Every second professional soccer player is thinking about ending her career early

Despite the promotion of women's football, almost every second player is thinking about ending their career prematurely. According to a survey by the players' union Fifpro in 40 countries, financial problems and psychological stress are the most important reasons. Accordingly, 49 percent of the 791 players surveyed are considering quitting football earlier than perhaps necessary. 59 percent cited financial reasons for this, and 46 percent cited psychological stress.

According to the study, the average, inflation-adjusted monthly salary in the clubs has tripled to $2,601 (2,327 euros) thanks to sales growth in leagues such as the National Women's Soccer League in the USA. However, on average worldwide it is significantly lower at 1,669 dollars (around 1,440 euros).

The professionalization of women's football is progressing faster and faster in some parts of the world and revenues are increasing, it said. “However, the progress and benefits are not evenly distributed across players worldwide,” said Alex Culvin, director of women’s football at Fifpro.

Mental health another problem in women's football

In the coming year, women's football is heading for global revenues of more than a billion dollars. But outside the financially strongest clubs, precarious employment conditions remain widespread, said Culvin.

In ten Eastern European countries, female footballers earn on average less than the respective national minimum wage. In addition, only 56 percent of players worldwide have an employment contract. In only eight of the 30 national leagues analyzed in the report there is a collective agreement that regulates working conditions. That is why Fifpro is calling for binding minimum standards worldwide to improve working conditions.

A total of 57 percent of the players surveyed reported psychological problems. Half of them said they received no support from their clubs. That's why Fifpro calls, among other things, for mandatory psychological support.

Meanwhile, according to the study, there have been improvements in the area of ​​maternity protection, among other things. The world association Fifa introduced the rules negotiated by Fifpro in 2021. In the last major survey in 2017, 47 percent of players considered quitting because they wanted to start a family, but now it was only 19 percent.