In brief
A massive global survey by Fifpro reveals that the women’s football industry, growing to an estimated $1bn by 2027, still leaves players behind. Over 800 players report low pay, unsecured contracts, and high psychological stress, with 57% saying wages cover only their playing costs. The report highlights regional wage gaps, late payments, and a lack of pension schemes, especially outside elite clubs. Despite commercial gains, players urge clubs and governing bodies to match growth with robust welfare safeguards.
A recent global survey by the players’ union Fifpro shows that the women’s football economy is heading toward a billion‑dollar era while most athletes remain underpaid, on insecure contracts and battling mental‑health challenges.
The survey, covering more than 800 professional women footballers, found that 59% said they might quit early for financial reasons and 46% cited psychological stress.
Although average monthly wages tripled from 2017 to $2,601 (£1,970), the median salary remains under $1,700 (£1,250). Regional disparities are stark: a player in North America earns $6,450 (£4,886) per month, while those in Eastern Europe earn just $878 (£664) and African players $480 (£363).
Players don’t see themselves as ‘professional’
Only 62% of survey respondents described themselves as professional, yet 78% had a written contract and 82% were paid by their club. However, just 57% said the pay covered the costs of playing.
Contract lengths and late payments are still a problem
The average contract length rose from one year in 2017 to 19 months, but 24% of players experienced last‑minute payments in the last two seasons and 42% lacked a pension plan.
Fifpro’s Alex Culvin warned that the commercial surge in women’s football can mask the day‑to‑day precarity many players face.
A wake‑up call for better support
Culvin urged that player welfare and regulatory oversight must keep pace with the industry’s growth. She highlighted the success of maternity regulations introduced in 2021, which reduced the number of players leaving early for family reasons to 19% from almost 50% in 2017.
“The industry needs to react to players’ needs and put them at the table,” Culvin said. “Commercial success should never come at the expense of player protection.”
For more on player welfare and the financial state of women's football, see Fifpro’s official website.
