Fifpro Report Indicates Financial and Mental Health Issues Prompt Women's Footballers to Consider Early Retirement
A 2026 Fifpro Global Employment Report titled "Working Conditions in Women’s Football" found that nearly half of the players surveyed are contemplating leaving the sport sooner than anticipated, citing financial strain and psychological stress as primary factors.
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Based on reporting by South China Morning Post:
According to a report from the players' trade union, the 2026 Fifpro Global Employment Report "Working Conditions in Women’s Football" reveals a significant gap between the swift expansion of the sport and the current conditions for the majority of players. This report, which the global players' union described as the most comprehensive review of working conditions in women's football in ten years, involved interviews with 800 players across the globe and uncovered stark differences in conditions.
Findings from the survey indicated that approximately 49 per cent of the players who participated were considering exiting football before their planned retirement age. Among those players, 59 per cent attributed their consideration to their financial circumstances, while 46 per cent cited psychological stress as a contributing factor.
Alex Culvin, the Fifpro director of women’s football, stated that while the women’s football industry has made progress, he noted that for 95 per cent of the players, there remains a substantial distance to cover for the industry.
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