Lionesses' Euro 2022 win brings bonuses—and a 47% tax hit

Their historic victory came with a price: record bonuses pushed the Lionesses into the top tax bracket. Now, HMRC stands to gain millions from their on- and off-pitch earnings.

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2026 March 31 . 5:02 PM

1 min read

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Lionesses' Euro 2022 win brings bonuses—and a 47% tax hit

The Lionesses' victory at the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 has brought financial rewards—but also a hefty tax bill. Each player is set to receive an average bonus of £73,000, pushing their earnings into the highest tax bracket. The Treasury stands to gain as their success boosts both prize money and future income. The bonuses alone will see players paying around £34,300 each in income tax and National Insurance Contributions (NIC). With earnings exceeding the £125,140 threshold, they now face the top marginal tax rate of 47%. The Football Association (FA) must also cover £255,000 in employer NIC for the prize payments.

The Lionesses' triumph has raised their public profile, opening doors to lucrative sponsorships, media work, and marketing deals. These new opportunities will further increase their taxable income. HMRC is set to benefit not just from the tournament bonuses but from their growing off-pitch earnings.

No official figures for total prize money have been released, but the financial impact is clear. The players' success translates into higher tax revenue for the government, with their future earnings likely to climb even further. The Lionesses' Euro 2022 win has put them in the top tax bracket, ensuring a significant boost for public funds. Between bonuses and future commercial deals, their financial success will mean more revenue for HMRC. The Treasury's gain reflects both their sporting achievement and the rising value of women's football.