Merle Kirschstein returns to Turbine Potsdam – an emotional comeback!

Merle Kirschstein returns to Turbine Potsdam – an emotional comeback!

The 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam has a new signing who could bring a breath of fresh air: Merle Kirschstein is returning to the club. The 22-year-old, who was born in Hamburg on December 13, 2002, is joining the Potsdam team for the 2025/26 season. Kirschstein could significantly strengthen the defensive stability that the team lacked in the last Bundesliga season. Managing director Stephan Schmidt is pleased about the return of the talented defender and emphasizes her mentality and commitment. Her return has both sporting and emotional significance for the club and the player herself.

How Kirschstein rose to the elite level of women's soccer is a remarkable journey. The Hamburg native began her career at Walddörfer SV in 2007 and moved to Hamburger SV in 2012. In 2014 she then joined Turbine Potsdam, where she played until 2021. During her time at Turbine she went through many levels, including the U15, U17 and the 2nd women's team in the 2nd Women's Bundesliga. Her next steps took her to Italy to AC Milan, where she qualified for the UEFA Women's Champions League. She later also worked for Sturm Graz and supported the team for two years.

A look at the history of Turbine Potsdam

The 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam can look back on an impressive history. The club was founded in 1955 as a company sports club, but the successful women's football department was not founded until 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: Gründung des Frauenfußballs bei Turbine Potsdam
• 1981: Erstes Meisterschaftssiegel der DDR
• 2005: Zweiter Meistertitel nach der Wende
• 2012: Nominierung für die Champions League und weitere nationale Erfolge
• 2022: Erreichung des DFB-Pokal-Finales

The return of Merle Kirschstein is also a sign that Turbine wants to build on previous successes. After a difficult phase in the Bundesliga, where the team last played in the second division and won the championship in the 2023/24 season, ambitious goals are now in place.

A new beginning for Kirschstein and Turbine

With the experience Kirschstein brings from international competitions and her deep knowledge of Turbine's philosophy, she could play a key role in the coming season. During her last season with HSV she reached the semi-finals of the DFB Cup, which underlines her ability to survive in pressure situations and deliver top performances. Her career shows that she has been able to prove herself in a variety of competitions and now, together with her new teammates, she wants to be back at the top of women's football in Germany.

With the return of Merle Kirschstein, Turbine Potsdam sees a clear upswing and a possible new beginning. The fans are excited to see what the new season will bring and how the team will develop further.