Ann-Katrin Berger: Return to the Bundesliga possible after award!

Ann-Katrin Berger: Return to the Bundesliga possible after award!

What a success! Ann-Katrin Berger, the talented national goalkeeper, was once again able to secure the title of “Germany’s Footballer of the Year”. It is the second award in a row for the native of Eislingen, who currently plays for Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the USA and has been playing abroad since 2014. Her impressive performance, particularly the outstanding save in the European Championship quarter-final against France, was praised by Giulia Gwinn, her fellow award winner and one of FC Bayern Munich's best players. Unfortunately, Gwinn had to watch the tournament as a spectator due to a knee injury.

Berger, who started playing football at KSG Eislingen at the age of just four, has gone through remarkable stages throughout her career. She has become known not only for her skills in goal, but also for her path, which saw her start out as a striker, midfielder and defender before finding her true calling as a goalkeeper at the age of 16. She celebrated her first major success in 2012 with the German championship at 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam, then continued on to stations such as Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, where she won numerous titles.

A look at the career

Her move to Gotham FC in April 2024 marked another step in her impressive career. There she quickly established herself as a regular player, with an impressive save rate of 83%. In September 2024, she extended her contract until 2026. Her talent has not gone undiscovered at the international level: her nomination for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris and the decisive parades that led Germany to the bronze medal have put her in the spotlight. The nomination for the 2025 European Championships followed, and once again she showed her class.

But Ann-Katrin Berger is thinking about setting up camp in Germany again at some point. “I could imagine returning to the Bundesliga, especially if a good offer comes along,” she explained. This shows that family closeness is very important to them. If the opportunity presented itself, she would consider a good deal for her family and herself.

• Erfolge und Auszeichnungen:
  • 2x Deutschlands Fußballerin des Jahres
  • Deutsche Meisterschaft mit Turbine Potsdam
  • FA Cup mit Chelsea Ladies
  • Olympische Bronzemedaille 2024
• Karriere-Highlights:
  • 83% Abwehrquote bei Gotham FC
  • Einzug ins Champions-League-Finale 2021 mit Chelsea
  • Schlüsselrolle im Elfmeterschießen gegen Kanada bei den Olympischen Spielen

The future of the German goalkeeper remains exciting. The return to home territory could represent a nice comeback for many fans. Time will tell whether Berger decides to show up in the Bundesliga, but her performances are undeniably high.

Further information about the NWSL and current statistics can be found at kicker.de be read.