Almost half of female footballers considering retiring early, players’ union survey shows

Many players interviewed cite financial and mental stress Fifpro: ‘Recurring theme of precarity and fragile conditions’ Almost half of female footballers are considering leaving the sport because of financial concerns or psychological stress, and 57% have struggled with their mental health, according to a report highlighting the working conditions for players worldwide.

About 800 players were surveyed by the global players’ union, Fifpro, for the report, which found that average club wages have tripled in the women’s game since 2017 but also raised concerns about the gulf in pay and the support provided to players.

Fifpro said “average pay is not significantly higher than national minimum wage levels” in many regions.