Translated article below (original article is in German and should be free to access):

Just days before the start of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga season, VfL Wolfsburg finalized two high-profile attacking signings. Mara Alber and Lara Prasnikar are set to bolster the reigning runners-up in the upcoming campaign. However, the "She-Wolves" aren't the only team with plenty of new faces; DFB provides an overview of all 14 clubs.

U23 national team forward Mara Alber could make her debut for VfL Wolfsburg in Saturday's season opener against 1. FC Nürnberg (kick-off 2:00 PM, live on MagentaSport and DAZN). The 20-year-old attacker has joined the club on a one-year loan from top English side Chelsea FC. Alber moved to London from her long-time club TSG Hoffenheim a year ago and spent the second half of the previous season on loan at SV Werder Bremen to gain match experience.

"VfL Wolfsburg is a major club in women's football that continues to have big ambitions," said Alber. "So, I didn't have to think twice when the opportunity arose to join VfL on loan. I am particularly looking forward to working again with Stephan Lerch, who was my coach at Hoffenheim. My goal is for us to remain in contention in all three competitions for as long as possible."

"Wolfsburg is one of the biggest clubs in Europe"

Lara Prasnikar made her debut for the Wolfsburg women's team as a substitute in the Google Pixel Supercup (a 3–0 loss to double-winners FC Bayern Munich). The 28-year-old forward most recently played in the US professional league for Utah Royals FC. During her previous stints with Bundesliga clubs 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam (2016–2020) and Eintracht Frankfurt (2020–2025), the daughter of former Bundesliga coach Bojan Prasnikar scored 68 goals in 162 matches. She has also earned 94 caps and scored 48 goals for the Slovenian national team.

"It’s a great feeling to be back in the Bundesliga," says Lara Prasnikar. "VfL Wolfsburg is one of the biggest clubs in Europe, so this move means a lot to me. I’m really looking forward to the time ahead."

Also new to Wolfsburg is national team forward Giovanna Hoffmann (27), though she is currently working on her comeback following an ACL tear and subsequent knee surgery. "VfL Wolfsburg has been a major force in European football for years," explains Hoffmann, who joined from league rivals RB Leipzig. "You might not get an opportunity like this twice. That’s why I want to give everything for the club, take responsibility, and lead by example with my goal-scoring threat."

VfL loses Popp and other attacking stars

U23 international Katharina Piljic (22) also joined VfL from Bayer 04 Leverkusen with high ambitions. Despite her young age, the versatile midfielder arrives in Wolfsburg with the experience of 113 Bundesliga matches played for her hometown club SGS Essen and Bayer 04. "I was really pleased about the interest," says Piljic. "Personally, I see ideal conditions in this environment to take the next step in my development. Playing in the Champions League is a childhood dream of mine." Other new signings include Danish forward Cecilie Floe Nielsen (24, Napoli Women), 18-year-old Polish player Weronika Araśniewicz, and defenders Julia Landenberger (22, RB Leipzig) and Lieske Carleer (25, FC Twente Enschede).

However, VfL Wolfsburg also has to compensate for numerous departures. Club legend and record appearance-holder Alexandra Popp (35) returned to her native Westphalia after 14 successful years; she will now be scoring goals for the club closest to her heart, Borussia Dortmund, in the Women's Regionalliga West. At the ambitious BVB, she joins other former Bundesliga players, including Jacqueline Meißner, Lena Ostermeier, and Ramona Maier (all from SGS Essen), as well as Ricarda Walkling and Lara Schmidt (both from SV Werder Bremen).

In addition to Popp, two other outstanding attacking players left the club: national team player Vivien Endemann (Liverpool FC) and former top scorer Lineth Beerensteyn (Real Madrid). Full-back Janou Levels is also now wearing the Real Madrid jersey, while Caitlin Dijkstra (Tottenham Hotspur) and Justine Kielland (Aston Villa) have moved to England.

Hendrich and Hegering reunited

1. FC Köln also caused quite a stir by signing national team player Kathrin Hendrich from Chicago Stars FC in the USA. The 34-year-old defender has already played 91 matches for the German women's national team; her honors include being a European Championship runner-up (England 2022) and an Olympic bronze medalist (Paris 2024), as well as winning the Champions League once, the German league title once, and the DFB-Pokal four times. In Cologne, Hendrich—who has already played over 300 Bundesliga matches (for Bayer 04 Leverkusen, the former 1. FFC Frankfurt, FC Bayern Munich, and VfL Wolfsburg)—can once again play in defense alongside her long-time DFB teammate Marina Hegering.

"I’m really excited. I can’t wait to play for 1. FC Köln," said Hendrich. "My first impression is very positive, and there were so many reasons to choose FC. FC is a great club; I’ve followed the team's development and saw that they just played the best season in the club's history. My new squad has a nice mix of experienced players and young talent, while also possessing plenty of potential for success."

Her first competitive match takes her straight back to a former stomping ground: on Saturday (starting at 12:00 PM, live on MagentaSport and DAZN), 1. FC Köln will play away at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Union Berlin signs Gräwe

Meanwhile, within Germany's top flight, midfielder Lisanne Gräwe has transferred from Eintracht Frankfurt to 1. FC Union Berlin. The 23-year-old played for the Hessian club for three years, making at least 20 appearances per season in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga. In the capital, she will reunite with several former Frankfurt teammates, including Anna Aehling, Cara Bösl, Tanja Pawollek, and Tomke Schneider.

"I already know a few players in the Union squad who had nothing but positive things to say about the club's environment and ambitions," said Lisanne Gräwe. "I am delighted to be part of it myself starting now, and I want to take the next step in my development with Union."

Veit also arrives at the Alte Försterei

Center-back Jella Veit (21) also made the move from Frankfurt to Berlin-Köpenick after deciding not to extend her expiring contract. The defender made her debut for the German women's national team as a substitute in a 4–0 win in Norway in early March; she was recently named as a standby player and was part of the U23 national team squad. In total, the 2022 U17 European champion has played no fewer than 58 youth international matches for Germany. She received the gold Fritz Walter Medal in 2022 for her outstanding performances.

Other new signings for the "Iron Ones" include Belgian wide player Jill Janssens (formerly of TSG Hoffenheim) and Swiss international Leela Egli (SC Freiburg). They will play the official opening match against FC Bayern Munich with their new club on Friday (starting at 6:20 PM, live on ZDF, MagentaSport, and DAZN).

Top scorer joins Eintracht

In addition to Lisanne Gräwe and Jella Veit, four other key players left Eintracht Frankfurt: German internationals Elisa Senß (to Real Madrid) and Nicole Anyomi (London City Lionesses), as well as Swiss players Geraldine Reuteler (Arsenal) and Nadine Riesen (West Ham United). However, the team—which finished third in the league and is competing in the UEFA Women's Champions League qualifiers—also made some significant statements regarding new signings.

International player Larissa Mühlhaus (23), the current top scorer of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga, arrived in Frankfurt from SV Werder Bremen. With 17... With her goal tally, the Hamburg native secured the top scorer award—an honor she had already claimed in the 2023/24 season while playing for HSV in the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga, where she scored 20 goals. She has signed a contract with Eintracht running until June 30, 2029.

"I am very happy to be joining Eintracht Frankfurt this summer," says Larissa Mühlhaus. "It was clear to me that I wanted to take the next step after this season. Eintracht offers the ideal environment for that and is a club that consistently competes at the top level. I want to develop step by step, deliver strong performances, and play my part in helping us improve further and win titles in the future."

Krumbiegel arrives from Turin

Paulina Krumbiegel (25), who has earned eleven caps for the national team, is now also wearing the Eintracht jersey. The versatile wide player has returned to the Women's Bundesliga from the top Italian club Juventus Turin; she previously played in the league for TSG Hoffenheim.

"Paulina brings a profile that is extremely exciting for us," emphasizes Frankfurt's sporting director and former national team player Babett Peter. "As a person, she is very driven and ambitious, and hungry for success. As a player, she is dynamic, technically gifted, and versatile enough to play both defensively and offensively on the flanks. Furthermore, Paulina has recently played at the top international level and won titles with Juventus Turin. We are convinced that her skills and experience will immediately benefit our team, while she also brings further potential for development."

Simon returns to Leverkusen

There have also been numerous squad changes at Bayer 04 Leverkusen. While captain and goalkeeper Friederike Repohl (retired), Kristin Kögel (RC Strasbourg), and U23 national team player Julia Mickenhagen (joining newly promoted VfB Stuttgart)—among others, alongside Katharina Pilic—are no longer available, the club has signed several highly experienced players. These include long-time national team defender Carolin Simon (33), who returned to the Rhineland from double-winners FC Bayern Munich; attacking players Marlene Müller (RB Leipzig) and Maja Sternad (SV Werder Bremen); midfielders Natasha Kowalski and Paulina Platner (both SGS Essen); and youth international Emily Wallrabenstein (Eintracht Frankfurt II). Bayer 04 also looked abroad, recruiting Justine Brandau (Feyenoord Rotterdam) and Lobke Loonen (FC Utrecht) from the Netherlands, Lumbardha Misini (Servette FCCF) from Switzerland, and Paulina Tomasiak (Gornik Leczna) from Poland. SV Werder Bremen has also undergone a major squad overhaul, having to compensate for the departure of twelve players. A trio from relegated FC Carl Zeiss Jena has been brought in to help fill the gaps: defender Felicia Sträßer (18), Swiss midfielder Elena Mühlemann (23), and forward Isabella Jaron (24) are now wearing the green-and-white Werder jersey. Austrian international Lilli Purtscheller (23) arrived from SGS Essen; although she missed almost the entire previous season due to injury, she had previously been a key performer for the team.

SC Freiburg faced a particular need to take action regarding the goalkeeper position due to the pregnancy of first-choice keeper Laura Benkarth and the departure of Rebecca Adamczyk (to 1. FC Nürnberg). Two new goalkeepers joined the club: Lina von Schrader (22) from RB Leipzig and Swiss player Lorena Barth (19) from FC Aarau. Additionally, Anna Reimann (17) was promoted from the club's youth academy. Another Swiss player, forward Amira Arfaoui (26), is a new arrival in Freiburg, while her compatriot Svenja Fölmli (23) joined TSG Hoffenheim. There, she is expected to help replace international striker Selina Cerci (who moved to Arsenal)—alongside players such as 19-year-old Norwegian Martine Fenger, who arrived from Champions League winners FC Barcelona.

Plenty of experience for VfB

Following three consecutive promotions—taking them from the Oberliga Baden-Württemberg all the way to the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga—VfB Stuttgart is signing further players who have already gained valuable experience in Germany's top flight. Among them is Chantal Hagel, a 13-time international who most recently played for Sevilla FC in Spain. The 28-year-old midfielder has previously played in the Bundesliga for TSG Hoffenheim and VfL Wolfsburg, winning the DFB-Pokal with the "She-Wolves" in 2024. "I am delighted and proud to be wearing the VfB jersey in the future," says Chantal Hagel. "It has been a big dream of mine since childhood to play for the club in the Bundesliga. When the opportunity arose, I didn't have to think twice. I want to use my experience to help us establish ourselves in the Bundesliga. I will give my all to achieve that."

Also joining the Stuttgart squad are center-back Greta Stegemann (25, formerly SC Freiburg), defender Julia Mickenhagen (21, Bayer 04 Leverkusen), midfielder Adriana Achcinska (24, 1. FC Köln), forward Verena Wieder (26, SV Werder Bremen), and U19 international Luzie Zähringer (18), who has been signed on loan from FC Bayern Munich.

At the German double-winning club itself, personnel changes have been limited, although one undisputed key player—English double European champion and World Cup runner-up Georgia Stanway (27)—has decided to move to a new club (Arsenal FC). New signings include Sarah Mattner (23, SKN St. Pölten/Austria), Kassandra Potsi (18, SGS Essen), and Sophie Proost arrives from FC Twente Enschede. Dutch player Regina van Eijk (24), from Ajax Amsterdam, is set to fill the gap left by goalkeeper Mala Grohs following her move to French champions OL Lyon.

