After the Women’s US soccer team brought the World Cup title home, they received not only fame and global recognition, but $2 million paid to each of them; $2 million for beating the odds and going all the way.

While that sum of money may seem like more than anyone could hope for, comparatively, the team was immensely underpaid. According to a study done by the Women’s Sports Foundation, the men’s US team, who finished in 11th place in the 2014 World Cup, were paid $9 million each. Pay inequality in athletics is a globally under-recognized issue where female athletes are consistently paid less than male athletes.

Professional athletes spend their whole lives working towards their ultimate goal. These 23 women shined through millions of other female soccer players. So why is it that along with their trophy, they brought home $7 million less than their male counterparts? It is appalling that this big of an equality gap goes unheard of day-to-day.