First off, let’s kill the biggest myth: no, they’re not getting paid the same as the men’s team. Not yet, anyway. But the gap is shrinking faster than a footballer’s shorts after a hamstring injury.
The England women’s squad, like the Lionesses who won the Euros in 2026, earn a base salary from their club teams—think Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City. That’s their “day job” money. Then, when they pull on the Three Lions shirt for international duty, they get a separate fee from the Football Association (FA).
So, how much are we talking? A senior Lioness can earn between £25,000 and £45,000 per year from her club. Wait, don’t spit out your tea! That’s the base—and it’s way up from the £5,000 some players were scraping by on a decade ago. Progress, baby!
But Wait—There’s More! (The Bonuses Are Delicious)
Here’s where it gets juicy. The FA pays the women a match fee for each international appearance. In 2026, that was around £2,000 per game. Plus, if they win a tournament? Ker-ching! The Euro 2026 victory saw each player get a bonus of about £55,000. Not bad for a month of running around and drinking celebratory champagne from the trophy.
And here’s the kicker (pun intended): the FA also announced a historic pay structure in 2026 that ties the women’s bonuses directly to the men’s bonuses. If the men earn £X for qualifying for a World Cup, the women get the same percentage of their revenue. It’s not a “same pay” deal—but it’s a fairer share deal, which is a massive stride.
