Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Tom Garry

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

A view of female footballers' boots and a ball during a game
The Fifpro report highlighted the stress put on players by ‘professional expectations that don’t operate in professional circumstances’. Photograph: Harriet Massey/WSL Football/Getty Images

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.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.