UEFA Women’s EURO 2025

When Ann-Katrin Berger sits in front of you, it’s hard to believe when she talks about her football origins as a young player.

“I was actually always the smallest,” reveals the 1.80m tall (5ft 11inch) German women's national team goalkeeper, speaking exclusively to Olympics.com ahead of the UEFA Women's EURO 2025.

She started playing football with the Bambinis at the age of four – but at the other end of the pitch, as a forward. In fact, she only found herself between the sticks from age 16.

"I worked my way up and down. I was a striker for a long time, then I was in midfield. I even had half a season as a right wing-back,” she said.

Her switch in position was out of necessity, she explains: “At the age of 16, I made a huge push. My growth spurt was too great; I had pain in my bones and Achilles.

“I didn’t feel like running anymore, but I didn’t want to stop playing football… this option has worked out well so far.”

It’s quite an understatement from the 34-year-old, who has enjoyed winning several accolades both domestically and internationally over the course of her career.

One of her most recent successes came at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she provided the heroics for Germany as they beat Spain to win a bronze medal.

To this day, she is as proud as she was on the evening of the game: “The hard work was really worth it, and it’s just a nice feeling to have something like this.”

Click here to read article