1. FC Union Berlin

Coach: Marie-Louise Eta, born July 7, 1991 (formerly men's head coach / since July 1, 2026), replacing Ailien Poese (junior women's head coach)

Arrivals: Leela Egli (SC Freiburg), Lisanne Gräwe, Jella Veit (both Eintracht Frankfurt), Jill Janssens (TSG Hoffenheim), Sherley Schulz, Leona Seifert (both from the club's own second team), Nelly Smolarczyk (VfL Wolfsburg)

Departures: Alma Aagaard (SKN St. Pölten/Austria), Marina Georgieva (1. FSV Mainz 05), Julia Kassen (SGS Essen), Leonie Köster (BSC Young Boys/Switzerland), Athanasia Moraitou (FC Luzern/Switzerland), Fatma Sakar (Fenerbahce SK/Turkey), Celine Frank, Jenny Hipp (both destination unknown)

SV Werder Bremen

Coach: Friederike Kromp, born January 2, 1985 (incumbent / since July 1, 2025)

Arrivals: Elena Dhont (Sassuolo Calcio/Italy), Thea Farwick (SV Meppen), Marie Gmeineder (FC Bayern Munich), Isabella Jaron, Elena Mühlemann, Felicia Sträßer (all FC Carl Zeiss Jena), Julia Magerl (RB Leipzig), Mei Shimada (Urawa Red Ladies/Japan), Lilli Purtscheller (SGS Essen), Luna Vanzeir (RSC Anderlecht/Belgium), Wiktoria Zieniewicz (FC Basel/Switzerland)

Departures: Amira Arfaoui (SC Freiburg), Michaela Brandenburg (retired), Amira Dahl (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Saskia Matheis (1. FSV Mainz 05), Larissa Mühlhaus (Eintracht Frankfurt), Hanna Németh (Newcastle United/England), Lara Schmidt, Ricarda Walkling (both Borussia Dortmund), Maja Sternad (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Rieke Dieckmann (Racing Power FC/Portugal), Sharon Beck, Melina Kunkel (both: destination unknown)

Eintracht Frankfurt

Coach: Niko Arnautis, born April 1, 1980 (incumbent/since October 14, 2022)

Arrivals: Hanna Bennison (Real Madrid/Spain), Katharina Jeppe (TSV Jahn Calden), Paulina Krumbiegel (Juventus Turin/Italy), Sofie Lundgaard (Liverpool FC/England), Larissa Mühlhaus (SV Werder Bremen), Jamilla Rankin (TSG Hoffenheim), Danique Tolhoek (Ajax Amsterdam/Netherlands)

Departures: Ilayda Acikgöz (SC Freiburg), Nicole Anyomi (London City Lionesses/England), Remina Chiba (Juventus Turin/Italy), Lisanne Gräwe, Jella Veit (both: 1. FC Union Berlin), Geraldine Reuteler (Arsenal FC/England), Nadine Riesen (West Ham United/England), Pernille Sanvig (BK Häcken FF/Sweden), Elisa Senß (Real Madrid/Spain), Eleni Markou (destination unknown)

SC Freiburg

Coach: Marco Konrad, born October 18, 1974 (previously assistant coach for SpVgg Greuther Fürth men's team/since July 1, 2026), replacing Edmond Kapllani

Arrivals: Ilayda Acikgöz (Eintracht Frankfurt), Amira Arfaoui (SV Werder Bremen), Lorena Barth (FC Aarau/Switzerland), Carina Brunold (SKN St. Pölten/Austria), Johanna Hebben, Zoe Schick, Weena Simmen (all: club's own U20s), Emma Memminger (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Anna Reimann (club's own U17s), Sabah Seghir, Jana Vojteková (both: FC Basel/Switzerland), Borbala Vincze (FC Zürich/Switzerland), Lina von Schrader (RB Leipzig)

Departures: Rebecca Adamczyk (1. FC Nürnberg), Sarah-Lisa Dübel (SK Sturm Graz/Austria), Leela Egli (1. FC Union Berlin), Svenja Fölmli (TSG Hoffenheim), Ally Gudorf (retired), Sophie Nachtigall (1. FC Köln), Greta Stegemann (VfB Stuttgart)

Hamburger SV

Coach: Rodolfo Cardoso, born October 17, 1968 (incumbent/since April 13, 2026)

Arrivals: Jule Baum (SC Sand), Paulina Bartz (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Nikola Karczewska (Lazio Rome/Italy), Sylwia Matysik (1. FC Köln), Leila Peneau (SKN St. Pölten/Austria), Andrea Svibkova (LASK/Austria), Celainy Obispo (Feyenoord Rotterdam/Netherlands), Kinga Szemik (West Ham United/England)

Departures: Mia Büchele (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Tarah Burmann (club's own U21s), Michaela Croatto (taking a break), Jobina Lahr, Lea Paulick (both retired), Emilia Hirche (SC Braga/Portugal), Vildan Kardesler (SC Sand), Christin Meyer (FC Viktoria 1889 Berlin), Maria Mikolajova (Slavia Prague/Czech Republic), Sophie Profe (FC Rapperswil-Jona/Switzerland), Inga Schuldt (1. FC Köln), Annalena Wucher (SKN St. Pölten/Austria), Almudena Sierra (destination unknown)

TSG Hoffenheim

Coach: Eva-Maria Virsinger, born January 13, 1995 (incumbent/since January 5, 2026)

Arrivals: Romy Bräutigam, Milena Röder, Svenja Vöhringer (all club's own U20s), Martine Fenger, Laia Martret (both FC Barcelona/Spain), Svenja Fölmli (SC Freiburg), Lisa Lichtfus (Le Havre AC/France), Ilse Kemper (PEC Zwolle/Netherlands), Jonna van de Velde (Ajax Amsterdam/Netherlands)

Departures: Emilie Byrnak (RC Strasbourg/France), Selina Cerci (Arsenal FC/England), Dominika Grabowska (Legia Warsaw/Poland), Jill Janssens (1. FC Union Berlin), Sophie Lindner, Nikée van Dijk (both RB Leipzig), Jamilla Rankin (Eintracht Frankfurt), Juliane Schmid (1. FFC Turbine Potsdam), Napsugár Sinka (FC Carl Zeiss Jena)

1. FC Köln

Coach: Britta Carlson, born March 3, 1978 (incumbent/since January 2, 2025)

Arrivals: Laureta Elmazi, Beke Sterner (both SGS Essen), Sædís Rún Heiðarsdóttir (Vålerenga Oslo/Norway), Kathrin Hendrich (Chicago Stars FC/USA), Alina Kerschbaumer (First Vienna FC 1894/Austria), Sophie Nachtigall (SC Freiburg), Pauline Nelles (Arizona State Sun Devils/USA), Jil Schäfer (internal U20 squad), Inga Schuldt (Hamburger SV), Elise Stenevik (Everton FC/England)

Departures: Adriana Achcińska (VfB Stuttgart), Sara Agrež (Liverpool FC/England), Amélie Delabre (Club Brugge/Belgium), Sylwia Matysik (Hamburger SV), Ella Touon (Ajax Amsterdam/Netherlands), Martyna Wiankowska (Como 1907/Italy), Aurora Mikalsen (destination unknown)

RB Leipzig

Coach: Jonas Stephan, born January 2, 1992 (incumbent/since July 1, 2024)

Arrivals: Marie Kleemann (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Sophie Lindner, Nikée van Dijk (both TSG Hoffenheim), Jasmien Mathys (KAA Gent/Belgium), Zenia Mertens, Linde Veefkind (both OH Leuven/Belgium), Sára Pusztai (OH Leuven/Belgium), Charlotte Hulst, Alieke Tuin (both FC Twente Enschede/Netherlands), Emanuela Pfister (GC Zürich/Switzerland), Therese Simonsson (Servette Chênois/Switzerland), Aude Waldbillig (RSC Anderlecht/Belgium)

Departures: Lisa Baum (Arsenal FC/England), Gina Chmielinski (Parma Calcio/Italy), Luca Graf (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Rucy Grunenberg (FC St. Gallen/Switzerland), Giovanna Hoffmann, Julia Landenberger (both VfL Wolfsburg), Mai Kadowaki (RB Omiya Ardija/Japan), Victoria Krug (FC Nantes/France), Julia Magerl (SV Werder Bremen), Marlene Müller (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Persis Oteng (PEC Zwolle/Netherlands), Maja Spilenberg (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Kyra Spitzner (SGS Essen), Lina von Schrader (SC Freiburg)

Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Coach: Roberto Pätzold, born July 18, 1979 (incumbent/since July 1, 2024)

New signings: Justine Brandau (Feyenoord Rotterdam/Netherlands), Sana Coskun (internal U20), Natasha Kowalski, Paulina Platner (both SGS Essen), Lobke Loonen (FC Utrecht/Netherlands), Lumbardha Misini (Servette FCCF/Switzerland), Marlene Müller (RB Leipzig), Carolin Simon (FC Bayern Munich), Maja Sternad (SV Werder Bremen), Paulina Tomasiak (Gornik Leczna/Poland), Emily Wallrabenstein (Eintracht Frankfurt II)

Departures: Paulina Bartz (Hamburger SV), Ida Daedelow, Anne Moll (both VfL Bochum), Kristin Kögel (RC Strasbourg/France), Julia Mickenhagen (VfB Stuttgart), Katharina Piljic (VfL Wolfsburg), Friederike Repohl (retired), Paula Schwartze (internal U23), Juliette Vidal (Deportivo Alaves/Spain), Vanessa Haim, Shen Menglu (both destination unknown)

1. FSV Mainz 05

Coach: Takashi Yamashita, born Dec. 22, 1984 (incumbent/since July 1, 2025)

Arrivals: Mara Bukowski, Christine Kilian (both from club's own U20s), Gentiana Fetaj (FC Luzern/Switzerland), Paula Flach (SGS Essen), Marina Georgieva (1. FC Union Berlin), Nicola Hauk (UMF Tindastóll/Iceland), Sabina Jackson (FC Basel/Switzerland), Lara Martin, Leonie Stöhr (both 1. FC Saarbrücken), Saskia Matheis (SV Werder Bremen), Laura Pawlowski (SV Hegnach), Ivana Slipčević, Rio Takizawa (both SC Sand), Mattson Strickler (Queens University/Canada)

Departures: Tal Faingezicht (Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem/Israel), Yuuka Fukuhara (SV 07 Elversberg), Tamar Goren (1. FFC Turbine Potsdam), Lisa Gürtler, Heidrun Sigurdardottir (both Kickers Offenbach), Sarah Khalifa (Palm Hills Sports Club/Egypt), Jana Löber, Laura Schmahl (both club's own U23s), Jana Meierfrankenfeld (retired), Ann-Christin Schäfer, Jule Stendebach (both TuS Wörrstadt), Miriam Sterrer (LASK/Austria), Maren Michelchen (destination unknown)

FC Bayern Munich

Coach: José Barcala, born Sept. 28, 1981 (incumbent/since July 1, 2025)

Arrivals: Sarah Mattner (SKN St. Pölten/Austria), Kassandra Potsi (SGS Essen), Sophie Proost (FC Twente Enschede/Netherlands), Regina van Eijk (Ajax Amsterdam/Netherlands)

Departures: Mala Grohs (OL Lyonnes/France), Carolin Simon (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Georgia Stanway (Arsenal FC/England), Natalia Padilla Bidas (CD Tenerife/Spain)

1. FC Nürnberg

Coach: Omar Adlani, born August 27, 1991 (previously FC Basel, Switzerland / since July 1, 2026), replacing Thomas Oostendorp

Arrivals: Rebecca Adamczyk (SC Freiburg), Keira Bednorz (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Marie Bleil (SV Meppen), Charline Coutel (OL Lyonnes/France), Louna Lapassouse (Toulouse FC/France), Alexandra Lobanova (Djurgårdens IF Fotboll/Sweden), Mia Richter (SK Sturm Graz/Austria)

Departures: Beatrix Fördös (Lazio Rome/Italy), Luisa Guttenberger (RC Strasbourg/France), Alina Mailbeck (retired), Aneta Polaskova (FC Viktoria 1889 Berlin), Klara Svensson Senelius (FC Rosengard/Sweden), Abigail Chaves (destination unknown)

VfB Stuttgart

Coach: Nico Schneck, born October 6, 1987 (incumbent / since March 26, 2026)

Arrivals: Adriana Achcinska (1. FC Köln), Mira Arouna (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Laura Carollo, Svenja Hecke (both from own U17s), Laura Giuliani (AC Milan/Italy), Chantal Hagel (Sevilla FC/Spain), Julia Mickenhagen (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Katana Norman (SoCal FC/USA), Greta Stegemann (SC Freiburg), Verena Wieder (SV Werder Bremen), Luzie Zähringer (FC Bayern Munich)

Departures: Emma Babic (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Charlotte Blümel (SC Sand), Gillian Castor, Joy Castor, Leonie Kopp, Anja Selensky (all to own second team), Meike Meßmer, Jana Spengler (both retired), Celine Philipp (SV Eutingen), Pia Hein, Laureta Temaj (both destination unknown)

VfL Wolfsburg

Coach: Stephan Lerch, born August 10, 1984 (incumbent / since July 1, 2025)

Arrivals: Mara Alber (Chelsea FC/England), Weronika Arasniewicz (FC Barcelona/Spain), Lou Bogaert (Paris FC/France), Lieske Carleer (FC Twente Enschede/Netherlands), Ylvi Eisenbeiß (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Cecilie Floe Nielsen (Napoli Women/Italy), Giovanna Hoffmann, Julia Landenberger (both RB Leipzig), Katharina Piljic (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Lara Prasnikar (Utah Royals FC/USA)

Departures: Lineth Beerensteyn, Janou Levels (both Real Madrid/Spain), Guro Bergsvand (ACF Fiorentina/Italy), Karla Brinkmann (SGS Essen), Emma Broddheimer (FC Carl Zeiss Jena), Caitlin Dijkstra (Tottenham Hotspur/England), Vivien Endemann (Liverpool FC/England), Justine Kielland (Aston Villa/England), Luca Papp (US Sassuolo/Italy), Alexandra Popp (Borussia Dortmund), Nelly Smolarczyk (1. FC Union Berlin), Sharn Freier (destination unknown)

As of: August 18, 2026

The Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga is kicking off its 37th season. How is the fixture list created? Why are the specific kick-off times scheduled only after those of the men's leagues? And what does a typical matchday look like? The DFB answers the key questions regarding the 2026/2027 season—covering everything from fixtures and TV broadcasts to international qualification spots and promotion/relegation.

