FIFA’s women’s football revenues reached US$1.17 billion in the first year of the 2023–2026 cycle, reflecting growing interest and economic potential.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, attention is now focused on one of the sport’s most important events: the Women’s Copa América. This tournament will showcase outstanding talent and serve as a key opportunity to analyze the sport’s impact on the economy, infrastructure, and equity.
In recent years, significant progress has been made toward equal conditions for professional women and men footballers. However, structural challenges persist that limit women’s football from generating broader benefits—not only for the players but also for communities and local economies.
To unlock this potential, coordinated action is needed between the public and private sectors, and across national and subnational governments. This is highlighted in a 2023 study by the National Association of Women Football Players (ANJUFF, for its acronym in Spanish), which surveyed 1,171 players from 103 clubs in seven Latin American and Caribbean countries.
How Can We Improve the Prospects for Professional Women Footballers and Invest in Latin America’s Development?
1. Formalize Employment in the Football Sector
The ANJUFF study reveals that only 24% of players can dedicate themselves exclusively to football, while the remaining 76% must combine their sports careers with studies or other jobs, often facing double or triple workdays. Additionally, 49% of players earn monthly incomes equal to or below their country’s minimum wage, and 27% receive no pay at all.
Despite growing media and commercial interest, 54% of players are still linked to their clubs through informal or verbal agreements, or with no contract at all. This, combined with low income, limits their professional development and exposes them to precarious conditions.
This reality reflects a broader regional trend. According to the IDB’s 2024 Better Jobs Index, which measures job quality based on formality and income, the gender gap in Latin America stands at 16 points.
There have been recent advances for women footballers, such as paid maternity leave starting in 2024. The study shows that moving toward a more formal and sustainable labor model, with clear regulations, would improve conditions for players and attract new investment to the sector.
2. Invest in Sports Infrastructure and Health
Infrastructure is key to the sport’s growth. However, according to ANJUFF, only 33% of players believe the fields they train on meet the minimum standards for high performance. Furthermore, just 30% have access to adequate medical services.
Health is another critical issue: 21% of players lack health insurance, and 12% pay for it out of pocket. Given the physical demands of the sport, it is essential to ensure healthcare coverage and access to safe training environments.
An effective solution is to promote public-private partnerships involving clubs, federations, and companies to fund infrastructure, medical insurance, and wellness programs. This approach would not only protect players but also attract investment, foster professionalization, and generate economic and social benefits.
3. Address Gender-Based Violence in Sport
Women’s football also faces challenges related to gender-based violence. According to ANJUFF, 73% of first-division players have experienced some form of sexual harassment during their careers. Additionally, 42% have felt afraid of being harassed, and 36% have witnessed harassment incidents. These figures highlight the urgent need for public policies that protect athletes and promote a safe, violence-free work environment.
Investing in Women’s Football Is Investing in Development
Participation in sports has a positive impact on girls’ education, employment, and health. Two studies in the United States, for example, show that playing sports is associated with higher educational attainment, greater labor force participation, and lower obesity rates.
An IDB study highlights the potential of sports to support both individual and national development. It describes various initiatives the IDB has supported to promote sports as a tool for greater gender equality.
Moreover, women’s football has the power to challenge gender stereotypes. According to another study, 88% of sports fans view female athletes as role models. Improving the living conditions of women footballers can have a positive impact on new generations who see them as inspiration.
Policies implemented in football can set a precedent for improving conditions in other sports, creating a cross-cutting impact on inclusion and access. Let’s enjoy women’s football while recognizing its potential as a real tool for social and economic transformation across the region.
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