Nearly half of the women footballers surveyed for a new FIFPRO report said they have considered leaving the game earlier than planned, with financial pressure and mental-health concerns among the main reasons.
The 2026 FIFPRO Global Employment Report drew on a worldwide survey and interviews involving about 800 players. Of the players considering an early exit, 59% cited their financial situation and 46% cited psychological pressure.
Pay and contracts remain uneven
Average monthly club pay rose to $2,601 in inflation-adjusted terms, but median monthly pay was $1,669. Only 56% of players reported having an employment contract, and just 13% received a pension through their club.
The report also found that only eight of 30 national women’s leagues studied had a collective agreement covering employment conditions. These figures show why average salary headlines can hide the reality for most players.
Mental health and maternity protections
Fifty-seven percent of surveyed players said they had struggled with their mental health, and half of those players said their club did not provide support. The report also noted progress on maternity standards: the share considering leaving football to start a family fell from 47% in 2017 to 19% after global standards were introduced.
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Sources: FIFPRO report · Reuters sports report · ESPN coverage