Grandma Berger foresees her grandfather triumphing in the European Championship competition - Goalkeeper Berger aims to continue playing until his grandfather's final game
In the heart of Germany's defensive line during the UEFA Women's Euro 2025, Ann-Katrin Berger has been a beacon of resilience and professionalism. At 34 years old, the experienced goalkeeper has proven to be a crucial figure in the DFB team, playing every minute of the tournament so far.
Berger's performances have been marked by crucial saves and a composed demeanour, even in the face of mixed results. Despite a notable 4-1 defeat to Sweden, where the team was reduced to ten players due to a red card, Berger maintained her focus, acknowledging the harshness of the loss but emphasising its importance in learning and preparing for later stages of the competition.
In her own words, Berger prefers the loss in the group stage rather than facing such a setback later in the tournament, stating, "I'd rather take a blow now than in the quarter-finals, because then you can't make a comeback anymore." She candidly reflected on the painful experience of defeat and how it reminded the team of the fierce competition faced at the European level.
While Berger's individual efforts have been notable, criticism has largely centred on the overall team performance. Defensive lapses, such as Carlotta Wamser's handball resulting in a penalty and the team's difficulty managing Sweden’s tactical overloads and direct play, have overshadowed individual contributions. The 4-1 loss exposed vulnerabilities in the German defence, putting additional pressure on Berger and highlighting areas needing improvement before the knockout stages.
Despite these challenges, Berger's steady presence has been crucial in keeping Germany competitive. The team advanced to the quarter-finals after successfully navigating the group stage, including wins against Denmark and Poland. Berger's mentality and leadership have been vital for team morale and strategy, expressed in her confidence that whichever opponent they face next—be it France, England, or the Netherlands—they will be formidable and ready to compete.
Berger's journey to the top has not been without its trials. She has fought cancer twice (thyroid cancer in 2017 and 2022) and continues to find motivation in her 92-year-old grandfather, who might not know much about football but appreciates her charisma. Her grandfather is a significant source of inspiration, with Berger flashing a wide smile during the national anthem before international matches in his honour.
As the team prepares for the quarter-final against France, much will depend on Berger's performance. Despite Coach Christian Wück already looking for a successor, Berger is not ready to think about the end of her career. She currently plays for US club Gotham FC, having built a successful career with Paris Saint-Germain, Birmingham City, Chelsea, and other US clubs, before becoming the number one goalkeeper in the German team.
Berger's story is one of resilience, determination, and a love for the game. Her performances at Euro 2025 have underpinned Germany’s progression in the championship, reflecting both the challenges and potential of the DFB team.
In the midst of the EC countries' UEFA Women's Euro 2025 tournament, Ann-Katrin Berger's exceptional employment policy has been a striking feature in the DFB team's performances, particularly in the competitive field of sports, such as football. Despite setbacks, like the 4-1 defeat to Sweden, Berger's leadership and focus have demonstrated the importance of a solid employment policy in sports-analysis, ensuring the team remains strong and resilient, even in the face of adversity.
