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 paychecks.
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.
This article was written in collaboration with First Wealth. Not your average financial advisers. They believe that financial planning is about more than making money; it’s about creating a happy life filled with purpose, with none of the hassle traditionally associated with money management. Everything they do is shaped by a core philosophy: Measure Wealth by Wellbeing. That means focusing not just on money, but on what it enables – freedom, security, and impact.
About the Author – Jess Biggs
A former athlete herself, Jess understands first-hand the pressures and unpredictability of life in the spotlight. Having spent years at one of the UK’s leading private wealth firms, she has supported high-profile clients across sport and entertainment – combining deep technical expertise with calm confidence and clear, honest advice. She’s passionate about protecting and empowering individuals in high-pressure careers and is backed by a full team of Chartered Financial Planners, behavioural coaches, and technical specialists.
