The Women's European Championship has officially begun in Switzerland, and for the Dutch Lionesses, there's more at stake than ever before. A remarkable total prize pot of €41 million is up for grabs, a dramatic increase over previous years and a clear sign of women's football's rising popularity and significance.
More at Stake Than Ever Before
UEFA has raised the prize fund for the Women's EURO by an astounding 156% compared to the last edition in England. Every nation starts with a base reward of €1.8 million, and the eventual winner could collect up to €5.1 million. Players themselves will receive 30% to 40% of their team's prize money—a life-changing amount for many, especially considering women's football has lagged behind the men's game in financial rewards until recently.
Controversy Over "Equal" Pay
Despite the positive headline figures, not everyone is pleased. Sports marketer Chris Woerts voiced his frustration on the program De Oranjezomer, calling the new salary arrangements "absurd": "Salaries are now the same as for the men—about €4,000 per match." Legal expert Job Knoester added disbelief: "That's an outrageous sum for football at an amateur level!" Woerts attributes the new rewards structure to a drive for inclusivity, not merit: "You can't compare this to the quality of men's football," he insisted.
He continued to highlight the stark contrast: at last year's men's EURO in Germany, the prize pool was €331 million, with €1 million per win and €500,000 for a draw. For the women, match bonuses are €100,000 for a win and €50,000 for a draw—totally out of proportion, argued Woerts. "But these ladies want to be treated as equals to the men. Oh, oh, oh..." he concluded indignantly.
The Changing Landscape for Women's Football
Regardless of the debate, the women's game continues to grow rapidly. Larger audiences, more sponsors, and now record-breaking prize funds prove that the sport is on the rise. For the Dutch Lionesses, there's a real chance to not only make history but to secure financial futures that were unimaginable even a generation ago.
Whether or not women's football truly deserves equal pay remains controversial. Some believe this pay parity is long overdue, while others argue that the financial realism (and audience sizes) doesn't yet justify the rewards. Whatever your view, it's clear that Women's EURO 2025 will be remembered for breaking new ground—both on the pitch and in the bank accounts of its stars.
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Source: https://www.soccernews.nl/news/oranje-leeuwinnen-wrijven-in-handjes-41-miljoen/