Women’s sports growth is hitting a snag. Global players union FIFPRO reported many pro footballers still barely make minimum wage even as FIFA targets $1 billion in annual revenue.
Just two-thirds are paid for all 12 months of the year. Meanwhile psychological stress ranks as the second-leading reason players consider quitting at 46% — up from 13% in 2017.
“You’ve got an industry that’s very focused on the top 5% of players,” said FIFPRO Women’s Football Director Alex Culvin. She warned that the other 95% often face “precarious” working conditions.
The 2026 study urged FIFA to set minimum standards for contracts, pensions, mental health resources, and workloads. It additionally called on domestic leagues to tie player protections to club licensing.
