argues that women’s football does not need to choose between commercial expansion and better working conditions. Instead, both priorities should progress together.
The organisation wants the industry’s financial development to produce meaningful improvements across the entire professional game, rather than benefiting only its most visible clubs and players.
Culvin also stressed that footballers should have a stronger voice in decisions affecting their careers, contracts and welfare.
As women’s football moves towards the projected billion-dollar milestone, the challenge will be ensuring that players receive appropriate protection and share in the benefits of the sport’s success.
The report’s central message is clear: sustainable growth requires more than higher revenues and greater visibility. It also requires fair pay, reliable contracts, mental health support and meaningful accountability throughout the game.
