FIFPRO survey indicates that the majority of women’s national team players make less than $20,000
A recent FIFPRO poll reveals structural disparities in the women’s game and ongoing financial insecurity, with two-thirds of women’s national team players earning less than $20,000 per year.
407 football players from 41 countries who competed in the UEFA Women’s Euros, Copa America Femenina, Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and OFC Women’s Nations Cup were polled by the global players union and its affiliated national players unions.
Although only a small fraction achieved higher income levels, about one-third of respondents reported earning between $0 and $4,999 from football, and 66% of players make less than $20,000 annually.
One in four players still depend on occupations outside of football to make ends meet, even though professional clubs continue to be the primary source of income, followed by payments from national teams.
“The foundation of any career is financial stability,” stated Alex Culvin, Director of Women’s Football at FIFPRO. “The data makes it quite evident that the majority of players are not making enough money to guarantee stable careers in the game.
“It is a risk to the sustainability of the sport because players will be inclined to leave football early to make ends meet.”
The poll, which was carried out between August and October, also showed that short-term contracts are still typical: 22% of players had no contract at all, and 33% of players were signed for one year or less.
Players are still under stress from international tournament schedules; 58% of them reported not getting enough sleep before games and 57% said they didn’t recuperate enough afterward.
Travel conditions are also a problem; only 11% of players fly in business or premium economy during tournaments, while 75% of players fly in economy.
Similar reforms have not been implemented in other confederations, despite FIFPRO noting advances since their 2022 survey, such as higher prize money and a player-dedicated share in the Women’s Euros.
Stakeholders need to “continue to raise standards to support the increased professionalization of the women’s game,” according to Culvin.
