Women's football: Almost every player sees career ending over money

In an empty training room of the DFB senior squad, one could hear the faint whisper: many players are already thinking about the end of their careers. The survey by the players' union FIFPRO shows that almost every second of the 791 professionals surveyed is considering retiring earlier than necessary.

Financial reasons dominate

59 percent of respondents cited money as the main reason, while 46 percent reported psychological stress. The average, inflation-adjusted monthly salary has tripled to $2,601 thanks to revenue growth in leagues such as the National Women's Soccer League, but it remains well below the median monthly salary of $1,669 (about €1,440).

Global revenues, local deficits

Although women's football is expected to generate global revenues of more than one billion US dollars next year, many players outside the financially strong clubs remain in precarious conditions. In ten Eastern European countries, players earn on average less than the respective national minimum wage.

Employment contracts and collective bargaining

Worldwide, only 56 percent of the surveyed players have an employment contract. In only eight of the 30 analyzed national leagues, a collective agreement governing working conditions exists.

Psychological stresses and lack of support

57 percent reported psychological problems, and half said they received no support from their clubs. FIFPRO therefore calls for mandatory psychological care for all players.

Alex Culvin, director of women's football at FIFPRO, emphasized: “However, the progress and benefits are not evenly distributed among players worldwide.” Giulia Gwinn, captain of the DFB team and one of the country's top players, underscores the urgency, as the gap between revenues and real wages continues to widen.