Goalkeeper Berger's commitment extends to his grandfather, lasting until the game's end
Ann-Katrin Berger, the 34-year-old German goalkeeper, has been a standout performer in women's football, renowned for her exceptional penalty-saving skills and resilience. Despite a challenging journey to the top, Berger has established herself as Germany's No. 1 goalkeeper, most notably during her heroic performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Berger's path to the national team was not an immediate one. She made her debut at the age of 30, competing with other goalkeepers like Marle Frohms for major events. However, her breakthrough came at the Olympics, where she played a crucial role in securing Germany's bronze medal.
During the UEFA Women's EURO 2022, Berger was not the preferred goalkeeper for Germany, with Marle Frohms getting the call-up instead. As a result, there is limited information about her performance or any specific criticism from coaches during that tournament.
Berger's personal life has been marked by significant challenges, most notably her battles with cancer. In 2017 and 2022, she fought against thyroid cancer and returned to competitive sports quickly both times, showcasing her tenacity and determination.
Berger's experiences with cancer have had a profound impact on her approach to the game, emphasising living in the moment and not overthinking future outcomes. This mindset has helped her maintain a balance between her passion for football and a broader perspective on life.
Recently, Berger has been playing for the US club Gotham FC, but she has not been actively reading news or using social media since leaving Germany. Meanwhile, Merle Frohms, who was Berger's main competitor for the national team, has left the German national team and moved from Wolfsburg to Real Madrid.
At the ongoing UEFA Women's EURO 2022, Berger has been under scrutiny for her risky dribbling style, with coach Christian Wück expressing displeasure about her dribbles at the EM. However, Berger defended her playing style, stating that it was "just her way of playing."
Despite the controversy, Berger has been in fine form, not conceding any goals for which she was at fault during the tournament so far. She made three risky dribbles in the 2:1 win against Denmark, demonstrating her bravery and confidence between the posts.
Berger's grandfather, who recently turned 92, has been a constant source of inspiration for her. He has resisted her attempts to attend games other than the final, but Berger's motivation for the EM is to make her grandfather proud and ensure he attends the final. Berger flashes a broad smile during the national anthem for her grandpa, who might not know much about football but appreciates her charisma.
Berger's cruciate ligament tear in DFB training and Maria Luisa Grohs' loss of her starting position at FC Bayern to Ena Mahmutovic are separate stories, unrelated to Berger's performance at the EURO.
In conclusion, Ann-Katrin Berger has faced numerous challenges in her personal and professional life, but her resilience and determination have seen her emerge as one of the finest goalkeepers in women's football. Despite the criticism and controversy at the UEFA Women's EURO 2022, Berger has remained focused and delivered impressive performances, hoping to make her grandfather proud at the final.
Other sports like European-leagues and the premier-league might appreciate Berger's dribbling style she showcases during matches, as she defends her unique approach by stating it's "just her way of playing." Even though she is currently playing in the US club Gotham FC, her dreams still extend to competing against top goalkeepers in European leagues.
