The landscape of women's professional football has undergone a financial revolution in the last 24 months. The glass ceiling for both players and managers has not just been cracked—it has been shattered. Driven by a historic new media rights deal in the NWSL and the tactical arms race in Europe, salaries have soared into the millions, signaling a new era of commercial viability for the sport.
Leading the charge is Trinity Rodman, who recently signed a record-breaking contract that has set a new benchmark for what it means to be a "high-impact player" in the modern game.
Who has the highest salary in women's football?
As of late January 2026, Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit) is the highest-paid female footballer in the world.
The Contract: Rodman signed a three-year extension worth roughly $2 million (£1.5 million) per year including bonuses.
The "High Impact" Rule: Her deal was made possible by a new NWSL rule allowing clubs to spend an extra $1 million outside the standard salary cap on elite talent.Top 5 Player Salaries (2026):
Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit): £1,480,000
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona): £856,000
Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns): £739,000
Alexia Putellas (Barcelona): £607,000
Sam Kerr (Chelsea): £466,000
Who is the highest-paid women's coach?
Emma Hayes holds the title of the highest-paid women's football manager in history.
Salary: Hayes earns approximately $2 million (£1.6 million) per season.
Equal Pay: Her salary was specifically designed to match that of the U.S. Men’s manager, Gregg Berhalter, reflecting U.S. Soccer's commitment to pay equity at the leadership level.Key Management Salaries: England & Chelsea
England Women's Manager: Sarina Wiegman is the second highest-paid international coach. Following a contract extension through 2027, her base salary is reportedly around £400,000, though performance-related bonuses can push her total compensation significantly higher.
Chelsea Women's Manager: Following Hayes' departure, Sonia Bompastor took the reins at Chelsea. While her exact salary is private, she is believed to be the highest-paid manager in the Women's Super League (WSL), earning a package that reflects her status as a Champions League-winning coach.USA Women's Rugby: A New Era
It isn't just football seeing leadership changes. In January 2026, USA Rugby officially appointed Jack Hanratty as the new Head Coach of the Women's Eagles.
The Goal: Hanratty is tasked with leading the team through the 2026 Pacific Four Series and building toward the 2029 Rugby World Cup.
Personal Life: Emma Hayes
Fans often search for details about the personal life of the world's most famous manager.
Partner: Emma Hayes is famously private about her romantic life. She is a single mother to her son, Harry, who was born in 2018. Hayes has often spoken about the challenges and triumphs of balancing elite management with motherhood, becoming a vocal advocate for parents in professional sports.
Salary Comparison: 2022 vs. 2026
| Role | 2022 Average | 2026 Elite Peak |
| Top Player (NWSL/WSL) | £350,000 | £1,480,000 |
| National Team Manager | £400,000 | £1,600,000 |
| Club Manager (WSL) | £100,000 | £500,000+ |