A recent survey by the players’ union Fifpro reveals that the majority of women footballers worldwide earn an insufficient income to sustain a secure career. The survey, conducted between August and October 2025, highlights the ongoing financial challenges faced by female players despite growing global interest in women’s football.

Key Findings on Women’s Football Salaries

The survey included 407 national team players from 41 countries, revealing stark financial realities:

• Two-thirds of players earn less than $20,000 (£14,922) per year
• 25% of players hold jobs outside football to supplement their income
• One-third of players had contracts lasting less than one year
• 22% of players reported having no contract at all

Dr Alex Culvin, Fifpro’s director of women’s football, said:

“The data is very clear – most players are earning insufficient income to ensure secure careers within the game. It is a risk to the sustainability of the game because players will be inclined to leave football early to make ends meet.”

Workload and Travel Conditions

The survey also examined player workload, rest periods, and travel conditions, revealing further challenges:

• 58% of players said rest before matches was inadequate
• 57% reported insufficient recovery time after matches
• 75% of players travel in economy class, with only 11% in premium economy or business
• 77% of players travel by air to matches, often making multiple trips

These findings underline the ongoing need for professionalisation and improved working conditions in women’s football.

Progress and Future Goals

While some progress has been made since Fifpro’s 2022 survey, Dr Culvin emphasizes that further action is needed to ensure fair pay and sustainable careers for female footballers:

“This is a repeat of the survey we conducted in 2022 across all confederations, and while some notable advancements have been made, the data indicates that further progress is needed.”

FIFA has acknowledged these challenges and cited the growth of the women’s game and professionalisation as key objectives in its global strategy.

Implications for Women’s Football

The survey highlights the financial and logistical hurdles faced by female players at both domestic and international levels. Without continued investment and reforms, there is a risk that talented players may leave the sport prematurely, threatening the long-term growth and competitiveness of women’s football worldwide.