Women's football is on track to become a billion-dollar industry, yet many professional players continue to face low wages, insecure contracts, and increasing psychological stress. This alarming situation is highlighted in a new global survey conducted by the players' union Fifpro, which included responses from over 800 footballers.

Key Findings of the Survey

Players were asked about their reasons for potentially leaving football early. The survey revealed that:

  • 59% cited financial reasons.
  • 46% identified psychological stress as a contributing factor.

Alex Culvin, head of women's football at Fifpro, noted that there is no single explanation for the rising challenges faced by players. She pointed to several factors:

  • Growing public exposure
  • Financial insecurity
  • Inadequate support systems
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"Players are now very visible. They are not only expected to be visible but are obligated to be visible because of the low income to subsidise the lack of solid income they receive," Culvin stated.

Despite increased awareness of mental health issues, many players feel unsupported. Culvin explained that many players reported high psychological stress but lacked the necessary mental health support from their clubs or internationally. The report indicates that 57% of women surveyed struggled with their mental health, and half of them did not receive support from their clubs.

Financial Landscape

Most women players earn less than £15,000 annually. The report forecasts that global revenue in women's football will rise from approximately $581 million (£439 million) in 2024 to over $1 billion (£756 million) by 2027. However, the survey also highlights the psychological pressures facing professional women's footballers in an increasingly digital world, where they are more accessible through social media, leading to online harassment and abuse.

While salaries, visibility, and investment have significantly increased since 2017, much of the professional game still operates under precarious conditions. Culvin emphasized that the sport's commercial growth has not been matched by adequate protections for players.

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"The economic case for women's football has been made. I think the institutional regulatory and policy case needs to catch up quickly to protect and enhance our women's players and enable them to perform maximally," she said.

Players' Professional Status

The report reveals a disconnect between players' perceptions of their professional status and the reality of their contracts. According to Fifa's definition, a professional player must have a written contract and earn more than their playing expenses. In the survey:

  • 62% of players identified as professional.
  • 27% considered themselves semi-professional.
  • 12% viewed themselves as amateur.