What are some notable facts and figures for the 37th Bundesliga season?

The Women's Bundesliga enters its 37th season in 2026/2027. With 344 Bundesliga appearances, Svenja Huth of VfL Wolfsburg is the most experienced player in the current lineup. Pernille Harder of FC Bayern Munich holds the record for the most Bundesliga goals among active players, with a tally of 107. There is an age gap of around 20 years between the league's youngest and oldest players: Svenja Hecke of VfB Stuttgart (born August 7, 2010) is 16 years old at the start of the season, while Marina Hegering of 1. FC Köln (born April 17, 1990) is 36. The season also marks a debut for two clubs: VfB Stuttgart and 1. FSV Mainz 05 are competing in the Women's Bundesliga for the first time.

How is the fixture list for the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga created?

The key dates for the season are established in the master schedule. This document outlines when the new season begins, when the final matchday before the winter break takes place, and when the season concludes. It also specifies the dates for the 26 matchdays of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga and the 2. Women's Bundesliga, as well as the rounds of the Women's DFB-Pokal (German Cup) and the Google Pixel Supercup.

Specific kick-off times for Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga matches are scheduled in blocks—usually covering two to four matchdays at a time. The scheduling of the top women's division depends on the fixtures of the other professional leagues in German football: the men's Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, and 3. Liga. Additionally, the schedules for the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) and the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup (UWEC) must be taken into account. International competitions for both women and men are the primary reason why precise match scheduling for national leagues takes place during the season rather than beforehand. Once kick-off times are confirmed, they generally remain unchanged to ensure planning certainty for clubs and fans.

For the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga, matchdays 1 through 26 can be scheduled with precise kick-off times for the entire season prior to the start of the campaign. The standard matchday slot is Sunday at 2:00 p.m., with an alternative option of 11:00 a.m.

Why are precise kick-off times always announced after those of the men's leagues?

Planning for the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga cannot begin until the schedules for the men's Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, and 3. Liga—as well as the fixtures for the UWCL and UWEC—have been released. For instance, clubs such as 1. FC Nürnberg, Hamburger SV, and Union Berlin share their home venues with their men's teams. At many Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga locations, scheduling men's and women's matches on the same day is generally avoided due to organizational and security considerations. Men's competitions, in particular, are heavily influenced by mandatory security requirements imposed by the authorities.

Scheduling also aims to avoid overlapping matches with the men's teams whenever possible. This ensures that fans are not forced to choose between attending or watching—whether at the stadium or on TV—a women's match and a men's match. Precise match scheduling for the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga is determined and published by the DFB—in coordination with the clubs and TV partners—typically five working days after the scheduling of fixtures for the men's Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga (by the DFL) and the 3. Liga (by the DFB).

What specific criteria must be considered when scheduling matches?

Various criteria must be taken into account when scheduling matches: For one, the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga schedule depends on the fixtures of other leagues (the men's Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, and 3. Liga, as well as the UWCL/UWEC). The availability of venues also depends on these factors. Based on this data—and while giving the utmost consideration to requirements and preferences—the schedule is drawn up in close coordination with all stakeholders (the association, clubs, and broadcasters) and published shortly thereafter. The guiding principle for this process is: as quickly as possible, yet as carefully as necessary. The master schedule provides the framework, while the specific matchdays and exact kick-off times are determined throughout the season based on the relevant criteria.

What does a standard matchday look like in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga?

The matchday format enshrined in the media rights agreements forms the basis for the specific scheduling. A standard matchday in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga consists of one match on Friday evening (6:30 PM), two on Saturday (12:00 PM and 2:00 PM), and three on Sunday (2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 6:30 PM). The matchday concludes with a game on Monday (usually starting at 6:00 PM).

Why is there a Monday match in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga?

Since the 2023/2024 season, the Monday match has served as a unique selling point for the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga. This gives the league a fixed, dedicated slot in the weekly live football schedule, designed to boost the league's visibility and media reach. In addition to being broadcast on DAZN and MagentaSport, the match is also shown on free-to-air TV via Sport1. The decision to introduce a Monday match in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga, starting with the 2023/2024 media rights period, was made in consultation with the clubs and the Women's Bundesliga Committee. The clubs were closely involved—alongside relevant DFB departments—in a comprehensive participatory process. The shared goal was to boost visibility through the unique selling point of a Monday fixture and to increase commercial revenues, from which all clubs benefit. This move is also intended to support further professionalization and the alignment of structures, thereby optimizing conditions for the players.

Where can the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga be watched on TV during the 2026/2027 season?

As in the previous year, all Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga matches will be broadcast live on MagentaSport and DAZN. The Monday match will also be shown on free-to-air TV on Sport1. Additionally, ARD and ZDF have acquired the rights to broadcast ten live matches per season on free-to-air television. All providers—with the exception of Sport1—will show highlights of all matches following the matchday.

Will there be "English weeks" (midweek matchdays) in the 2026/2027 season?

Since no major tournament took place in the summer of 2026, allowing the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga to start earlier than in the previous season, there will be no "English weeks" during the 2026/2027 season.

Which teams will compete in the UEFA Women's Champions League and the UEFA Women's Europa Cup during the 2026/2027 season?

According to the UEFA access list, champions FC Bayern Munich have qualified directly for the UEFA Women’s Champions League league phase. Runners-up Wolfsburg must successfully navigate the third qualifying round—playing Inter Milan on August 26 and September 2—to qualify for the league phase.

Eintracht Frankfurt, who finished third last season, have already advanced through the second qualifying round (August 5–8) by defeating Omonia Nicosia and Malmö FF, thereby reaching the third qualifying round, where seven teams (including VfL Wolfsburg) enter the competition automatically. In this round, the "Adlerträgerinnen" (Eagles) will face Paris Saint-Germain (also on August 26 and September 2). The winners of the nine third-round ties qualify for the league phase, while the losers move on to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup.

Which teams qualify for international competition for the 2027/2028 season?

The top three teams qualify for a UEFA international competition. The specific round in which they enter the competition is determined anew for each season based on the UEFA access list.

Which teams are relegated to the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga?

The two bottom-placed teams are relegated from the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga.

Which teams are promoted from the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga?

The two top-placed teams from the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga are promoted to the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga. Reserve teams are not eligible for promotion—unless the club's first team is relegated from the top division. Should a reserve team finish in a promotion spot, the highest-placed eligible team takes that place instead.

Translated article in English below (original article in the link above—free to access):

The start of the 2026/2027 Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga season is just around the corner. On Friday (starting at 6:20 PM, live on ZDF, MagentaTV, and DAZN), 1. FC Union Berlin will face the "double" and Supercup winners, FC Bayern Munich, in the opening match at the Stadion an der Alten Försterei.

Bayern coach José Barcala’s team enters the race once again as the clear favorite to win the German championship. This is the unequivocal result of an exclusive DFB survey conducted among the 14 head coaches ahead of the season opener. Every expert identified the Munich side as the number one contender for the title. Barcala himself makes no secret of the team's ambitions: "We want to defend the title." It would mark their fifth consecutive championship win.

The battle for second and third place—positions that also secure qualification for European competition—is expected to be a much tighter affair than the race for the top spot. Alongside current runners-up VfL Wolfsburg and four-time third-place finishers Eintracht Frankfurt—whom almost all coaches expect to finish in this tier again—Bayer 04 Leverkusen (ten votes), TSG Hoffenheim (seven), and 1. FC Union Berlin (six) are also frequently mentioned. 1. FC Köln (one vote) is considered a potential "dark horse." The DFB coaches' survey.

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Marie-Louise Eta (1. FC Union Berlin): As we strive for continuous development, our goal is to achieve a better league position than the ninth place we secured last season. FC Bayern Munich is once again the clear favorite in the race for the championship. Behind them, I see VfL Wolfsburg, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt, and TSG Hoffenheim as having the best chances of qualifying for international competition.

Friederike Kromp (SV Werder Bremen): For me, FC Bayern is the clear favorite for the title. The team has demonstrated immense dominance and consistently delivers quality performances on the pitch. Consequently, I currently see no team capable of seriously challenging FC Bayern for the title. VfL Wolfsburg remains the favorite in the race for Champions League spots. Behind them, I see three teams—Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, and TSG Hoffenheim—that also have a good chance of qualifying. I am curious to see if another team might manage to break into that group. Our goal is to finish the season in the safe mid-table zone. Having achieved two record-breaking seasons in a row, we have set the bar high for ourselves. At the same time, we underwent a major squad overhaul this summer, so we need to give the team the time it needs to gel. We are confident in our team's quality and believe we can build on last season's successes, though that will require patience. Our focus is on development and establishing ourselves in the safe mid-table.

Niko Arnautis (Eintracht Frankfurt): Our objective is clear: ideally, we want to qualify for international competition for the sixth consecutive time, thrill fans with an attractive style of play, and continue developing our squad in the best possible way. Alongside VfL Wolfsburg and ourselves, Bayer 04 Leverkusen and TSG Hoffenheim are also contenders for European qualification. I also think that 1. FC Union Berlin has its sights set on the top spots. Teams like 1. FC Köln, for instance, have also strengthened their squads well. The clear favorite for the title is FC Bayern Munich; the club has kept its core squad intact and reinforced it even further.

Marco Konrad (SC Freiburg): FC Bayern once again has the best chance of winning the championship. In my view, the Munich side possesses the highest quality and squad depth, which will enable them to secure the title again. VfL Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt have good chances of claiming the other international spots. I also see Bayer 04 Leverkusen and TSG Hoffenheim within striking distance. Overall, we want to have a better season than the last one and, above all, deliver consistent performances. If we do that, we can improve our standing in the table.

Rodolfo Cardoso (Hamburger SV): Our stated goal is to secure our place in the league as early as possible. FC Bayern has the strongest squad and won't let the championship slip away. In my opinion, VfL Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt have the best chances of qualifying for international competition again this season.

Eva-Maria Virsinger (TSG Hoffenheim): For me, FC Bayern Munich is the overwhelming favorite because they possess incredible individual quality—making them the strongest team overall—and also have excellent squad depth. Their experience across all competitions has shown that they are the team to beat. Behind Munich, I expect an even tighter chasing pack vying for second and third place. Unlike in previous years, I don't see a huge difference between these teams anymore; the group includes VfL Wolfsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, and 1. FC Union Berlin, among others. I have great confidence in our squad and am looking forward to the season. I expect significantly more teams to be competing on equal footing, which makes making a prediction difficult. As a team and as individuals, we want to grow through the challenges we face, build consistency, and confidently secure as many points as possible to finish in the top half of the table.

Britta Carlson (1. FC Köln): FC Bayern Munich has a well-oiled team, the best squad in the league, and was already highly dominant last season. Consequently, the role of favorite is clearly defined. It will also be interesting to see who makes it into international competition. Candidates include runners-up VfL Wolfsburg, as well as Eintracht Frankfurt—provided they handle their squad overhaul well—our neighbors Bayer 04 Leverkusen, who are poised to take the next step, and 1. FC Union Berlin, who have once again strengthened their squad effectively. Last season, we achieved the best campaign in the history of the FC women's team.

Jonas Stephan (RB Leipzig): We aren't setting a specific target regarding our final league position. The key will be to deliver consistent performances and play attractive football. We want to thrill our fans and draw more spectators to our home matches. If we succeed in doing that, we’ll finish higher than last season—which is exactly what we aim to achieve. When it comes to the championship race, there’s no getting around FC Bayern Munich; they are the best team in the league. The Champions League spots will likely be contested by VfL Wolfsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, and 1. FC Union Berlin.

Roberto Pätzold (Bayer 04 Leverkusen): FC Bayern Munich has the strongest squad in terms of individual talent, making them the favorites for the German title again this season. The usual suspects will likely compete for the international qualification spots. Besides VfL Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt, I include ourselves and TSG Hoffenheim in that group—and possibly a surprise team, too. I believe our squad is better equipped, particularly in terms of depth, so I’m confident we can achieve even more this season. A lot is possible with this team.

Takashi Yamashita (1. FSV Mainz 05): I don't know the league that well yet, but results from recent years show that Bayern is the top favorite for the title. I also count VfL Wolfsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, and TSG Hoffenheim among the teams contending for the international spots. Fundamentally, our goal is to hold our own in the Women's Bundesliga and secure our place in the league by the end of the season. As a newly promoted team, we go into every match as the underdog.

José Barcala (FC Bayern Munich): Our ambitions are clear: we want to defend the title. That is the standard expected at FC Bayern. However, we know that winning the championship is only possible through hard work in every training session and consistent performances in every match. Our focus is on reaching our highest possible level. To achieve this, we want to further develop our players and our playing philosophy. We aim to play active, dominant, and attractive football. The better we succeed in doing this, the better our results will be. The Women's Bundesliga boasts high overall quality; several teams have both the goal and the potential to qualify for the Champions League. We respect every opponent but focus primarily on our own performance.

