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Fifpro report finds women's football boom leaving players behind on low pay and mental health support

Survey of over 800 players reveals financial insecurity and rising psychological stress despite industry nearing billion-dollar status

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
A new global survey by players' union Fifpro has found that women's football is on track to become a billion-dollar industry, yet many professional players continue to face low wages, insecure contracts and rising psychological stress with inadequate support.

The report, based on responses from more than 800 footballers, highlights a growing disconnect between the commercial growth of the sport and the conditions experienced by its players. When asked why they might leave football early, 59% cited financial reasons while 46% pointed to psychological stress.

Alex Culvin, head of women's football at Fifpro, said there was no single explanation for the increase in stress levels. She pointed to growing public exposure, financial insecurity and inadequate support systems as possible contributing factors. "Players are now very visible," she said. "Players 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."

The report found that 57% of respondents had struggled with their mental health, and half of those were not provided with support by their clubs. Culvin explained that while awareness of mental health issues has improved, many players felt they were being left to cope alone. "Players also reported, whilst having a higher psychological stress, that they didn't have the support they needed in a mental health sense, either at the club or internationally," she said.

The findings come a year after a previous Fifpro report found that most women players earn less than £15,000, underscoring persistent financial hardship even as investment in the women's game surges.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The findings underscore a structural gap between commercial growth in women's football and the day-to-day reality for players, potentially threatening retention and the sport's long-term development.
  • Poor financial security and mental health support could deter talent from entering or staying in the professional game, slowing the quality and competitiveness that drives audience growth.
  • The report puts pressure on clubs, leagues and governing bodies to address working conditions, not just broadcast deals and sponsorship.

Background

Women's football has experienced a surge in investment, sponsorship and media coverage over the past decade, with major tournaments drawing record audiences. However, players' unions and advocacy groups have repeatedly warned that the economic benefits are not reaching the workforce. A 2025 Fifpro report found that most women players earn less than £15,000 a year. The new survey adds evidence on mental health strain and financial insecurity as factors that may push players out of the sport early.

Key Perspectives

Fifpro and players: The union argues that commercial growth must translate into improved wages, contract stability and mental health resources. Players report feeling obligated to take on additional visibility work to supplement income. Clubs and leagues: Many clubs operate with limited budgets compared to men's teams. Leagues may point to ongoing revenue growth and argue that investment in player welfare is increasing, but the survey suggests significant gaps remain. Critics and skeptics: Some may question whether the survey sample is representative or whether the findings overstate systemic problems. However, Fifpro's status as the global players' union gives the data considerable weight, and the consistency with previous reports strengthens the case.

What to Watch

  • Whether individual leagues or clubs announce new minimum wage standards or mental health support commitments in response to the report.
  • Next round of collective bargaining agreements in major leagues such as the WSL, Liga F and NWSL, which will test whether financial gains are reaching players.
  • Potential player strikes or public campaigns if conditions do not improve, following precedents such as the 2023 strike action in Spain's Liga F.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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