Despite this considerable increase, the potential earnings for the female players still lag significantly behind those of their male counterparts. Reports from German news agency dpa indicated that the men's team was promised a hefty 400,000-euro ($456,000) bonus per player for winning Euro 2024, a tournament where they were ultimately eliminated in the quarterfinals. This disparity highlights the ongoing, albeit narrowing, gap in financial incentives between men's and women's international soccer.
DFB president Bernd Neuendorf emphasized the federation's commitment to the growth of women's soccer. "The development of women’s soccer at all levels is of the highest priority at the DFB," he stated. "We need sustainable development of the structures and conditions. And we also need more performance-based incentives in women’s soccer. The doubling of prize money compared to the last European Championship is therefore an important signal."
The DFB outlined the tiered bonus structure for the women's team's performance in Euro 2025. Reaching the quarterfinals would earn each player 45,000 euros ($51,200), while a semifinal appearance would result in a 65,000-euro bonus. If Germany finishes as the tournament runner-up once again, each player would receive 90,000 euros.
Germany's journey in the 16-team tournament, hosted by Switzerland, begins in the group stage with a match against Poland on July 4th. They will then face Denmark on July 8th, followed by a clash with Sweden four days later. The increased bonuses will undoubtedly serve as added motivation for the German team as they aim for victory on the European stage.