Story perspectives

49% of women footballers fear early retirement, FIFPRO finds

By Drooid · Oct 14, 2026, 2:46 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

FIFPRO reports that 49% of professional women footballers consider early retirement.
Financial pressures drive 59% of those players, while 46% cite psychological stress.
Average monthly salary has risen to $2,601 since 2017, with a median of $1,669.
Only 56% of players have contracts and 13% receive pensions.
Mental-health issues affect 57% of players, and half receive no club support.

History

Historical Context

In June-July 1999 the United States hosted a record-breaking Women’s World Cup, drawing 90,185 fans to the Rose Bowl final and turning a $4 million profit on a $30 million budget. The tournament’s pay dispute sparked the short-lived Women’s United Soccer Association, yet wage gaps persisted, and a 2024 FIFPRO survey shows nearly half of professional women players consider early retirement.

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Story summary

FIFPRO reports that 49% of professional women footballers consider early retirement.
Financial pressures drive 59% of those players, while 46% cite psychological stress.
Average monthly salary has risen to $2,601 since 2017, with a median of $1,669.
Only 56% of players have contracts and 13% receive pensions.
Mental-health issues affect 57% of players, and half receive no club support.

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