England’s Lionesses lifted the Euro trophy in 2022 in front of a record-breaking crowd, a historic moment that captured the nation’s attention. Despite their success, some of the top women’s footballers here in the United Kingdom continue to earn just a fraction of their male counterparts.
In the Women’s Super League (WSL), the average salary is as little as £20,000 to £30,000 a year. In contrast, players in the top flight of men’s football in England, the Premier League, regularly earn six-figure wages every week – a remarkable reminder of the pay gap in professional football.
While the Lionesses are now making headlines worldwide, there was a time when women were deliberately sidelined. In 1921, the Football Association (FA) banned them from playing because the sport was “unsuitable for females”. The ban lasted for 50 years, stalling the growth of the women’s game, cutting it off from funding, facilities and development, all in which the men’s team continued to enjoy.
Many think that the pay gap is all about the money, but for the women in football who are on the lower end of the salary, they face financial uncertainty. Some WSL players work part-time jobs alongside their football career, to make ends meet, and for others, they’re forced to retire early due to lack of support or injury cover.
Significant progress has been made in recent years to address the pay gap, driven by increased investment from the FA. With more clubs going professional alongside growing media coverage, players are starting to receive more compensation, while advocacy for a reduced pay gap continues.
Experts say true equality is still a long way off. Tammy Parlour, CEO of the Women’s Sport Trust, says: “Closing the pay gap in women’s football isn’t straightforward. One of the biggest barriers is the unequal commercial investment and media coverage compared to the men’s game. When visibility and sponsorship opportunities grow, so too does the value placed on female athletes. We need sustained commitment from broadcasters, brands, and governing bodies to accelerate that change.”
The road to equality in women’s football is far from over, but momentum is building. As public interest grows, investment increases, and voices within the game continue to call for change, there’s hope that the next generation of players won’t just inspire crowds, they’ll be properly valued for it too.