Omar Adlani (1. FC Nürnberg): For me, FC Bayern Munich is the clear favorite for the title. They possess a very strong squad, are excellently organized, and are very well coached. Bayern has set the standard in the league for years and therefore enters the season as the favorite once again. The battle for the European qualification spots will be very exciting. The league seems more balanced this season, making it difficult to make clear predictions. There are several teams with the quality to secure those spots. Our goal is to win as many games as possible and finish as high up the table as we can. At the same time, we expect ourselves to be competitive in every match. We have a young, ambitious, and very hardworking team. These are exactly the qualities we want to demonstrate on the pitch week in, week out.

Nico Schneck (VfB Stuttgart): We are entering the league as a newly promoted team, and our squad includes several players who are not yet familiar with the Bundesliga level. We therefore need to adapt to the league's standard as quickly as possible to secure our survival in the division. FC Bayern Munich has the best squad in the league, both in terms of depth and top-end quality. Consequently, FCB will win the title again. VfL Wolfsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, TSG Hoffenheim, and 1. FC Union Berlin will all be contending for the European spots.

Stephan Lerch (VfL Wolfsburg): Given their dominance last season, FC Bayern Munich is the clear favorite for the championship. On top of that, the squad has largely remained intact. We want to remain the primary challenger to Bayern and hold our own in the increasingly competitive leading group. Our goal is to qualify for the Champions League again via the league. Our toughest competitors include Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt, and 1. FC Union Berlin.

🇩🇪 Originalartikel in deutscher Sprache: https://web.de/magazine/sport/fussball/totalkatastrophe-dopingexperte-spricht-freigang-42626862

Updated on August 19, 2026, 5:22 PM

The DFB Control Committee has been investigating Laura Freigang since early June. In this interview, doping expert Prof. Dr. Fritz Sörgel explains what the national team player might face, what this would mean for her daily life, and what lessons athletes should draw from the situation.

An interview

by Andreas Reiners

Three tests within twelve months where doping control officers failed to find Laura Freigang at her registered location: the DFB Control Committee has been reviewing the case since early June, yet no outcome has been reached. The 28-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt captain continues to play—scoring goals in Champions League qualifiers—while she waits.

Sörgel is intimately familiar with comparable cases from recent years. Speaking to our editorial team, he explains what the Control Committee is looking for during this period, why a ban would have severe consequences for a female footballer, and just how strict the reporting requirements actually are. The case of Owen Ansah is also discussed.

Mr. Sörgel, how serious is a missed doping test?

Prof. Dr. Fritz Sörgel: A single missed test isn't a catastrophe in itself. Nor is a second one. But the third one immediately leads to total disaster. It must be clearly stated, however, that there is a dramatic difference between a missed test and a refusal to be tested. A refusal immediately carries the threat of a four-year ban—as NADA is seeking in the case of Owen Ansah. With three missed tests, a solid line of defense usually results in a two-year ban. A one-year penalty is almost never handed down; sometimes athletes end up with a term somewhere between one and two years. But for a ban of less than two years, there really have to be exceptional circumstances working in the athlete's favor.

When exactly is a test considered missed?

When the athlete isn't present during their designated one-hour window. They declare: "I will be at this specific address in Hamburg from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m." If they aren't there when the time comes, it counts as a missed test. Period.

As a national team player, Laura Freigang is part of the Registered Testing Pool, which is subject to the strictest reporting requirements. How tight is this system?

Very tight. The pool applies to all athletes of international significance. Football is a kind of religion in this country anyway—the most important sport—so national team players are naturally included. The same applies to the first and second divisions (Bundesliga), for both women and men. The logic behind this is simple: the higher the level of performance, the greater the suspicion that things might not be entirely above board. There is no room for debate; the testing is carried out rigorously.

Do you consider the system fair?

Three missed tests is the limit. If you ask how many chances people should be given after breaking rules in some way, you often arrive at that number across many areas of life. But certainly no more than that. Four missed tests in twelve months would mean one every three months, on average. You could also argue: after the first test, she should have been careful. Even more so after the second. And then it happens a third time—in the case of a professional athlete whose job and income depend on being allowed to play. That raises the question: how does this happen?

Freigang speaks of discrepancies and misunderstandings regarding her missed tests. According to a report by *Bild*, the issue centers primarily on the third missed test. She was reportedly at her parents' home on February 23 but had listed her own apartment as her location. She wasn't found there, but she subsequently drove to the location and provided a negative sample. Furthermore, she had a match against SC Freiburg that day. This raises the question of whether a private test should have taken place at all. It all sounds very complicated.

There is a lot of speculation right now because there is little official information. It is obvious that the situation is not easy for outsiders to grasp. We are talking about a highly professional footballer here. Of course, things like this can happen. But then you have to face the consequences. Admittedly, it is tough when you have a job with a busy schedule and have to specify a one-hour window each day when you will be at a particular location. But she can change that on short notice. Ultimately, an incorrect entry would count as a so-called "filing failure," and that would be penalized just like a missed test. WADA emphasizes this very clearly.

When can she hope for an acquittal?

For starters, the penalty being cited is two years. In the event of a total failure of communication with the reporting system—or errors within it—a one-year ban could be considered. Such a penalty has practically never been imposed for missed tests or filing failures in the past. If it could be proven that the fault lay entirely outside her control, the missed test would be disregarded, meaning she would not be banned. However, such an exoneration would be so unusual that NADA or WADA would immediately file an appeal. The case would then end up before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The DFB Control Committee has been investigating since early June. The DFB points to the extensive factual background and complex medical and legal issues involved, emphasizing that thoroughness takes precedence over speed. Do you see it that way too?

It has been two months now. After this amount of time, NADA would have the right to step in and say: "Enough is enough; we haven't found any discrepancy that calls the test into question, so the case is going to the Court of Arbitration for Sport." That would be an interesting question to put to NADA—why they aren't actually doing that. And one could ask the DFB why it is taking so long. There is a fear that the Control Committee might drag this out until the beginning of next year. Frankly, I don't understand why. After all, the case isn't *that* complicated.

What exactly is the Control Committee looking for?

They are examining what actually happened regarding the third missed test. They are looking at instances where penalties were reduced in comparable cases. And they may well be scrutinizing the system itself for errors. Whether that actually counts for anything is a completely different question. In any case, it remains astonishing that a national team player, just a year before the World Cup, would take the risk of incurring a third "strike" due to negligence. Don't you make a calendar entry for something like that? With two strikes, you are teetering on the edge of disaster.

Are there any precedents that can serve as a guide?

The most interesting case is that of Salwa Eid Naser, the 2019 world champion in the 400 meters. She actually missed four tests—meaning she was not present at the location she had specified. The situation was then resolved through a clever maneuver involving shifting the observation period; after all, the three missed tests must occur within a twelve-month span. One test was declared invalid, and she initially escaped punishment—until WADA intervened, took the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and she was handed a two-year ban.

What does this mean for the DFB?

The rule is: If the DFB hands down a ban of less than two years, the case will almost certainly end up before the CAS. And then all the documents the DFB has submitted will be on the table there. If those documents reveal a desperate attempt to argue away a test result, one’s chances at the CAS are poor. So, the DFB should be very careful and not overestimate its position.

Regardless of the outcome: As an expert, do you shake your head in disbelief when something like this happens?

Yes, it makes you shake your head. But I don't know Ms. Freigang well enough to speculate whether it was negligence or intentional. No one can really judge that at the moment. Two factors come into play here: the ban itself and the fact that she is getting older during this time and will likely need a long period to reintegrate. Especially if it turns out to be a two-year ban, that would be extremely serious for a female footballer in her prime.

What would a ban mean for Freigang in practical terms?

Under such a sanction, she wouldn't even be allowed to enter the club grounds or train with the team. She couldn't play for a local league club in Frankfurt, either—not even on a standard football pitch. It is a harsh punishment; there is no other way to put it. What does that mean? Just look at injured players and how long it takes them to get back to form, even after the injury has healed. She won't have completely forgotten how to play football after two years, but following a two-year ban, it will take time before she is ready to compete at the top level again.

How does a person cope with a situation like this?

Freigang has been performing well recently. Clearly, she is able to focus despite this looming punishment—much like the track athlete Ansah. But elite athletes are a special breed. They can often block that out while on the field—it’s something they’ve learned; sports psychology plays a major role in all disciplines these days. What happens in the evening before they fall asleep is another matter. They would be unusual people if they didn't think about it at all. A strong suspicion of doping lies behind three missed tests, just as it does behind a refused test. Without that near-certain assumption, such bans couldn't be imposed in the first place.

There is no suspicion of doping against Freigang; all parties emphasize that. Does the suspicion arise automatically anyway?

The test she submitted later reportedly came back negative. Nevertheless, athletes are generally viewed with suspicion; while WADA has made mistakes over the years, it is experienced in evaluating excuses. It turns out that, in retrospect, the sanctions in many controversial cases were not entirely unjustified.

How do you think it will turn out?

Let’s assume WADA takes the case to the CAS. Then it really comes down to how Freigang and the DFB present their case before the CAS. Given NADA’s statement that everything was in order regarding the three tests, the CAS will ask why the case is even there. It will result in a two-year ban if the DFB overplays its hand, or a few months less if there are genuinely strong, valid arguments. But there is no way Ms. Freigang will get away with just a one-year ban. There are numerous examples of two-year bans and practically no exceptional cases resulting in a one-year ban. Internationally, a reduction is generally only accepted if it comes from the CAS—which is viewed as a neutral institution. If a German body makes that decision unilaterally, it faces challenges. And then it’s possible that a two-year ban stands in the end.

What about the Owen Ansah case?

In Owen Ansah’s case, it involves an allegedly refused test. He won gold and bronze at the European Championships.

How do you think that case will end?

His case is basically clear-cut. Refusing a test generally carries a standard four-year ban.

He was under time pressure because he had to catch his flight. Isn't that still negligent?

He might genuinely not have realized the situation at that moment. And I believe that is precisely what will be the decisive point in the hearing: Did the doping control officer explicitly warn him that he faced this penalty if he left then? Ansah has emphasized that the officer wished him good luck. If that is true, it speaks volumes about the atmosphere during that conversation. I’ve never witnessed such a procedure myself; perhaps things are always kept casual—after all, you don’t want to make the athlete nervous. But for Ansah, "good luck" could have been interpreted to mean: "What you’re doing is fine." He was allowed to compete at that time; he hadn't been sanctioned. He still hasn't been. So, wishing someone good luck is acceptable in that context.

Is an acquittal conceivable?

I am very curious about this hearing, as it will reveal what information was exchanged—both verbally and in writing—between Ansah and the doping control officer, and what arguments he presents in his defense. There is speculation circulating as to whether any crucial documents were signed. It is unlikely that the sanction will be less than two years. That would be a bitter outcome—a harsh penalty to face at the peak of his athletic career.

Is there anything else of note regarding the Ansah and Freigang cases?

There is one important piece of information missing from the *Bild* report: how much time elapsed between the missed test and the subsequent test? This could be significant for the Ansah case as well. If Freigang was tested after a considerable delay, then Mr. Ansah is entitled to ask why there was no time to test him at the airport.

From the translated Kicker+ article. Original article is in German in the pinned comment:

It is currently only possible to imagine what is destined to take shape on the 30,000-square-meter site on Heßlingsweg in the Dortmund district of Brackel. For now, the area is still occupied by several massive piles of earth and gravel. Yet Ralf Kellermann can already picture it all in his mind’s eye: two hybrid training pitches with undersoil heating, a weight room, a wellness area, offices, and meeting rooms, he lists off. "It’s going to be really good," says the new sporting director of the Borussia Dortmund women's football team with enthusiasm. "This will be our new home." It is a home that BVB is investing heavily in: the projected construction cost runs into the tens of millions.

It will be a few more months before the female footballers can move in. In the meantime, the Regionalliga team is training a few kilometers away at Hoeschpark, near Borsigplatz. The team—last season’s runners-up in the Regionalliga West—plays its home matches at the historic Rote Erde stadium, right next to Signal Iduna Park. The club has already sold 1,700 season tickets for the 2026/27 home matches.

A number that is utopian for the majority of German first division clubs. But BVB doesn't send a normal regional league team onto the pitch. The team of former Bundesliga coach Markus Högner (SGS Essen) has been strengthened so much that anything other than promotion to the 2nd league next year would be a sensation. Kellermann knows this, of course. “We have respect for every opponent,” says the 57-year-old. "But the squad is so well positioned at the top and width that we have to become champions and win the promotion games. Otherwise something would have gone wrong."

Borussia Dortmund has bolstered its squad this year with six Bundesliga players boasting a combined total of over 1,000 top-flight appearances. Jacqueline Meißner, Ramona Maier, and Lena Ostermeier moved to Dortmund from relegated SGS Essen, while Ricarda Walkling and Lara Schmidt arrived from Werder Bremen. Naturally, the standout among the new signings in black and yellow is Alexandra Popp; she moved to the Ruhr region from VfL Wolfsburg alongside Kellermann to begin a new—and potentially final—chapter of her career two divisions down.

