Nearly half of female footballers worldwide are considering retiring earlier than planned due to financial pressures and mental health challenges, a recent global survey by the players' union Fifpro reveals. The 2026 report, based on interviews with around 800 players, highlights significant disparities in wages, employment conditions, and support systems throughout the women's game.
According to the report, 49% of surveyed players expressed intentions to leave football prematurely. Of these, 59% cited financial difficulties and 46% referenced psychological stress as primary factors influencing their decision. While average monthly club salaries have tripled since Fifpro’s last study in 2017, reaching $2,601 (approximately £1,966), the growth is uneven. The median salary stands considerably lower at $1,669 (£1,261), indicating that pay is heavily skewed by a small number of high earners. In some eastern European countries analyzed, average wages fall below national minimum wages, and even in larger markets in western Europe and the Asia/Oceania region, salaries rarely exceed minimum wage levels by a substantial margin.
Employment conditions also remain unstable for many players. Just 56% reported having an individual employment contract, and only 13% receive a club pension. The average length of contracts has improved, increasing from 12 months in 2017 to 19 months, and the percentage of players with agents has risen from 14% to 41%. However, financial uncertainty persists, with only 7% stating they are consistently paid fully and on time, while 59% have faced payment delays exceeding three months.
Mental health is a pressing concern across women’s football. Over half of the players indicated they have struggled with mental health issues, yet half of these players reported receiving little or no support from their clubs. Former England and Chelsea defender Millie Bright emphasized the need for a culture where players feel comfortable seeking help without fear of judgment, stressing that consistent, daily support is essential to making a positive impact.
Fifpro’s director of women’s football, Alex Culvin, acknowledged progress in some areas but underscored that the industry at large has "a hell of a long way to go." The report called for enforceable minimum standards covering wages, facilities, staffing, healthcare, and mandatory psychological support to be embedded in contracts at the national level. Collective bargaining agreements exist in only eight of the 30 national women’s leagues studied.
One notable area of advancement cited by the report is maternity protection. Since FIFA introduced global minimum maternity standards in 2021, the proportion of players considering early retirement to start a family has dropped from 47% in 2017 to 19%.
Overall, the findings illustrate a growing gap between the rapid expansion and increased revenues in women’s football and the challenging working conditions faced by many players worldwide, highlighting the need for greater regulatory and policy interventions to ensure equitable progress within the sport.