The lowest floor applies to players under 16: they receive a minimum of 283 euros gross per month in Ligue 2. Some players may aim for higher minimums if they have followed more selective pathways, such as the elite track, open for example to those who have been officially selected for the national team.
Places are scarce for reaching this status, the dream of many children. According to figures from the Federation, about eight out of ten players who enter a training center do not subsequently sign a professional contract.
The training center is nonetheless an almost mandatory step. At the end of this pathway, players may join the first team.
The first professional contract opens the door to a minimum salary. In the first year, the player receives at least 2,800 euros gross per month if he plays in Ligue 1, and 2,170 euros if he plays in Ligue 2.
Training is also an economic lever. Over the past five years, one club has taken in more than 370 million euros thanks to its training center and the sale of its young talents.
Not everyone lives solely on top-level football. In National 2, semi-professional players pursue this activity without making it their only source of income.