Professional female soccer players in Germany currently earn an average monthly gross salary of between 5,000 and 6,000 euros, according to Marie-Louise Eta, current head coach of the Union Berlin women’s team. Speaking on the "Flatterball" podcast hosted by former professionals Max Kruse and Martin Harnik, Eta provided rare insight into the compensation structures of the Frauen-Bundesliga, noting that player pay has increased significantly since her own playing days when many athletes relied on "minijob" arrangements to supplement their income.
The Financial Gap Between Men’s and Women’s Professional Soccer
The figures disclosed by Eta highlight a persistent disparity between the top tiers of German men’s and women’s football. During the same podcast discussion, Max Kruse, whose career included stints at Fenerbahçe, Wolfsburg, and Paderborn, outlined his own historical earnings for comparison. Kruse reported earning 300,000 euros net per month during his time in Istanbul, 300,000 euros gross per month at Wolfsburg, and 125,000 euros gross monthly during his tenure at Union Berlin. His lowest mentioned salary in the professional ranks was 30,000 euros gross per month while playing for Paderborn.
Eta Urges Focus on Training and Youth Development
While acknowledging the growth in professionalization, Eta emphasized that salary increases are only one component of a broader requirement for the sport. She stated that the focus must remain on improving training qualifications, youth development, and overall structural support to ensure the quality of the women’s game continues to rise. According to Eta, policymakers and clubs must avoid prioritizing only the first division, as doing so risks widening the gap between the top tier and the rest of the German women’s football pyramid.
Coaching Career at Union Berlin
Marie-Louise Eta, 35, gained national attention in April when she served as the interim coach for the Union Berlin men’s team, becoming the first woman to hold the position of head coach for a men’s squad in the Bundesliga. After helping the club avoid relegation, she transitioned to lead the Union Berlin women’s team. When asked about the possibility of a future return to coaching in the men’s professional game, Eta noted that in football, it is difficult to predict future paths. However, she affirmed that she is currently focused on her role with the women’s team and is not contemplating a move.
Are All Players in the Frauen-Bundesliga Now Full-Time Professionals?
Are all players in the Frauen-Bundesliga now full-time professionals?
While Eta noted that many more players are now able to live off their salaries compared to the past, she indicated that the current average gross salary is 5,000 to 6,000 euros, suggesting that financial situations can vary across the league.
What is Marie-Louise Eta’s current coaching focus?
Eta is the head coach of the Union Berlin women’s team, tasked with leading the squad into the upper third of the league table.
Did Eta rule out a return to coaching men’s soccer?
No, Eta stated that while she is currently happy in her position at Union Berlin and not considering a change, she does not exclude the possibility of a return to the men’s game in the future, noting that future developments in football are difficult to forecast.
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