The hero Germany needs right now is not going away.
Two-time German Female Footballer of the Year and star goalkeeper NWSL club Gotham FC Ann-Katrin Berger is sticking with the national team, per a report from Kicker.
“It’s a very important decision that is being made now, with a view to the 2027 World Cup. We exchanged ideas and clearly signaled to her that we would like to continue the collaboration if she feels ready for it,” Germany head coach Christian Wück had relayed to the German media outlet prior to Thursday’s news. “She received that information with a smile.”
Berger, 35, cemented her place in the national team only recently, beginning her starting run at the 2024 Olympics, where Germany captured bronze. She has written about playing into her 40s — but acknowledges that such a dream may not be realistic and that she would step away if she could no longer maintain her standards.
Those standards are sky high. A shot-stopper par excellence, Berger turned in an all-time heroic performance for ten-woman Germany in the EURO 2025 quarterfinals against France last summer and should have the inside track to remain the No. 1 at the 2027 World Cup.
VfL Wolfsburg’s Stina Johannes (25) and Bayern Munich’s Ena Mahmutovic (21) represent the next generation of Germany keepers, and Johannes was in between the sticks earlier in the fall while Berger was out with injury. But for now, Berger is still top dog — as long as she wants it.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
Category: General Sports