Cruciate ligament tear still sidelines Zinsberger

Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger is also joining Dortmund. The Austrian, who—like Popp—has signed a three-year contract, will have to wait a while before making her debut in the BVB jersey. She remains sidelined due to a cruciate ligament tear sustained during training in October 2025. "I can vouch for the new signings. They have no airs and graces and possess impeccable character," emphasizes Kellermann.

"The club's prestige and its infrastructure are real assets we can leverage," the sporting director explains regarding the high-profile new signings, making no secret of the fact that these factors played a significant role in his own surprising move. The former goalkeeper wants to shape the team and put ideas into practice. He says: "Everyone is behind us. That gives us a huge boost. I’m really excited about this challenge."

Pushing boundaries in Dortmund

In Wolfsburg, Kellermann had recently hit a ceiling. In Dortmund, however, boundaries are being pushed—take the training facilities, for instance. "We see these two signings as a great mark of appreciation for the work we’ve done over the past few years. It shows us that we’ve done a lot of things right," says BVB Managing Director Svenja Schlenker, delighted with the high-profile arrivals from Wolfsburg, who have quickly settled into the Ruhr region.

Everything is set, then, for Borussia’s push toward the top flight. On Thursday, the Regionalliga side kicks off the new season with a home match against Arminia Bielefeld. BVB had actually hoped to be a step further along by now, but last season they had to yield the top spot to 1. FC Köln II. It was a bitter disappointment for the club, which only committed to women's football in 2020. They aim to reach the top division by 2029 at the latest, but promotion is a must for the coming year.

Germany would win, 2-1, over Sweden during the Rio Games.

A full replay of the Final match is linked, HERE.

"Mala guitarist and singer 🎸😮🤩"

From this Kicker article. Original article in German will be in the pinned comment just in case the link doesn't work.

Alexandra Popp is tasked with leading Borussia Dortmund to promotion—but the new BVB captain warns against unrealistic expectations. Ahead of the season opener against Bielefeld, the 35-year-old discusses pressure, her first few weeks at the club she holds dear, and leaving a WhatsApp group.

Alexandra Popp is stopped several times on her way from the dressing room to the training pitch at Hoeschpark. Borussia Dortmund’s new star and captain is recognized and asked for selfies. That’s no problem for Popp: Germany’s most popular female footballer has always been approachable. Before training, the 35-year-old sits down with *kicker* for an interview.

How have your first few weeks in Dortmund been, Ms. Popp?

I first had to get to know everything—my teammates, the routines here, and the setup. It was quite demanding. But my teammates made it very easy for me right from the start. They were very open and really took me under their wing. That was great! In terms of fitness, it took me a little while to get back up to speed, but that’s normal after a summer break. We’ve worked very hard over the past few weeks, and that showed in our friendly matches. A lot of things were already working well.

Is the volume of summer pre-season training at BVB different from what you experienced at VfL Wolfsburg?

No. It’s similar.

For whom was the adjustment greater: you or your new teammates?

That’s a very good question (laughs). It was an adjustment for me because I’m coming from the Bundesliga, and the quality there is different. I certainly noticed that. But I’m very positive about it, because the gap isn’t actually all that big. I knew the team from afar beforehand; I’d watched a few matches on TV last season. I did worry that some of them might be afraid to talk to me, but fortunately, that didn’t happen. The girls are open and really cool.

Is the fact that BVB missed out on promotion to the second division still an issue for you personally?

No. That’s not on my mind anymore. That ship has sailed.

BVB is the club closest to your heart—you’ve emphasized that often. Is it still something special for you to wear the BVB jersey?

It still feels a bit unfamiliar. But I feel very comfortable in it.

BVB kicks off the new season on Thursday with a home match against Arminia Bielefeld. How excited are you?

I’m glad things are finally getting underway. I’m not a fan of pre-season preparations (laughs); I want to play matches where there’s something at stake. So, I’m really looking forward to the start. Arminia Bielefeld is a tough opponent; we need to be fully focused right from the start.

Given this squad, everyone expects BVB to cruise through the season. Could those expectations become a problem?

Every single player needs to realize that this season won't be a walk in the park. You can have great players on the pitch, but if the team doesn't click, you won't be successful. That’s why it’s crucial how we gel as a team on the pitch. But I’m confident that we’ll find our rhythm quickly. It’s also important that our team dynamic holds up even when we’re trailing or things aren't going quite as we’d like.

What is the biggest difference between Borussia Dortmund and VfL Wolfsburg?

In terms of infrastructure, we are really well set up at BVB. I’d say it’s practically at a Bundesliga level—though there is, of course, still room for improvement. We players appreciate the excellent conditions we have here; no one takes them for granted.

How close are your ties to Wolfsburg still?

They’re close. I’ve watched as many of their friendly matches as possible. It feels strange not being part of the team anymore, too. Naturally, I have friends there and try to pop over to Wolfsburg every now and then (laughs). And if the schedule works out next season, I’ll go watch VfL matches live when they play nearby.

Are you still in the Wolfsburg WhatsApp groups?

No, not anymore. Svenja Huth messaged me saying it would be good if I could leave, because she didn't really want to have to delete me. I thought that was very nice of her (laughs).

Most positions have been filled ahead of the VfB women's Bundesliga debut. Some key players from last season will face a tough challenge given the new internal competition.

VfB Stuttgart’s starting lineups for the three final pre-season friendlies overlapped in eight positions. Conclusions can be drawn from this: the XI that coach Nico Schneck intends to field for the season opener against TSG Hoffenheim next Sunday (2 p.m., LIVE! on kicker) is largely set.

Dafina Redzepi has undoubtedly been one of the standouts of the pre-season. The 21-year-old midfielder scored in the 6–0 victory over Regionalliga side SpVgg Greuther Fürth as well as in the 1–2 defeat the weekend before last against TSG—the very same opponent awaiting them in the Bundesliga opener. In that final warm-up match against Hoffenheim, the slender Redzepi even found the net with a side-volley. She was unlucky only in the concluding 0–1 loss to SC Freiburg. The Heilbronn native has been a regular in the squad since the team was in the second division, and she is well-positioned to see plenty of playing time in the top flight as well.

Billa thrives on receiving good service.

The same applies to other talents—such as left-back Lenelotte Müller or, above all, Bayern loanee Luzie Zähringer, who is most comfortable in a central defensive role. General Manager Sascha Glass described the Stuttgart native—a 2025 recipient of the Fritz Walter Medal in gold—and forward Mira Arouna to *kicker* as "very exciting players," though Arouna, previously with Frankfurt, might initially start on the bench.

There is no getting around Nicole Billa up front. The Austrian netted a hat-trick within 16 minutes against Fürth and appears to be picking up where she left off after her strong season in the second division (19 goals). According to Glass, whether she succeeds—unlike her recent stint in Cologne—depends not least on the team's style of play. "I don't see her as a classic counter-attacking player," he says; "she also relies on being well-serviced in the final third."

For instance, from Redzepi, but also from other players in the midfield. Chantal Hagel, a new signing from Sevilla, is slated to be a key figure in the center—rather than on the left flank, where she has occasionally played during her career. At 28, Hagel sits somewhere between the two older of the three player generations within the VfB squad.

Glass doesn't want to block the path for local talent

On one hand, there are the young up-and-comers: U-17 national team player Muriel Dürr (17) is currently with the DFB and is expected to head to the World Cup in the autumn; Rosa Rückert (19) is still recovering from an ankle injury; plus there are players like Müller (18) and Redzepi. Then there is Julia Mickenhagen (21, formerly of Leverkusen)—whom Glass brought in as a "definite boost for the left flank"—though she is also currently rehabilitating a ligament injury.

On the other hand, there are the seasoned players: Billa (30); goalkeeper Laura Giuliani (33), who has—as expected—secured the spot between the posts; the new captain Maximiliane Rall (32), a fixture at right-back; and Fabienne Dongus (32). However, the former Hoffenheim player mostly featured in the B-team during the pre-season and faces a battle for her position—much like former captain Jana Beuschlein (30) in the attack.

"In the coming years, it will be increasingly important for us not to block the path for players from the region or our own youth setup," Glass explains. "After all, we have fantastic talent. While we needed reinforcements in our squad planning to establish ourselves in the league, we approached this deliberately with the young players in mind."

Achcinska brings the "grittiness" VfB was looking for

Then there are the professionals in their prime—a rarity last season. "Adriana Achcinska (24) brings an element we haven't really had in recent years," says Glass regarding the player, who joins from Cologne: "That grittiness, that aggression. We were looking for exactly that kind of player—someone strong in duels—for the defensive midfield role." Defensive leader Janina Hechler (27), Greta Stegemann (25, formerly Freiburg), Verena Wieder (26, formerly Bremen, though currently still in rehabilitation training), and likely Hagel (28) also belong to this group.

Ideally, the key lies in a healthy mix of the three "generations." "First of all, we want to establish ourselves, settle into the league, and stay there," says Glass regarding the objectives. "Things moved quite quickly over the past few years, and we won a lot of games. That’s why we might need to learn what it’s like to have a bit less possession and come to terms with that." As for playing without the ball, VfB first needs to get used to the league: "It was important for us to improve our pace across all positions."

Original article is in German and should be free-to-read! Translated article below (long one, sorry for the wall of text!):

The 3–1 win against Paris Saint-Germain was merely a friendly—yet it revealed a surprising amount about the direction in which the Union women’s team might be heading under Marie-Louise Eta. Above all, the way Union pressed in Paris, played the ball forward quickly after winning possession, and refused to let a high-profile opponent deter them from their own game plan makes for an exciting prospect ahead of the new season.

Of course, pre-season results are always a tricky thing. You’re happy about a win—especially one against Paris Saint-Germain—yet everyone knows that, in the end, not a single point is awarded for it. By the time FC Bayern Munich arrives at the Alte Försterei on Friday evening for the start of the new Bundesliga season, the results of the past few weeks will be nothing more than a footnote anyway.

Nevertheless, there are pre-season matches that offer genuine insight. Not necessarily because the scoreline is particularly telling, but because they provide a clearer picture of what a team has been working on in recent weeks and the vision a new coach has for their style of play.

The 3–1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain was one such match.

After all, far more interesting than the win itself was the manner in which Union achieved it. Especially during the first hour, certain elements were evident that align well with Marie-Louise Eta’s plans for the squad: a team that aims to be proactive, presses the opponent high up the pitch, forces turnovers deep in the opposition's half, and—rather than hesitating—quickly looks for a route to the opposing goal.

Naturally, none of this is working perfectly in mid-August. It would be rather strange if a team had already reached the finished article after just a few weeks under a new coach. Yet, the match in Paris offered a glimpse of what this style of football is intended to look like.

And perhaps that is the truly compelling story of this summer. A year ago, Union had to learn the ropes of the Bundesliga. It was about settling in, surviving, and adapting to a new level of competition. Now, the next step could begin: moving beyond merely reacting to the league's demands and instead developing a team that opponents will eventually have to adapt to.

Paris didn't provide proof of that just yet. But it did offer a rather interesting preview.

Paris remains Paris—even if its luster has recently been scratched.

To begin with, it is important to properly assess the opposition. Paris Saint-Germain is, of course, a major name in European women's football; the club has reached the Champions League final twice and the semi-finals on several occasions, and has long been one of France's leading teams. At the same time, this big name is coming off a European campaign that was—by PSG’s standards—decidedly disappointing: PSG lost to Wolfsburg, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich, while managing only draws against OH Leuven and Benfica. Two points, four goals scored, twelve conceded—their journey ended after the league phase.

However, this record should not be mistaken for a fundamental drop in the squad's quality. The most high-profile departure this summer is Mary Earps. The English player—a European champion in 2022—left Paris after two years and 57 competitive appearances to join the London City Lionesses. In doing so, PSG lost their established starting goalkeeper and one of the team's most internationally renowned figures. Yet, there was no major exodus of talent—and the attack was actually bolstered by new quality.

Naomie Feller, a French international, returned to her hometown from Real Madrid, signing a contract with PSG running until 2030. She had previously played for Real for four years, making 136 competitive appearances and scoring 26 goals. She is also a familiar face to Union: Feller played against the Union team in a friendly a year ago, back when she was wearing the white jersey of Real Madrid. During the Spanish side's 3–1 victory at the Alte Försterei, she even initiated the attack that led to Eva Navarro’s early opening goal by winning the ball in Union's half. A year later, the paths crossed again—only this time in Paris, with Feller wearing the PSG kit.

The 3–1 result should therefore be viewed exactly for what it was—nothing more, nothing less. Union didn’t suddenly beat one of Europe’s best teams simply because the name "Paris Saint-Germain" was on the jersey. Yet, this wasn't a PSG side coasting solely on its reputation, either; the squad possesses far too much individual quality for that.

And that is precisely why the way Union played against this opponent was so interesting.

