Merle Kirschstein returns to Turbine Potsdam - an emotional comeback!

Merle Kirschstein returns to Turbine Potsdam - an emotional comeback!

Potsdam, Deutschland - The 1st FFC Turbine Potsdam has a new addition that could provide a fresh air: Merle Kirschstein returns to the club. The 22-year-old, who was born on December 13, 2002 in Hamburg, joins the Potsdam women for the 2025/26 season. Kirschstein could significantly strengthen the defensive stability that the team lacked in the past Bundesliga season. Managing Director Stephan Schmidt is happy about the return of the talented defender and highlights her mentality and operational readiness. Your return is of both sporting and emotional importance for the club and the player herself.

As Kirschstein rose to the elite of women's football, is a remarkable journey. Born in Hamburg, she started her career at the Walddörfer SV in 2007 and switched to Hamburger SV in 2012. In 2014 she joined Turbine Potsdam, where she played until 2021. During her time at Turbine, she went through many performance levels, including the U15, U17 and the 2nd women's team in the 2nd women's Bundesliga. Her next steps took her to Italy Milan, where she qualified for the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Later she was also active for Sturm Graz and was a support of the team for two years.

A look at the history of Turbine Potsdam

The 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam can look back on an impressive story. The association was founded in 1955 as a company sports community, but the successful women's football department was only launched in 1971. The first game took place on May 25, 1971 and ended with a 3-0 win. Since then, Turbine has made a name for itself in German and international football. The team won numerous titles and can look back on successes in the Bundesliga and Champions League.

• 1971: Foundation of women's football at Turbine Potsdam
• 1981: First championship seal of the GDR
• 2005: Second championship title after the turn
• 2012: Nomination for the Champions League and other national successes
• 2022: Achievement of the DFB Cup final

The return of Merle Kirschstein is also a sign that turbine wants to build on previous success again. After a difficult phase in the Bundesliga, where the team most recently played in the second division and won the championship in the 2023/24 season, ambitious goals are now in the room.

A new beginning for cherry stone and turbine

With the experience that Kirschstein brings with you from international competitions, and her deep knowledge of the philosophy of Turbine, she could play a key role in the coming season. During her last season at the HSV, she reached the semi-finals in the DFB Cup, which underlines her ability to exist in pressure situations and deliver top services. Her career shows that she was able to prove herself in a variety of competitions, and now, together with her new teammates, she wants to play in Germany again in Germany.

With the return of Merle Kirschstein, Turbine Potsdam sees a clear upwind and a possible fresh start. The fans are excited to see what the new season brings and how the team will develop.