Women's soccer is moving toward becoming a billion-dollar industry, but many players still face low wages and uncertain contracts. A global survey by Fifpro, the players' union, gathered answers from more than 800 women. All were playing for clubs in the highest league in their country. The results show a gap between the sport's business success and many players' daily lives.
When asked why they might leave soccer early, 59% named financial reasons and 46% identified psychological stress. Overall, 57% reported mental health difficulties, and half of those players received no support from their clubs. Alex Culvin, Fifpro's head of women's soccer, identified greater public attention, money worries, and poor support as possible factors behind rising stress.
Only about two-thirds of players receive pay throughout the year. Some have seven- or nine-month contracts and must work to cover the remaining months. Fifpro argues that protecting players should develop alongside commercial growth, rather than compete with it. The union also wants players to help make decisions that affect them.
