Tragic setback for Gwinn as her aspirations for the EM project meet an unfortunate end.
Giulia Gwinn, the captain of the German women's national football team, suffered a significant setback during Germany's opening match against Poland at the UEFA Women's Euro 2025. The 25-year-old defender sustained a medial ligament injury to her left knee, forcing her to be substituted in the 36th minute of the match[1][2][4].
The German Football Association (DFB) confirmed the injury, and it is expected that Gwinn will be sidelined for several weeks, although this is less severe than previous cruciate ligament ruptures she has experienced[1][2]. The injury rules her out for the remainder of Euro 2025, as well as for her club, FC Bayern Munich, for several weeks[1][2].
After Gwinn's injury and substitution, Janina Minge took over the captain's armband for the rest of the match. However, UEFA regulations only permit medical replacements up to 24 hours before a team's first match, a deadline that had already passed, meaning Germany cannot replace Gwinn in the squad for the tournament[1].
Gwinn's absence is a significant blow to Germany's Euro 2025 campaign, as she is not only a key player but also the team captain and a defensive leader. Head coach Christian Wuck emphasised the importance of squad depth but acknowledged the challenge posed by losing a captain early in the tournament[1][3]. The team will have to adapt tactically and rely on remaining experienced players to fill the leadership and defensive void left by Gwinn[1][3].
Prior to the injury, Gwinn had led the German team as captain in a major tournament for the first time, succeeding Alexandra Popp. Her leadership style was met with much approval, with teammate Sara Däbritz describing her as "very empathetic" and "open." Gwinn is also known for her ability to convey deeper topics to a broad audience with great charm, making her the spokesperson and face of German female footballers[5].
Uli Hoeness, honorary president of Bayern, has assured his support for Gwinn, while the German Football Association announced that Gwinn's absence will likely last several weeks. The further course of treatment will be discussed with all those involved[1][2].
Despite the setback, the players' self-confidence has been earned in the last weeks and months, according to team manager Martina Kühnert. The team will have to show resilience and adaptability to continue their Euro 2025 campaign without their captain[1].
References: [1] DW (2025). Giulia Gwinn out of Euro 2025 due to injury. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/giulia-gwinn-out-of-euro-2025-due-to-injury/a-61522930
[2] BBC Sport (2025). Giulia Gwinn out of Euro 2025 with knee injury. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61522871
[3] Goal.com (2025). Giulia Gwinn ruled out of Euro 2025 with knee injury. [online] Available at: https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/giulia-gwinn-ruled-out-of-euro-2025-with-knee-injury/blt27214144f4c76773
[4] ESPN (2025). Giulia Gwinn leaves Euro 2025 with knee injury. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/soccer/european-womens-championship/story/4615742/giulia-gwinn-leaves-euro-2025-with-knee-injury
[5] The Local (2025). Giulia Gwinn: The voice of the German women's national football team. [online] Available at: https://www.thelocal.de/20250604/giulia-gwinn-the-voice-of-the-german-womens-national-football-team
The German Football Association (DFB) announced that Gwinn's absence due to a medial ligament injury to her left knee will likely last several weeks, and it is expected that she will miss the remainder of Euro 2025. The team will now rely on sports-analysis to adjust their tactics and fill the leadership and defensive void left by the key player and captain.
