Women's soccer is on track to become a billion-dollar industry, yet its commercial expansion has not eliminated low wages, insecure contracts, or mounting psychological stress. A global survey conducted by the players' union Fifpro involved more than 800 women, all competing for clubs in their country's top division. Asked about potentially leaving soccer early, 59% cited financial considerations, while 46% identified psychological stress.
Mental health difficulties were reported by 57% of respondents; half of that group had received no support from their clubs. Alex Culvin, Fifpro's head of women's soccer, suggested that increased public exposure, financial insecurity, and inadequate support systems could contribute to rising stress. Employment remains unstable: only about two-thirds of players are paid throughout the year, with some relying on seven- or nine-month contracts. Although average monthly earnings have tripled since 2017 to $2,601, the median stands at $1,669. Average contract duration has increased from roughly one year to 19 months, but gaps in guaranteed income persist.
Parenthood offers a more encouraging development. In 2017, nearly half of respondents considering an early departure identified starting a family as a possible reason; that proportion has fallen to 19%. Fifpro attributes the improvement partly to FIFA's maternity regulations, introduced in 2021 and subsequently updated. The union maintains that commercial growth and player protection should advance together. Culvin also called for players to have a meaningful role in decisions affecting them, rather than allowing the success of elite clubs to obscure conditions across the wider game.
