Financial strain and mental‑health worries are pushing almost half of women’s footballers toward early retirement, the new FIFPRO report shows. Moreover, 57% admit to battling mental‑health issues.
The global players’ union surveyed about 800 athletes, finding club wages have tripled since 2017 yet many still earn barely above minimum wage levels. For my money, the pay gap remains unacceptable.
The study, titled Working Conditions in Women’s Football, found 49% of respondents contemplating an earlier exit. More than half cite money worries, while 46% point to psychological stress.
Only 56% hold individual contracts and a mere 13% enjoy club pensions. Contract length grew from 12 to 19 months since 2017, but pay insecurity lingers. Surveyed players earn an average $2,601 (£1,966) monthly, skewed by a few high earners; the median is $1,669 (£1,261). While 76% receive full pay on time, 5% faced delays exceeding three months.