A Tale of Two Euros: Why Financial Wellbeing Still Isn’t Equal in Football

The roar of the crowd. The pride of the shirt. The glory of the Euros. Whether you’re watching the men or the women, the passion and performance are undeniable. But behind the scenes, there’s a truth that’s hard to ignore: the financial gap between male and female footballers is still massive, and it’s affecting more than just pay checks.

England’s triumph at Euro 2025 did more than boost national pride, it electrified the domestic game. The tournament drew 657,000+ fans, triggered a 25% uptick in online engagement, and helped lay the foundation for game-changing commercial partnerships. The WSL secured a £65 million broadcasting deal and saw its projected revenue jump to £100 million by 2025–26.

That enthusiasm translated straight into the stands. Arsenal vs London City Lionesses, packed Emirates Stadium with 38,142 spectators, a vivid sign that the Euro wave continues to lift the Women’s Super League.

And this isn’t just about prize money. It’s a ripple effect.

At the top, progress is being made: players in both the WSL 1 and WSL 2 now benefit from minimum salary requirements, meaning they can finally earn a wage that provides a sustainable living. But step outside the top tiers, and the picture changes. In the lower leagues, many players are still balancing elite football with part-time jobs or family support just to make ends meet. Imagine scoring the winning goal on Sunday, then working a shift on Monday—that’s still the reality for too many. So, what does this

So, what does this mean for financial wellbeing?

It means many women in football are building careers with shorter timeframes, less security, and greater risk—while also facing the pressure to make smart, long-term decisions, fast.

Let’s break it down:

• Short Career, Long Future
  Female players often don’t have the financial cushion that male players do. Without early, tailored financial planning, saving for retirement, buying a home, or even starting a family can feel out of reach.

• Inconsistent Earnings = Complex Money Management
  Contracts, prize money, image rights, sponsorships, all great opportunities, but they can be a minefield without guidance. Financial literacy is key to turning these income streams into lasting security.

• Post-Career Reality Check
  Many male players are able to step away from the game with significant financial security thanks to higher earnings throughout their careers. For women, retirement can come with immediate financial pressure, requiring a quick pivot to other sources of income, often without the breathing space to plan it properly. That transition can feel more like survival mode than the next chapter.

• Limited Access to Advice
  Male players are more likely to have access to agents who can open doors to financial and legal support early in their careers. For many women, that kind of access either comes late, or not at all. Leaving them more exposed to poor advice, bad deals, and avoidable financial risks.

This is where the conversation needs to shift. Financial wellbeing is not a “nice to have”, it’s a non-negotiable part of athlete welfare. That means offering women in football access to holistic, specialist support that empowers them to understand their contracts, manage their tax obligations, protect their brand, and invest in their future.

Because being world-class on the pitch shouldn’t come with off-pitch financial anxiety. As the women’s game continues to grow in visibility and popularity, the focus has to grow with it, not just on performance, but on financial freedom and long-term security.

It’s time we value female footballers not just for what they bring to the game, but for the businesses they are, the brands they’re building, and the futures they’re shaping. The fight for financial equality in football isn’t over, it’s only just kicking off.

If you’re a player, an agent, or someone supporting talent, now’s the time to start the conversation. Whether you’re just getting started, in your prime, or approaching retirement, it’s never too early (or too late) to build financial confidence. Get in touch, let’s work together, and take the first step toward protecting your future, your income, and your impact. We’re on 020 7467 2700 and sportsandentertainment@firstwealth.co.uk.

This article was written in collaboration with Factotum. Factotum provides the essential support fast-growing businesses, brands, and individuals need. They offer a comprehensive suite of services—from HR and IT to accounting, recruitment, and marketing—all designed to streamline your operations and mitigate risk.

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