Nearly half of women footballers consider early retirement over financial, mental health concerns: FIFPRO report

Representative Image: A FIFPRO report found that nearly half of the women footballers surveyed were considering ending their careers early. | Photo Credit: TASS

Nearly half of women footballers worldwide are considering ending their careers earlier than planned due to financial difficulties and mental health concerns, according to a new report by global players’ union FIFPRO.

The 2026 FIFPRO Global Employment Report, titled Working Conditions in Women’s Football, surveyed 800 players and highlighted significant disparities between the sport’s commercial growth and the working conditions experienced by most footballers.

The report found that 49 per cent of respondents were contemplating an early exit from the game. Among them, 59 per cent cited financial concerns, while 46 per cent identified psychological stress.

Although average monthly club wages, adjusted for inflation, have tripled since 2017 to USD 2,601, the median salary remains considerably lower at USD 1,669, reflecting uneven financial progress.

In 10 Eastern European countries surveyed, average salaries were below the respective national minimum wages.

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Employment security also remains a concern, with only 56 per cent of players having employment contracts and just 13 per cent receiving club pensions. Additionally, 47 per cent reported inadequate staffing at their clubs.

FIFPRO Director of Women’s Football Alex Culvin said professional conditions had improved considerably for a small group of elite players, estimated at five per cent, but the majority continued to face uncertainty.

Mental health emerged as another major issue, with 57 per cent of players reporting difficulties. Half of those affected said their clubs had not provided support.

FIFPRO has called for enforceable minimum standards covering salaries, facilities, staffing and healthcare, alongside mandatory psychological support.

Only eight of the 30 national women’s leagues examined have collective bargaining agreements with players through their unions.

However, maternity protections have shown improvement. Since FIFA introduced minimum maternity standards in 2021, the proportion of players considering leaving football to start a family has fallen from 47 per cent in 2017 to 19 per cent.

The report also found that average contract lengths had increased from 12 to 19 months, while the proportion of players represented by agents rose from 14 to 41 per cent.

Culvin stressed that the expansion of women’s football must be accompanied by better working conditions.

“There doesn’t need to be a choice for us between commercial growth and player protection,” she said. “Those two things need to go hand in hand and work in tandem.”

Published on Oct 12, 2026

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