UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 has been a tournament filled with drama, exceptional talent, and unforgettable moments, but perhaps no individual has captured the hearts of fans around the world quite like Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.
Her heroics between the sticks have been instrumental to Germany’s impressive run, particularly her standout performance in the quarterfinal against France.
In a match that saw Germany play almost the entire game with 10 players, Berger’s saves, including an astonishing one-handed stop to prevent an own goal, kept her team in contention. The game ultimately went to penalties, where Berger truly shone, saving two spot-kicks and even converting her own to seal Germany’s passage to the semifinals.
Her quarterfinal display, which earned her player of the match, has brought significant attention to the Gotham FC star. It’s a testament to her resilience and skill, especially considering her journey has been marked by personal battles.
Berger’s remarkable performances have solidified her position as Germany’s number-one goalkeeper, a role she’s embraced with aplomb. As they continues their bid for a record-extending ninth European Championship title, all eyes will be on Berger to see if she can continue her sensational form.
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Who is Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger?
Ann-Katrin Berger was born on October 9, 1990, in Goppingen, Germany. While she started her footballing journey at the age of four playing various outfield positions, including striker, midfielder, and defender, she made the switch to goalkeeper at 16, humorously stating she became “too lazy to run” and “has grown” again.
She is particularly renowned for her exceptional ability to save penalty kicks — a skill on full display during Euro 2025 and the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Since 2024, Berger has been first-choice goalkeeper for the Germany national team. Her career has seen her develop into one of the world’s top shot-stoppers, recognised by ESPN in 2024 as the 25th best goalkeeper worldwide and named the NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year in her debut season with Gotham FC.
Beyond her on-field prowess, Berger’s story is one of incredible resilience. She has twice battled thyroid cancer, first in 2017 while at Birmingham City, and then again in 2022. Despite these significant health challenges, she has made remarkable comebacks, demonstrating her immense strength and dedication to the sport. Her experience has given her a renewed perspective, leading her to adopt the mantra “All we have is now”.
Ann-Katrin Berger career timeline
Berger’s professional career began in Germany with VfL Sindelfingen from 2010 to 2011, before she moved to FFC Turbine Potsdam, where she played from 2011 to 2014. During her time at Potsdam, she gained experience in the top division of German football and gained her first minutes in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
In 2014, Berger ventured abroad, signing with French club Paris Saint-Germain, where she remained for two years. Her journey then took her to England, joining Birmingham City in 2016. After a strong showing there, she made a significant move to Chelsea in January 2019, where she enjoyed a highly successful period, including winning the domestic league, the league cup and the FA cup. She played for Chelsea until April 2024, before making the move to the United States to play in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Since April 2024, Berger has been playing for Gotham FC in the NWSL, quickly establishing herself as a key player and earning individual accolades. Her international debut for Germany came in December 2020, and she has since risen to become the national team’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Ann-Katrin Berger trophies, honours
Berger has amassed an impressive collection of team and individual accolades throughout her career, particularly during her time with Chelsea. Her success reflects her consistent high-level performance. Some of her notable team honours include domestic league titles in both Germany and England, as well as various domestic cups. Individually, she has been recognised for her exceptional goalkeeping with several prestigious awards.
Ann-Katrin Berger team trophies
|
Competition |
Title |
Year(s) |
|
Frauen-Bundesliga |
Winner |
2011/12 |
|
DFB-Hallenpokal for women |
Winner |
2014 |
|
FA Women’s Super League |
Winner |
2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23 |
|
FA Women’s League Cup |
Winner |
2019/20, 2020/21 |
|
Women’s FA Community Shield |
Winner |
2020 |
|
Women’s FA Cup |
Winner |
2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23 |
|
CONCACAF W Champions Cup |
Winner |
2025 |
|
UEFA Women’s Championship |
Runner-up |
2022 |
|
UEFA Women’s Nations League |
Third Place |
2023/24 |
|
Summer Olympics |
Bronze Medal |
2024 |
Ann-Katrin Berger individual honours
|
FA WSL Golden Glove |
Winner |
2020/21 |
|
NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year |
Winner |
2024 |
|
German Footballer of the Year |
Winner |
2024 |
|
FA WSL PFA Team of the Year |
Featured |
2017/18, 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22 |
|
The Best FIFA Goalkeeper |
Third Place |
2021, 2022 |
Is Ann-Katrin Berger engaged to Jess Carter?
Berger is engaged to fellow footballer Jess Carter. The couple, who were teammates at both Birmingham City and Chelsea, announced their engagement in May 2024 with a social media post captioned “7 years down forever to go”.
Carter, an England international defender, has been a steadfast supporter of Berger in all aspects of life, supporting her through her two battles with thyroid cancer. Whilst their relationship is kept quite private, their engagement news was met with widespread joy from fans and the football community. With both now in the Euro 2025 semifinals, the couple faces the prospect of competing against each other for the title in the final on July 27.
