A new FIFPRO survey finds that about two-thirds (66 %) of women’s national team players worldwide earn less than $20,000 annually from football, indicating widespread financial insecurity in the women’s game.
- Nearly one-third of surveyed players reported earning between $0 and $4,999 a year from football, while only a small minority reached higher income brackets.
- The survey included 407 players from 41 countries who participated in major competitions such as the UEFA Women’s EURO, Copa America Femenina, Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and OFC Women’s Nations Cup.
- Professional club wages are the main income source, followed by national team payments, but one in four players still relies on jobs outside football to make ends meet.
- Short-term contracts are common, with roughly 33 % of players on deals of one year or less and 22 % without any contract at all.
- Travel conditions remain challenging, as about three-quarters of players flew economy class during tournaments, with only 11 % in premium economy or business class.
- FIFPRO noted some improvements since 2022, such as increased prize money and player allocations at the Women’s EURO, but stressed more work is needed to professionalise and raise standards across all regions.
