Millions vs. Pennies, Men vs. Women; Payouts are vastly different in Football

January 29, 2026 Aksel Kryhlmand

The reality of pay in professional football

The numbers are stark. According to a 2023 report by FIFPro, the global players’ union, the average annual salary for a female professional footballer worldwide is around £8,400. In England’s Women’s Super League, often described as one of the most professional women’s leagues in the world, the average salary rises to roughly £47,000.

That figure still pales in comparison to the men’s game. According to analysis published by the BBC and Deloitte, the average Premier League player earns close to £3 million per year. The difference is not marginal, it is astronomical.

These figures underline how far women’s football still has to go to reach anything resembling financial fairness.

The case for equal pay

At its core, football is football. Women and men train full time, follow the same tactical demands, play under the same laws of the game and represent clubs and countries with the same commitment. Paying one group a fraction of the other raises a fundamental question of value rather than performance.

The wage gap also reflects decades of underinvestment. Women’s football was ignored, restricted or outright banned in several countries for large parts of the 20th century. Expecting today’s game to magically earn its way to equality ignores that history. Strategic investment, including better pay, is one of the fastest ways to accelerate growth, professionalism and visibility.

There is also a wider cultural impact. Football shapes attitudes far beyond the pitch. When the world’s biggest sport normalises extreme gender pay gaps, it reinforces the idea that women’s work is worth less, even when the effort and expertise are comparable.

The case against parity

Critics argue that football wages are driven by revenue, not fairness. Men’s football generates vastly more income through broadcasting rights, sponsorships and global audiences. From that perspective, pay reflects market value rather than discrimination.

There is also concern that forcing equal pay too quickly could damage women’s football financially. If salaries rise without matching revenue, clubs may become dependent on subsidies from men’s teams or wealthy owners, creating an unstable economic model rather than sustainable growth.

Another common argument is that the focus should be on minimum standards rather than matching elite men’s salaries. Ensuring living wages, proper contracts, maternity protection and long term security may do more for most players than chasing symbolic parity at the very top.

A question of value, not just revenue

The debate ultimately goes beyond spreadsheets. This is not only about what women’s football earns today, but about what it is allowed to become. Revenue is not a neutral force, it follows exposure, investment and belief.

Women’s football is growing faster than ever in terms of audiences and interest. The question is whether the sport will be given the financial conditions to convert that momentum into long term equality, or whether the gap will be explained away as inevitable for another generation.

Sources: BBC

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