January 10 – The global growth of women’s football continues to gather momentum, with expanded competitions, improved player conditions, and heightened international recognition all serving as cornerstones of the sport’s development. However, a newly published report by Fifpro and Football Benchmark reveals critical challenges that could hinder sustainable growth, highlighting stark disparities in competition access and player workload.
The report highlights the “overload” of elite players, particularly in Europe and North America, who are often required to juggle increasingly demanding schedules with insufficient recovery periods.
Simultaneously, “underload” plagues players in regions where organised competitions are still sparse, leaving many players without the platform to develop and compete consistently.
Fifpro and Football Benchmark noted that the packed schedules for some top players risk not only physical and mental exhaustion but also long-term career sustainability, while limited game-time in less developed regions stifles talent pipelines and competition growth.
The findings reveal a clear divide in the sport’s trajectory.
Europe and North America have led the way with initiatives such as the expansion of UEFA Women’s Champions League and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) playoff system, which have boosted player exposure and marketability. Meanwhile, in regions like Africa, South America, and parts of Asia, the infrastructure for women’s football remains in the early stages of development, with many leagues struggling to secure funding, media coverage, or professional standards.
Fifpro and Football Benchmark argue that these regional disparities not only affect the players but also limit the sport’s global competitiveness.
While new opportunities in well-funded regions have increased visibility and revenue for women’s football, stagnation elsewhere has left significant portions of the global player base without a clear pathway to professional careers.
The report also delves into the state of domestic league competition, noting a reduction in “blowout” victories – matches decided by a margin of four or more goals. While this trend points to increasing parity among clubs in elite leagues, it is accompanied by a drop in the overall number of goals scored. Tighter competition suggests progress in team quality and tactical sophistication, but further strides are needed to fully level the playing field across different leagues.
Fifpro has called for measures to address the workload of elite players in the men’s game, such as mandatory rest periods and the introduction of international standards for player health and safety, which will likely gather pace in the women’s game in the near future. Simultaneously, the organisation is advocating for increased investment in regions where women’s football remains underdeveloped, including support for grassroots initiatives, league creation, and tournament expansion.
To see the full report, click here. https://www.footballbenchmark.com/library/women_football_trends_in_2024_a_tale_of_two_industries
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1736528951labto1736528951ofdlr1736528951owedi1736528951sni@g1736528951niwe.1736528951yrrah1736528951