Nearly half of female footballers are considering leaving the sport earlier than planned, with financial pressures and mental health struggles identified as key reasons. This is according to the 2026 Fifpro global employment report, "Working Conditions in Women’s Football", which interviewed 800 players.
Among those surveyed, 49% stated they were considering early retirement. Of these, 59% cited their financial situation and 46% pointed to psychological stress. Alex Culvin, Fifpro's director of women's football, noted that while the industry has progressed, "for 95% [of players], the rest of the industry, there is a hell of a long way to go."
The report highlights "uneven and fragmented" growth in the sport. While inflation-adjusted average monthly club wages have tripled since 2017 to $2,601 (£1,966), the median wage is $1,669 (£1,261). In 10 eastern European countries, average salaries are below the national minimum wage, and in western Europe and Asia/Oceania, average pay is not significantly higher than national minimum wages.
Mental health is a significant concern, with 57% of players reporting struggles. Half of these players stated their clubs did not provide support. Fifpro is advocating for enforceable minimum standards in areas such as pay, facilities, staffing, and healthcare to be included in national employment agreements, and for psychological support to be mandatory.