Women's football is big business, but many players 'are still struggling'

Fifpro survey of 800+ women players finds 59% considering quitting due to financial hardship and 46% citing mental health pressure, despite the sport becoming a multi-billion industry.

A global Fifpro survey of over 800 women footballers reveals a stark divide in the sport's growth: while women's football becomes a multi-billion industry, most players outside the elite earn little, face short uncertain contracts, and struggle with mental health pressures. The study found that 59% of players considering retirement cite financial reasons and 46% cite mental strain. Former Netherlands international Tessel Middag, who recently retired after a third ACL injury, highlighted the disparity between the top 5% of earners and the remaining 95%, noting that sponsorship and investment concentrate on elite players while national leagues outside England and the US lag behind.