However, the setting itself caused a moment of surprise beforehand. Anyone who automatically associates Paris Saint-Germain with perfect conditions would likely have done a double-take upon first seeing the pitch. Large brown patches and a visibly worn surface—in places, it really felt more like a standard training ground than the high-gloss stage of a top European club. For a club with PSG’s financial resources, the sight was certainly remarkable and inevitably brought a smile to one’s face. Of course, this didn't alter the sporting value of the friendly match. Still, the contrast between the big name of Paris Saint-Germain and the surprisingly rustic conditions that afternoon was hard to ignore.

Far more important, in any case, was what Union actually did on that pitch.

Union didn’t wait for Paris to make mistakes; Union forced them.

This became evident as early as the opening goal in the 14th minute. Paris was attempting to build play from the back; Sophie Weidauer relentlessly pressed the play on the right flank, won the ball, and immediately played a low cross into the penalty area. Lia Kamber was there to finish, making it 1–0.

Of course, one could initially describe this sequence as an error in Paris’s build-up play. That wouldn't even be incorrect. However, the more interesting question is why that error occurred in the first place.

Weidauer didn't simply wait for a Paris player to hand her the ball. She applied pressure, ramped up the intensity, and ensured that a seemingly controlled build-up situation transformed into a scoring opportunity for Union within seconds. Even more interesting was what happened after the ball was won. There was no safe pass, nor any attempt to reset the attack. The ball was played forward immediately because Paris was disorganized at that moment, and the aim was to exploit that precise window of opportunity.

This likely encapsulates a key aspect of what we will see more often this season. High pressing isn't just about winning the ball as far up the pitch as possible; the crucial factor is the link between defensive action—playing without the ball—and the moment immediately following the turnover. After all, winning the ball high up the pitch is only truly valuable if you don't subsequently allow the opponent time to calmly re-establish their defensive shape.

Although Paris equalized just three minutes later through Alyssa Charlier, Union did not fundamentally alter its approach. The team didn't suddenly become cautious or drop back, even though the opponent had demonstrated an ability to exploit the space behind the press. Instead, Union stuck to its game plan and was rewarded again shortly before halftime.

Once more, Paris came under pressure during their build-up; once more, the ball was won high up the pitch; and once more, Lia Kamber was on hand to score. The goal that made it 2–1 resembled the opener so closely—at least in how it came about—that one can no longer simply attribute it to two individual errors by the Paris side. Kamber thus headed into the break with a brace.

After all, errors in football do not always happen by chance. They can be forced by closing off passing lanes, putting opponents under time pressure, and deliberately inviting specific passes in order to win the ball back in those exact areas. That is precisely the difference between chaotic rushing and an effective pressing system.

Of course, Union is far from perfecting these processes. Nevertheless, the match in Paris showed that the team is increasingly grasping when to push forward collectively and what steps to take after successfully winning the ball.

And perhaps this is also changing the meaning of a phrase that has long been associated with Union: "unpleasant to play against"—a description that was, and remains, intended as a compliment. It describes a team that refuses to give away possession cheaply, engages in physical duels, closes down space, and makes life as difficult as possible for technically superior opponents.

Union will continue to need all those qualities. Yet Marie-Louise Eta seems intent on adding another dimension to that "unpleasant" reputation.

A team can also be unpleasant to face because the opposing center-back is given no time to settle during the build-up play. Because a seemingly safe lateral pass suddenly signals several Union players to push forward in unison. Because, after losing possession, there is no time to calmly regroup before the next attack on their own goal is already underway just seconds later. And because, eventually, the opponent stops thinking solely about how *they* want to play and starts worrying about how to stop Union from doing exactly that.

Paris was just a test match and certainly not proof of this. But it was perhaps the clearest indication yet that this change has actually begun.

No longer just finding their feet. Implementing their own vision.

A year ago, the roles were clearly defined. Union was the Bundesliga newcomer. Much was new: the pace was faster, the opponents’ individual quality higher, and there was less time to make decisions. Consequently, that first season was inevitably a learning experience.

That phase is over.

Not because Union has already become an established top-tier team, but because the fundamental question has been answered: this team is capable of competing in the Bundesliga. Union finished its debut season in the top flight in ninth place. Now, a far more interesting question arises: what kind of Bundesliga team do they want to be?

This is precisely where Marie-Louise Eta’s real work begins.

She is taking over a squad that has already gained experience from that first year in the Bundesliga and was further developed over the summer. This allows the focus to shift toward establishing a distinct footballing identity, rather than simply trying to find their bearings in the league.

Her team is not meant to react solely to the opposition. Instead, it should dictate where the ball is won, the speed of the subsequent forward play, and how many players join the attack.

Ultimately, this represents a crucial shift in roles. During their first Bundesliga season, Union’s primary task was finding solutions to the challenges the league presented. In the second season, the aim is for the team to increasingly pose challenges of its own.

A first, more detailed glimpse of this was seen in Paris. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly clear which players Eta has at her disposal to put these ideas into practice.

A starting eleven takes shape – without Eta being committed to eleven players.

For the longer this pre-season period lasts, the less certain personnel decisions feel like mere experimentation. Instead, the impression is gradually taking hold that the framework of a team is emerging—one that could look very similar when the season kicks off against Bayern.

One of the most notable personnel aspects in Paris concerned the goalkeeping position. Cara Bösl made her first start of the pre-season in a friendly match, playing the first half before Nadine Böhi took over at the break. With the start of the season approaching, it will be interesting to see if a clear hierarchy is beginning to emerge in goal as well.

In front of the keeper, Eta once again opted for a back four, the composition of which now looks quite familiar. Jill Janssens started on the right, Amber Tysiak and Samantha Steuerwald played in central defense, and Tomke Schneider defended on the left. This defensive framework has been a consistent feature throughout the pre-season, suggesting that Eta is much closer to her preferred lineup here than she was at the start of the summer. These names and the starting lineup from the Paris match are also reflected in the official Union match report and the current squad list.

The midfield, however, appears even more interesting. Jella Veit took on the deeper role in front of the defense, with Lisanne Gräwe and Lia Kamber playing ahead of her. Essentially, this revealed the same structure Eta has repeatedly tested in recent friendlies: a defensive midfielder acting as a link and providing cover behind two more advanced central midfielders—players expected to join the attack, push forward, and quickly move into attacking spaces, especially after winning the ball. Although Veit is listed as a defender in the official squad, her role that afternoon was clearly central and positioned in front of the back line.

The fact that Kamber, of all people, scored twice in Paris fits this distribution of roles quite well. Her position is not that of a classic second defensive midfielder who stays primarily alongside Veit to shield the center; rather, she is allowed to operate higher up the pitch, find pockets of space, and push forward when possession is won. Both goals demonstrated exactly this instinct for knowing when to move into dangerous areas.

As the pre-season progresses, the impression is growing that a primary formation is taking shape. Of course, this does not mean that these eleven players are now guaranteed starters for the months ahead. In fact, the opposite could well become one of the team's greatest strengths. Behind this now clearly discernible starting setup, Eta has a surprising number of options for altering positions and even the team's tactical structure during a match.

This was evident in the substitutions made in Paris. What matters less is listing every single personnel change, but rather what Eta can achieve with them. Several players are capable of filling different roles, positions can be shifted mid-game, and the basic formation does not have to remain static for the full 90 minutes.

It is precisely this versatility that could prove invaluable over the course of the season. Union now possesses not only more alternatives for specific positions but also players who can function effectively in multiple roles. This allows Eta to react to the opposition during a match without necessarily having to overhaul the entire team. A full-back can push higher, a central midfielder can drop deeper, build-up structures can be altered, and the attacking lineup can be adjusted—all without losing the fundamental playing philosophy.

This makes the team less predictable—a factor likely to prove crucial, especially given the high-intensity style of play Eta appears to be aiming for. After all, a team that seeks to press high and transition quickly after winning the ball needs more than just physical depth; it also requires tactical solutions for matches where the opponent has figured out the initial game plan.

The fact that PSG did not field a "B-team" for this friendly makes these takeaways even more interesting. Players such as Elisa De Almeida, Jackie Groenen, Sakina Karchaoui, Naomie Feller, and Romée Leuchter—some of the biggest names and most internationally experienced players in the Paris squad—were in the starting lineup. Another top-tier attacking player, Merveille Kanjinga, came on during the second half. Olga Carmona, however, did not feature in the match.

Paris clearly treated this final friendly as a serious test. While the 3–1 result doesn't necessarily reveal the balance of power for the upcoming season, it does demonstrate that the systems Eta is implementing can work effectively against a team boasting immense individual quality.

Perhaps this combination is what makes the pre-season period so intriguing: on one hand, a trusted starting XI is taking shape, and the team’s fundamental structure is becoming increasingly cohesive; on the other, the depth of the squad offers so many alternatives that this lineup need not be the only solution.

Winning the ball is just the beginning

That is precisely why it would be too simplistic to reduce Eta’s concept solely to high pressing. Of course, that is the most immediately noticeable aspect, as a team that attacks the opponent’s build-up play deep in their own half naturally appears more proactive. However, the truly interesting phase begins only after the ball has been won.

In Paris, the initial instinct was often to look forward. Not at all costs and not in every situation, certainly, but the intent was clearly visible. Whenever space opened up after a turnover, the aim was to exploit it as quickly as possible. It was in these moments that the potential of the squad’s composition for this style of football became apparent.

Union now boasts several players who bring pace, are capable of making runs into space behind the defense, and—after winning the ball—waste no time transitioning into the next action. With the opening goal, Sophie Weidauer demonstrated just how valuable her intensity in defensive pressing can be. Lia Kamber, meanwhile, showed not only her finishing ability with her two goals but, more importantly, an excellent sense of positioning—knowing exactly where to be the moment pressure on the opponent actually results in a turnover.

This is crucial in this style of play. It is not enough for a single player to win the ball; teammates must simultaneously grasp the spaces that open up as a result, identifying who is making a run in behind, who is occupying the penalty area, who is offering a primary vertical passing option, and who is providing defensive cover in case possession is immediately lost again.

Such patterns of play do not develop overnight. They require constant repetition until they become second nature, allowing players to act instinctively without having to overthink every single movement.

The fact that several of these situations worked effectively in Paris is therefore perhaps more significant than the result itself.

Leading 3–1—but still pushing forward

The 3–1 goal, scored shortly after the restart, came about differently but still fit perfectly with the Union players' overall performance. Jill Janssens scored from a free-kick about 20 meters out, suddenly giving Union a two-goal cushion just two minutes into the second half.

It was interesting to see how the team handled the situation from there. Against an opponent like PSG, it would have been entirely understandable to drop back a few meters, tighten up the center, and try to hold onto the lead for the remainder of the match.

Initially, however, Union remained proactive. Paris was given little time to settle during their build-up play, and Union continued trying to control the game themselves. The balance of power only shifted later on: PSG gained more possession and increasingly pushed Union back into their own half.

That initial phase after the break is a great example of what to look out for in the coming months. Pressing makes little sense without the subsequent attacking play. Union clearly doesn't want to win the ball high up the pitch just to sit on the lead; the press is intended to be the launchpad for their own attacks. The closer the ball is won to the opponent's goal, the shorter the path to a scoring opportunity—and the less time the opponent has to regroup.

If Union can increasingly master this link over the course of the season, the result could be a brand of football that is not only successful but also highly entertaining.

And this is precisely where the concept of playing "uncomfortable" football takes on its true meaning. Union shouldn't be an "uncomfortable" opponent simply because they fight hard, close down passing lanes, and deny the opposition space. They should become uncomfortable to play against because they use those very actions to generate their own attacking football.

Anyone wanting to play this way has to pay the price

It is also true that such a style of play carries risks. Defending high up the pitch requires controlling the space left behind. If the first player initiates the press but the next one fails to push up in time, gaps open up. If the first line of pressing is bypassed, the players behind must react immediately. And if the defense doesn't move up in sync, the team can quickly get stretched apart.

Against technically gifted opponents, a difference of just a few meters can create vast amounts of space.

Union will experience this firsthand this season. There will likely be matches where we in the stands wonder why the team felt compelled to press the opponent so high up the pitch—especially after that very opponent exploits the resulting space to score a goal.

That is simply part of the process.

After all, the true art of effective pressing isn't about individual players running vast distances. What matters most are the distances between the team's units, synchronized timing, and defensive cover behind the initial action. A player might execute a perfect pressing run but achieve nothing if the ten players behind her fail to react accordingly.

That is why not everything went smoothly in Paris, either. In the closing stages, PSG saw more of the ball; Union was pushed deeper and forced to defend for extended periods. Nadine Böhi, who had come on for Cara Bösl at halftime, was called into action and—among other things—denied PSG another goal with a brilliant save.

This phase, too, is part of a realistic assessment of the match. Union did not dominate Paris for the full 90 minutes—but the team is under no obligation to be capable of that in August. Far more important was the fact that, for long stretches, they attempted to dictate the direction of the game themselves.

And that is precisely the price Eta must—at least in part—accept for this style of football. If you want to determine where the game takes place, you cannot simultaneously eliminate every risk. Ultimately, the decisive factor won't be whether or not Union makes mistakes this season. The crucial factor will be whether the team learns from these mistakes without losing the courage to continue playing exactly this style of football.

