In an effort to highlight the growing disparities within women’s soccer, FIFA released its annual report on March 17, 2025, which revealed significant inequalities impacting players and teams worldwide. The comprehensive 86-league analysis, an expansion from 34 leagues in previous reports, encompassed approximately 669 teams and scrutinized the sport across six vital domains: sporting conditions, governance, financial landscape, fan engagement, digital data, and player-related matters.
The findings were eye-opening. The report revealed that the average gross salary for women soccer players across all tiers stands at just $10,900 annually, a number heavily influenced by the earnings of 16 elite clubs paying their players over $50,000 on average. For top-tier teams, the average salary rose to $24,030, yet this remains below a livable wage in many regions.
FIFA has acknowledged the financial challenges plaguing women’s soccer, as evidenced by the average revenue generated by top-tier leagues, which is $4.4 million, contrasted with their expenditures of $7.6 million. This troubling trend persists even in the lowest tier, which averages just $76,000 in revenue against $182,000 in expenses. The findings raised alarm regarding the sustainability of leagues, particularly when only 22% of surveyed clubs employed women coaches, highlighting deep-rooted inequities in opportunities and representation.
The report shed light on the stark contrast in broadcasting agreements, noting that 91% of top-tier leagues secured domestic broadcast deals, compared to a mere 32% in the lowest echelon. Furthermore, while 69% of clubs in the highest tier had title sponsors, this figure dipped to just 42% among teams in the third tier.
The timing of the report coincides with FIFA's announcement of new international tournaments aimed at enhancing the visibility and financial sustainability of women's soccer. This includes the introduction of the2026 Women’s Champions Cup, which will feature six continental club champions and is scheduled to take place in January 2026. Additionally, the 2028 Women’s Club World Cup will showcase 19 teams, marking a pivotal moment in women’s soccer as it seeks to garner international attention and investment amidst challenges.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated, “This month FIFA announced the timelines and formats for two new, landmark, global FIFA women’s club competitions. As we embark on the development of these tournaments, it is equally important that we offer insights and resources to women’s football stakeholders so that together we can build on the solid foundations already in place.” Infantino emphasized the need for tailored programs to support member associations and further professionalize women's football as it enters what he described as “a new era for women’s club football on the global stage.”
The report's findings could serve as a critical guide for stakeholders as they navigate the complexities of developing women's soccer. Investing in resources and time will be vital to ensure women soccer players receive adequate representation, coaching, and financial backing.
In conclusion, FIFA's expanded report on women’s soccer underscores the ongoing inequities that inhibit the sport's growth. It provides a clear call to action for leagues and clubs to address these disparities while also illuminating a path towards greater investment and sustainability in women’s soccer, crucial for its development on the global stage. Without meaningful changes, the future of women's soccer remains uncertain, with too many players and teams still struggling for the basic resources and recognition they deserve.
