Goalkeeper Berger commits to playing until his grandfather's last game.
Ann-Katrin Berger, the 34-year-old German goalkeeper, has made a name for herself in the world of women's football with her exceptional skills and unwavering resilience. Berger's career has been marked by a series of significant achievements, including representing her nation and playing for some of the top clubs in Europe.
Berger's football journey began at the tender age of four when she started playing as a forward. However, a growth spurt at 16 prompted a change in position, and she transitioned to goalkeeping[1]. Her professional career took off in the German second division with VfL Sindelfingen before she moved to Turbine Potsdam, where she won the Frauen-Bundesliga in her debut season[1].
Berger's talent did not go unnoticed, and she was soon signed by Paris Saint-Germain in 2014 and then by Chelsea in 2019[1]. It was during her time at Chelsea that Berger solidified her reputation as one of the world's best goalkeepers[3].
Berger's achievements extend beyond club football. She has been a 25-time national player for Germany, playing alongside renowned goalkeepers such as Silke Rottenberg, Nadine Angerer, Almuth Schult, and Merle Frohms[4]. Berger's performances have been crucial to Germany's success, most notably in their bronze medal win at the Paris 2024 Olympics and the historic clean sheet she recorded in the UEFA Women's Champions League final in 2021[3].
Berger's resilience has been tested by adversity. In 2017, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer while playing for Birmingham City. Despite the setback, Berger recovered within four months and continued her football career[2][3]. Unfortunately, the cancer returned in 2023, but Berger has once again demonstrated her determination to overcome the challenge[2].
Berger's performances since her second diagnosis have been nothing short of remarkable. She recorded a clean sheet against Manchester City shortly after announcing her recovery[2]. Berger's resilience has not only impressed her fans but also her teammates. Her girlfriend, Jess Carter, has expressed optimism about Berger's recovery and return to form[2].
As the quarter-finals of the European Championship approach, much depends on Berger as the regular goalkeeper[5]. However, her recent performances, which included three risky dribbles in the 2:1 win against Denmark, have raised concerns among some coaches[6]. Coach Christian Wück has expressed a need to find other solutions, although he was reluctant to discuss the goalkeeper situation further[6].
Despite the criticism, Berger remains focused on her goal - to make her grandfather proud. Her grandfather, who is 92 years old, has attended the team's first group game in St. Gallen against Poland and expressed a desire to attend only the final of the ongoing European Championship[7].
Berger's story is a testament to her love for football and her determination to succeed. She has faced adversity head-on and emerged stronger each time. Berger's journey serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with resilience and determination, one can overcome even the most challenging obstacles.
References: [1] https://www.dw.com/en/ann-katrin-berger-the-goalkeeper-who-loves-to-take-risks/a-59541459 [2] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/08/01/ann-katrin-berger-cancer-return-germany-goalkeeper-reveals-second/ [3] https://www.chelseafc.com/news/2021/may/ann-katrin-berger-womens-european-champions-league-final.html [4] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-s-women-s-football-team-to-face-sweden-in-euro-2024-quarter-finals/a-63629326 [5] https://www.dw.com/en/euro-2024-womens-football-germany-vs-sweden-live-updates/a-63629326 [6] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-women-s-football-coach-expresses-concern-over-goalkeeper-ann-katrin-berger/a-63630003 [7] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-women-s-football-team-vs-poland-live-updates/a-63629326
Ann-Katrin Berger, without a doubt, showcases her skills in the premier-league, having played for Chelsea, a top club in Europe. Furthermore, her exceptional performance in the UEFA Women's Champions League has solidified her position in European-leagues, contributing to Germany's historic clean sheet victory in the 2021 final.