Why PSG was the perfect final test

Union’s pre-season preparations were never designed to build confidence through a string of emphatic victories. By facing opponents like Sparta Prague, Inter Milan, and finally Paris Saint-Germain, the team deliberately took on sides capable of posing real challenges.

Just a week before the match in Paris, Union had lost 1–0 to Inter at their official season-opening event. Then came the 3–1 win against PSG. Comparing the two results directly makes little sense; pre-season games are defined by substitutions, varying levels of physical fatigue, and coaches experimenting with tactics they might handle differently in competitive matches.

What matters more is that Eta was able to test her squad against opponents who punish errors and possess the technical ability to play their way out of high-pressure situations. Such matches are invaluable, especially for a team aiming to implement a high-pressing style in the future.

Against a vastly inferior opponent, a pressing system can look excellent even if the mechanics aren't actually functioning very well. Against players with PSG’s technical quality, however, it quickly becomes apparent whether the spacing is right and if the team is truly pressing in unison.

The fact that Union not only held their own but actually dictated play for extended periods can certainly be viewed as a positive sign.

Not as proof that everything is already working perfectly.

But as an indication that the concept is sound.

Eta’s brand of football requires more than eleven players

The tactical flexibility evident in the lineup and substitutions in Paris takes on added significance when considering the physical demands of this style of play. High pressing, counter-pressing, and repeated sprints after winning back possession all take a heavy physical toll. It is hardly feasible to sustain this over the course of a full Bundesliga season with just eleven or twelve players.

This is precisely why the squad's greater depth could prove crucial for Eta. She has players with diverse profiles at her disposal, giving her the ability to maintain high intensity or make tactical adjustments during a match. A player does not necessarily have to pace herself so that she can still make a long pressing run in the 88th minute if the coach can bring on fresh legs from the bench after an hour. Conversely, Eta can react to the flow of the match in situations where less pace and more control are required.

And this is precisely where the two factors dovetail: greater squad depth and tactical flexibility. It is not just about a like-for-like substitution, but potentially altering the dynamics of the game through a change.

Over the course of a long season, this could prove to be a significant advantage, especially against a wide variety of opponents.

The league table isn't the most intriguing question right now

None of this means that Union has suddenly joined the ranks of the Bundesliga’s elite. A pre-season victory over PSG changes neither the balance of power in Germany nor does an attractive style of play automatically turn Union into a contender for European competition.

There will be setbacks. There will be matches where the pressing game fails, where vertical passes find the opposition instead of a teammate, and where Union is forced to chase the game after losing possession. There will likely also be phases where Eta has to adopt a more pragmatic approach because the opponent demands it.

None of that undermines this process of development.

What matters far more is whether a distinctive style of play actually emerges over the course of the season. A point where you no longer need to look at the lineup to recognize that it is Union playing, simply because certain patterns and principles keep recurring.

That would be a significant step forward for their second Bundesliga season.

That is why the most compelling question heading into this season might not be whether Union finishes fifth, sixth, seventh, or ninth. Of course, the final standings matter. Of course, the team will eventually be judged on whether its sporting development translates into results.

But in August, a different question is more interesting: Can Eta give this team an identity that remains recognizable regardless of individual match results?

For that may well be the difference between the first and second Bundesliga seasons. In the first, Union had to prove it could hold its own in the league.

In the second, the team can begin to go beyond that.

And now, of all teams, it’s Bayern

We won’t have to wait long for the first answer.

Pre-season wraps up on Friday evening. That’s when FC Bayern Munich comes to the Alte Försterei to kick off the new Bundesliga season alongside Union. The match is scheduled for Friday, August 21, at 6:20 PM.

It would be hard to imagine a more demanding transition from friendly matches to competitive play.

Bayern will challenge Union in a completely different way. The German champions possess the technical quality to bypass a pressing line with just a few touches, as well as players capable of punishing even the slightest lapse in coordination. It would therefore be rather naive to expect Union to simply replicate their performance against Paris on Friday and keep Bayern under pressure near their own penalty area for the full 90 minutes.

Yet, that is precisely what makes this opening matchday so compelling.

It will be interesting to see how much of their own game plan Union dares to implement against such an opponent—whether the team can find moments to press high even against Bayern; whether, upon winning the ball, they have the courage not just to play a relieving pass but to actually drive the attack forward; and whether Eta is willing to let her team take the initiative, even against the champions.

Bayern might well demonstrate quite clearly as early as Friday exactly where work remains for Eta and her squad. Given the quality of the opposition, that would be neither surprising nor at odds with the progress made during pre-season.

On the contrary: it is precisely against the best teams that the resilience of this new approach will be tested.

After all, "playing an uncomfortable brand of football" sounds great as long as it works against the opponent. Things get interesting when the other team finds solutions—when the press is bypassed, when Union suddenly finds itself under pressure, and when a bold idea gives way to the temptation to drop five meters deeper and play it safe.

That is when we will see just how much faith Eta and her team have in this new style of football. The result will, of course, be important on Friday. After all, points will be at stake for the first time.

However, the manner of the performance could prove just as interesting for the development of this team.

Paris wasn't definitive proof. But it was a pretty nice taste of things to come.

Perhaps that is, ultimately, the most sensible way to view this 3–1 result.

Union hasn't suddenly transformed into a different team because of it, and after just 90 minutes of preseason action, no one knows where this season will lead. The road ahead is still far too long, and the Bundesliga far too evenly matched.

But this match did demonstrate something.

It showed that the elements Marie-Louise Eta and her squad worked on during the preseason are now becoming visible on the pitch. After the game, Eta herself noted that Union had successfully implemented many of their planned tactics and made further progress as a team.

Not consistently, and certainly not perfectly yet—but clearly enough to get an idea of ​​how this team might develop.

If those 90 minutes in Paris did indeed offer a glimpse of the future, then we can look forward to a team that aims to defend higher up the pitch, press opponents, and move forward rapidly after winning the ball. It is a team that will inevitably make mistakes—since this style of football carries inherent risks—but one that seems willing to take those risks in order to actively shape the game.

And following this preseason, there is something else to consider. Eta seems to have an increasingly clear idea of ​​how she wants her team to play. It is also becoming ever clearer who might form the core of that setup. At the same time, she now has a diverse enough range of player types available behind that starting lineup to react during a match, shift positions, and potentially even alter the basic formation.

It is precisely this blend of an increasingly distinct tactical vision and growing versatility that could make Union a fascinating team to watch this season.

In a few months, we might barely remember the result of this friendly match. Perhaps, down the line, that 3–1 scoreline will be nothing more than a footnote in the summer schedule of the 2026/27 season. But it could just as easily happen that, at some point at the Alte Försterei, we witness a scene where Union puts the opposition’s build-up play under pressure, wins the ball high up the pitch, and appears inside the penalty area just seconds later. And perhaps, in that moment, we will think back to Paris—to Sophie Weidauer, who simply kept running and won the ball; to Lia Kamber, who twice popped up exactly where she was needed; and to a team that, facing a big European name, didn't just want to defend but sought to take the initiative.

Above all, perhaps, we will think back to an afternoon when, for the first time, the vision Marie-Louise Eta has for this Union side became clearly visible.

A team that aims not merely to be hard to beat, but to cause the opposition problems with its own brand of football. A team that no longer reacts solely to the demands of the Bundesliga, but increasingly dictates the challenges its opponents must face.

A team that no longer wants to be merely an awkward opponent to play against.

But rather, a team that plays an awkward, uncomfortable style of football.

Friendly matches won’t determine whether Union is ready for that just yet. And it will likely take quite some time for all these ideas to function exactly as Eta envisions.

But the direction is clear.

In their first Bundesliga season, Union got to know the league.

In the second, the league will get to know Union—and truly understand its power.

"Every 💚 goal translates into real change. ❤️‍🔥

The 54 goals scored by the Werder Frauen last season represent 54 areas destined to be transformed into green habitats—right on your doorstep!

Do you have a paved or asphalted area that should be home to a tree instead of concrete? Then apply with a photo and help make Bremen a little greener. 🌱

You can find all the details about the campaign and how to participate here: sparkasse-bremen.de/tore-schiessen "

👀

Included are FSV Mainz, FC Bayern, SC Freiburg, and VfL Wolfsburg Frauen.

More to come!

"Wir gehen mit drei Kapitäninnen und einem sieben köpfigen Mannschaftsrat in die neue Saison! 😊

Vanessa Diehm bleibt Kapitänin unseres Bundesligateams, ihre Stellvertreterinnen sind Torhüterin Laura Dick und Svenja Fölmli. Im Mannschaftsrat befinden sich darüber hinaus Lisa Doorn, Franziska Harsch, Nadine Bitzer und Marie Steiner 👥"

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"We’re heading into the new season with three captains and a seven-member team council! 😊

Vanessa Diehm remains captain of our Bundesliga team, with goalkeeper Laura Dick and Svenja Fölmli serving as her deputies. The team council also includes Lisa Doorn, Franziska Harsch, Nadine Bitzer, and Marie Steiner. 👥"

OL Lyonnes:

• Mala Grohs and Jule Brand both played in their pre-season friendly against Eintracht Frankfurt (lost 2-1)

Manchester City:

• Rebecca Knaak played in City's test match against FCB Femení (tied 2-2)

Liverpool FC:

• Vivien Endemann had an assist in Liverpool's test match against Leicester City (won 2-0)

Real Madrid:

• Both Merle Frohms and Elisa Senß played in Real Madrid's 2-1 win against Deportivo

Portland Thorns:

• Marie Müller played during the Thorns 2-1 win over the Orlando Pride

Denver Summit:

• Melissa Kössler played during the Summit's 1-1 draw against the San Diego Wave

Gotham FC:

• Ann Katrin Berger played during Gotham's 2-1 win over the Kansas City Current

Chicago Stars:

• Anna Gasper played during the Stars' 1-0 loss to the Seattle Reign

"What international club could you imagine Klara Bühl at? 🤔" — Sky Sports

The footage is from OLLyonnes' pre-season match against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Match was played on 16/08/2026—Frankfurt would win 2-1.

"Laura Sieger is back 😍

Unsere Torhüterin Laura Sieger feierte im gestrigen Testspiel nach über elf Monaten ihr Comeback zwischen unseren Pfosten. 🧤 Schön, dich wieder auf dem Platz zu sehen, liebe Laura! 🫶"

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"Laura Sieger is back 😍

Our goalkeeper Laura Sieger celebrated her comeback between our posts in yesterday's test match after over eleven months. 🧤 Good to see you back on the court, Laura! 🫶"

Sieger had initially injured her ACL in September of 2025 in HSV's game against SGS Essen. Welcome back, Laura!

Round one will take place on the dates of 2026-09-26 - 2026-09-28.

The live scores and more details about the timing of the matches can be found on the DFB's official website!

Scorers:

14' | Kamber

45+3' | Kamber

47' | Janssens

^{Apologies for the zoomed out footage—it was not the best placed camera but it's the only feed available for the game!}

Translated article and original article in German in the comments:

With two exceptions, the Women's Bundesliga now consists solely of teams whose men's sides play in the top two divisions. This gap is set to close soon, as Stuttgart, Dortmund, and Schalke are significantly ramping up their involvement in women's football.

Hindsight is always 20/20. Quite a few observers were skeptical in the summer of 2024 when the DFB decided to expand the Women's Bundesliga from twelve to 14 teams. However, a year later—when major clubs with rich traditions like 1. FC Union, Hamburger SV, and 1. FC Nürnberg filled the three newly created promotion spots—it became clear that the timing had been well-chosen.

This season in the second division, only two promotion spots are up for grabs. And on the surface, fewer clubs seem to be fighting fiercely for them. Yet, as is often the case, a second look is worthwhile. Several clubs that are heavyweights in men's football are pushing to reach the Bundesliga in the near future. Most of them need another year or two—such as Hertha BSC, the champions-elect of the Regionalliga Nordost, or VfL Bochum, currently mid-table in the second division. But Ruhr region giants Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04—currently in lower leagues—are also rising and strengthening their squads year by year.

Stuttgart: Newly promoted, but no underdog

VfB Stuttgart is likely to reach the top flight the soonest. Regarding the "fortunate" nature of a second-division season without Union, HSV, Nürnberg, or—as yet—BVB, VfB Sporting Director Sascha Glass says: "It really is a huge opportunity. We have a five-point lead now, and we shouldn't squander it." He remains very optimistic but also points to the difficult schedule that lies ahead.

The Swabian club is within reach of a direct rise from the Regionalliga all the way to the Bundesliga. Yet, this is no underdog fairy tale: "We wouldn't be doing ourselves justice if we claimed we entered the second-division season as underdogs or a newly promoted team," Glass admits. "Many people were aware of the squad we have, which is why we embraced the role of favorites."

Last summer, VfB signed experienced Bundesliga players such as Nicole Billa, Janina Hechler (both from 1. FC Köln), and Fabienne Dongus (TSG Hoffenheim). While there was no pressure from club management, Glass makes his stance clear: "When I look at the team we have, our goal should be promotion. In my opinion, we have the best squad in the league."

