Breaking the Stigma: Addressing Money-Related Anxiety Amongst Athletes

By Stefanos Gregoriou, The Sports Financial Literacy Academy, Nicosia, Cyprus

In the world of sports, money is often held up as the ultimate measure of success, yet it remains one of the greatest and least discussed sources of pressure for athletes.

Whilst those financial rewards undoubtedly ease certain parts of life, they arrive hand-in-hand with a significant weight of stress and anxiety. The reality is that countless athletes are quietly struggling with money worries that directly undermine their well-being, on-field performance, and critical decision-making. We need to tear down this stigma to build a healthier, more honest sporting environment.

A core reason athletes suffer from financial anxiety is the extreme instability of their careers. Athletic success is temporary; form can disappear overnight, an injury can stop years of progress, and careers are notoriously short. Earnings are often anything but steady, and the widespread fear that a single moment could irrevocably change their financial future places an immense burden on their mental state.

This is especially true for younger athletes, who might feel an urgent need to lock in early sponsorships or contracts, making them highly vulnerable to making ill-advised financial decisions that compromise their long-term stability.

A 22-year-old professional footballer, having just signed his first major contract, suddenly found himself supporting extended family, committing to expensive lifestyle choices, and trusting informal financial advice from those around him. When a serious knee injury sidelined him for more than a year, his income dropped dramatically, whilst his expenses remained unchanged. With no savings strategy and limited guidance, anxiety quickly consumed his focus, affecting both his rehabilitation and his confidence when returning to competition. What once felt like financial triumph rapidly transformed into an overwhelming source of fear and uncertainty.

The common culture within sport only amplifies this anxiety. Many athletes operate in a high-stakes bubble where admitting personal vulnerabilities is deeply discouraged. Expressing concerns about money can easily be dismissed as unprofessional or a distraction, forcing athletes to internalise their stress. This silence has far-reaching consequences.

Financial insecurity can, unfortunately, increase vulnerability to risky behaviour, such as gambling, or make athletes susceptible to external influences—issues that, in extreme cases, directly threaten the integrity of their sport. Acknowledging the clear link between financial stress and ethical choices is a crucial first step in prevention.

To break this stigma, we require coordinated action from sports organisations, federations, and support teams worldwide. Financial education must become a foundational element of athlete development programmes. This education should go beyond basic budgeting, focusing instead on long-term planning, sophisticated contract management, and a frank understanding of the volatile financial reality of a sporting career. Offering access to qualified, trusted financial advisors can provide essential clarity, vastly reduce uncertainty, and help athletes feel more in command of their futures.

Critically, mental health support must run in parallel with financial education. Anxiety over money frequently connects with performance pressures and personal expectations. Having dedicated mental health professionals, who truly grasp the unique challenges of an athlete’s life, allows for confidential, early intervention. Creating a culture where athletes feel genuinely safe to discuss any stress—financial or otherwise—is the best way to foster resilience and promote healthy decision-making.

Transparency from sports organisations is equally non-negotiable. Clear, upfront communication about prize structures, sponsorship complexities, and contractual obligations helps slash uncertainty and build crucial trust. When athletes truly understand the financial ecosystem that they operate in, they are far better equipped to manage expectations and avoid needless stress.

Finally, everyone—coaches, managers, families, and the wider sporting community—has a part to play in normalising conversations about money. When candid discussions about financial pressures are not just tolerated but actively accepted, athletes feel significantly more supported and far less isolated in their concerns.

Ultimately, tackling money-related stress is not just about good financial management; it is intrinsically tied to the total well-being of athletes and the integrity of their sports. By championing open dialogue, dramatically improving education, and strengthening mental health support, the sports sector can build an environment where athletes can truly thrive, unburdened by hidden financial stress.

For more information and advice on this important subject, log onto the official website of The Sports Financial Literacy Academy at ‘www.moneysmartathlete.com’