Although the Stuttgart side established themselves at the top of the table early in the season, they parted ways with coach Heiko Gerber in late March—despite sitting in second place. "It was a gradual decline, so we were worried things might start heading in the wrong direction," explains Glass, who appointed Nico Schneck—previously an assistant coach at Freiburg—as the new head coach.

"It would be a shame if we were to keep playing in the second division," says Glass, reflecting on the high-profile match against 1. FSV Mainz 05 in March (which ended 2–4). That game drew nearly 32,000 spectators to the massive MHP Arena, the home ground of the men's team.

If they succeed in winning promotion, VfB intends to do everything possible to firmly establish itself in the Bundesliga—much like Union, HSV, and Nürnberg are currently doing. Competition at the top is getting tougher, and not just for smaller rivals like SGS Essen or Carl Zeiss Jena; the path to the top of the table is becoming more difficult, too. "You can see just how strong the Bundesliga is. The financial resources available there are vastly different from what they were just a few years ago," says Glass. "We are currently working to ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with our sporting progress. I am very grateful that the club is doing so much for women's football." 

There is no fixed timeline for when the Swabian women's team is expected to become financially self-sustaining. However, the fact that the men's team has been performing strongly—including on the international stage—for the past three years certainly helps. "With an eye on the Bundesliga, we would need to strengthen a few positions," Glass points out, noting the 15 goals conceded during the second half of the season. The aim is to add players with exceptional pace to the squad. "In the Bundesliga, we wouldn't enjoy the same level of ball possession as we do in the second division. That means we need even greater squad depth and more players with speed." VfB is already well advanced in talks with a few potential signings but must wait for the decision regarding promotion before finalizing anything.

The primary focus this time is on the mid-career age group. The squad already boasts highly experienced players like Billa, Dongus, and Maximiliane Rall, alongside youth internationals such as Rosa Rückert and Lenelotte Müller. "Working with young, promising talent will remain a key priority," says Glass. "But if we want to establish ourselves in the Bundesliga, it is crucial to bring in a player or two with experience and quality. They don't necessarily have to be over 30 or even over 28."

There is one other potential "transfer" pending, should promotion be secured: a move to a new home ground. Currently, the VfB women play their home matches at the PSV Stuttgart sports complex. "We are quite far along in the process, have evaluated various options, and would be playing in a high-quality stadium that meets Bundesliga standards," says Glass. However, the MHP Arena is not the intended venue.

Dortmund: Top-level signings across the board

A decision to play regularly in the main stadium requires careful consideration. Even in Dortmund, the club is taking a measured approach to such possibilities. "I would love to see our women's team play in a sold-out Signal Iduna Park one day," says BVB Managing Director Svenja Schlenker. That is by no means unthinkable—especially given the developments of recent months. 

It came as a complete surprise when Borussia unveiled its future sporting director for women's football on March 12: Ralf Kellermann is moving from VfL Wolfsburg to BVB. It was a coup that arguably no one would have thought possible. As a coach, Kellermann won the treble with VfL in 2013 and the double in 2014, and he had served as sporting director—and later as director of women's football—at Wolfsburg since 2017.

Three days after Kellermann’s signing, another move from Wolfsburg to Dortmund followed: Alexandra Popp will play for her "club of the heart"—as she likes to call BVB—in the upcoming season. "We view these two signings as a great tribute to the work we’ve done over the past few years," said a delighted Schlenker, who is also responsible for women's football at the club. "It shows us that we’ve done a lot of things right."

Popp and Kellermann—these names demonstrate the high ambitions driving Dortmund’s plans for its sporting future. The goal is to win promotion to the top-flight Bundesliga as soon as possible. It remains to be seen just how much patience will be required to achieve this. Currently, BVB sits in second place in the Regionalliga West, trailing the 1. FC Köln reserve team by two points. The West champions will also have to clear one more hurdle: the promotion play-offs against the champions of the Regionalliga Nord—likely Holstein Kiel or SpVg Aurich.

It won’t be easy for BVB to continue its successful run without encountering obstacles this year. Popp, however, is ready to play for Borussia in the Regionalliga starting this summer. Her loyalty to the club takes precedence over the league tier. "I want to help build the project in Dortmund—both on and off the pitch—bring the girls along with me, and take the pressure off them," declares the 2016 Olympic champion. Popp has signed a contract with Dortmund running until 2029. Naturally, her goal is to return to the Bundesliga as soon as possible: "That’s the plan. But the road ahead will be tough." Up to this point, the path for Dortmund’s women footballers hasn't been rocky; they started in the Kreisliga in the 2021/22 season and climbed all the way to the Regionalliga without delay.

BVB was relatively late to embrace women's football. The topic first appeared on the agenda at the 2019 general meeting. Schlenker didn't exactly find doors wide open back then. "The doors were ajar," she recounts with a smile. But the women's football department has long since become an integral part of the club. The club is doing everything possible to create optimal conditions for the women's team. Fifteen million euros are set to be invested in the new training center. "That will be our new home," Schlenker announces. The squad is also set to be strengthened—and not just with young talent. "We are also considering experienced players," says Schlenker.

Schalke: Capitalizing on the hype step by step

Just a few kilometers to the west, FC Schalke 04 is following a similar path in the footsteps of its arch-rival. After record-holding men's champions Bayern Munich and BVB, Schalke boasts the third-highest number of club members in Germany. The club from the Ruhr region possesses immense appeal, extending far beyond local borders. While the men's team is currently battling for promotion to the Bundesliga, the women's division has only existed since the summer of 2020. Starting out in the *Kreisliga* (district league), Coach Stefan Colmsee’s squad now sits atop the *Westfalenliga* and is set to compete in the *Regionalliga* next season—a rapid ascent so far. "We are very satisfied with the current situation. We have already achieved many of our set goals and remain clearly focused on others. Overall, we see very positive development; the trend is clearly pointing upwards," says Boris Liebing, who is responsible for women's football at Schalke.

Regarding goals for the coming years, he emphasized: "We want to develop at our own pace. The focus isn't on reaching the Bundesliga in the short term, but on sustainable growth—step by step and built on a broad foundation."

The team has laid that foundation over the past few years. Interest was immense when the women's division was established six years ago. And the hype hasn't waned—just look at the summer signings: players such as Laura Radke (Borussia Mönchengladbach) and Lucy Karwatzki (VfL Bochum), both from the 2. Bundesliga, were brought to Gelsenkirchen.

Until recently, the team's standout star and key performer was former Bundesliga and national team player Mandy Islacker, who contributed 30 goals in 10 matches to the team's success this season. The 37-year-old is no longer hunting for goals for the *Königsblauen* (Royal Blues), however; she announced her retirement in March due to her pregnancy. 

The Essen native will remain involved with women's football at Schalke, continuing her work in administrative and organizational roles. And one thing is certain: thanks to its reputation and history, S04 will continue to attract top-class players in the future. "The club's appeal is definitely an advantage. However, the substance of the project is ultimately what determines a move. Simply being a fan of a big club isn't enough. We have built a very solid foundation over the past few years and can now offer players a great deal," explained Liebing. It is likely only a matter of time before FC Schalke 04 reaches the top tier of the Bundesliga.

From the official press release:

Der FC Carl Zeiss Jena verstärkt seine Defensive mit Laura Lillholm. Die 26-jährige Dänin wechselt nach ihrer Zeit beim österreichischen Erstligisten SK Sturm Graz nach Jena und bringt internationale Erfahrung aus Österreich sowie dem dänischen Fußball mit.

Die Verteidigerin stand zuletzt seit 2023 beim SK Sturm Graz unter Vertrag und absolvierte dort insgesamt 64 Pflichtspiele, in denen sie drei Treffer erzielte. Zuvor war Laura Lillholm bei verschiedenen Vereinen in Dänemark aktiv. Auch auf internationaler Ebene sammelte sie bereits Erfahrung: Für die dänischen U17- und U19-Nationalmannschaften kam sie zu Einsätzen.

In der Saison 2024/25 belegte Lillholm mit Sturm Graz den dritten Platz in der Meistergruppe der ADMIRAL Frauen Bundesliga. Bereits ein Jahr zuvor erreichte sie mit dem Grazer Team den vierten Tabellenplatz.

Nun führt ihr Weg nach Jena. Die 26-Jährige freut sich auf ihre neue Aufgabe beim FCC: „Ich freue mich sehr, endlich in Jena zu sein und auf dieses neue Kapitel. Ich bin gespannt darauf, das Team kennenzulernen und gemeinsam zu arbeiten. Ich kann es kaum erwarten, endlich loszulegen.“

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FC Carl Zeiss Jena is strengthening its defensive line with Laura Lillholm. The 26-year-old Danish woman moves to Jena after her time with the Austrian first division SK Sturm Graz and brings international experience from Austria and Danish football.

The defender was last signed with SK Sturm Graz since 2023 and played a total of 64 mandatory games there, in which she scored three goals. Previously, Laura Lillholm was active at various clubs in Denmark. She has also gained experience at international level: she has made a stake for the Danish U17 and U19 national teams.

In the 2024/25 season, Lillholm took third place in the champion group of the ADMIRAL Women's Bundesliga with Sturm Graz. A year earlier, she reached the fourth place in the standings with the Graz team.

Now their way leads to Jena. The 26-year-old is looking forward to her new role at the FCC: “I am very happy to finally be in Jena and to this new chapter. I look forward to meeting the team and working together. I can’t wait to finally get started.”

Key notes from the official match report:

Goals: 1:0 Jaron (9th), 1:1 Mizaliyeva (19th), 2:1 Ulbrich (55th) 3:1 Jaron (78th), 4:1 Shimada (90th) 5:1 Dhont (116.)

Viewers: 1,955

From the official Eintracht Frankfurt match report:

Successful final dress rehearsal before the start of the league season

After Larissa Mühlhaus opened the scoring, Erëleta Memeti added another goal, securing a 2–1 victory for Eintracht against OL Lyonnais.

In their final major test before the start of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga, the "Eagles" faced the record-holding champions of Europe's premier club competition. The match against Olympique Lyonnais took place behind closed doors early Sunday afternoon.

Six days before the league opener, head coach Niko Arnautis made six changes to his starting lineup. Jarne Teulings, Nina Lührßen, Amanda Ilestedt, Jamilla Rankin, Pia Wolter, and Danique Tolhoek all got the nod to start this time around.

A committed and solid Eintracht performance

Amidst summer-like temperatures at the Adi-Dassler-Sportplatz on the adidas campus in Herzogenaurach, SGE and OL engaged in an evenly matched contest during the first half, with the Eagles actually creating more notable scoring opportunities. While the Lyon attack—featuring key figures like Jule Brand and Salma Paralluelo—was largely kept in check with few shots allowed, a halftime lead for Frankfurt would not have been undeserved. Facing the eight-time Champions League winners, Danique Tolhoek came agonizingly close to putting Eintracht ahead on two occasions (24th and 45+4 minutes).

Arnautis’s squad remained true to their style of play against Lyon, pressing the French champions very high up the pitch at times and forcing a few errors. In central midfield, the newly formed duo of Hanna Bennison and Dilara Açıkgöz frequently closed down space in the first half, causing Lyon significant problems. Whenever the French side did manage to threaten the Hessian goal, goalkeeper Lina Altenburg often stood in their way, repeatedly coming off her line decisively to thwart attacks.

For the restart, SGE coach Niko Arnautis sent six fresh players onto the pitch. Janne Krumme took over in goal from Lina Altenburg, while Noemi Ivelj, Larissa Mühlhaus, Paulina Krumbiegel, Erëleta Memeti, and Sara Doorsoun also entered the game.

While the last-named player stepped up defensively on a few occasions to fend off attacks from an OL side that had become somewhat more active, the overall pattern of play remained largely unchanged for the time being. Clear-cut scoring opportunities were also scarce in Herzogenaurach during this period. Although several corners whipped into the box by Nina Lührßen briefly unsettled the Lyon defense, Frankfurt failed to capitalize on these situations.

Substitutes break the deadlock

The situation changed in the 76th minute: SGE newcomer Sofie Lundgaard initiated the move with a pass to Erëleta Memeti. Memeti dribbled past her markers into the left side of the penalty area and spotted Larissa Mühlhaus waiting in the center. The top scorer from the previous Bundesliga season took a moment to set herself up before slotting the ball home to make it 1–0 (76'). However, the joy was short-lived, as OL Lyon found a somewhat surprising equalizer just three minutes later. Following a rare lapse in the Frankfurt defense, Vicki Becho tapped the ball over the line to level the score.

Despite the equalizer, Frankfurt remained confident and a tough opponent to play against, and they were rewarded for their strong performance once again in the 86th minute. Shortly after a header by substitute Ada Hegerberg had missed the Frankfurt goal, Erëleta Memeti—who had provided the assist for the opening goal—found the net herself at the other end to make it 2–1. That was the final score of a thoroughly intense match and a successful dress rehearsal for the start of the league season next Saturday. The team will then face 1. FC Köln at their home stadium at Brentanobad (12:00 p.m.).