UEFA Women’s EURO 2025: Ann-Katrin Berger on Beating Cancer and Chasing Glory

As UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 approaches, Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger stands as a symbol of courage, resilience, and determination. Known as one of the finest shot-stoppers in women’s football, Berger heads into the tournament not just with experience but with a life story that continues to inspire fans around the world.

The 34-year-old has twice overcome thyroid cancer, first in 2017 and then again in 2022. These battles have reshaped her mentality on and off the pitch. Rather than worrying about mistakes or future setbacks, Berger has developed a mindset grounded in living every moment with intention—an approach she plans to carry into UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.

Ann-Katrin Berger Profile

• Name: Ann-Katrin Berger
• Nationality: Germany
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Height: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
• Current Club: Gotham FC (USA)
• Former Club(s): Chelsea FC Women
• National Team: Germany Women’s National Team
• Major International Title: Bronze Medal – Paris 2024 Olympics
• Club Achievement: NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year (2024)
• Cancer Battle: Thyroid Cancer (2017 & 2022)
• Role Model: Edwin van der Sar
• Coaching Plans: Yes (currently pursuing coaching license)
• UEFA EURO 2025 Status: Starting goalkeeper for Germany

Overcoming Cancer and Living in the Moment

Ann-Katrin Berger is not just one of the finest shot-stoppers in Europe, she is also an incredible inspiration off the pitch. The German goalkeeper heads into UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 with the same calmness and resilience she developed after beating thyroid cancer twice — once in 2017 and again in 2022.

Starting her football journey at the age of four as a striker, Ann-Katrin Berger transitioned into goalkeeping at 16 due to physical changes and growing pains. Despite the shift in position being unplanned, it turned out to be the right call. Her performances between the posts have earned her domestic and international recognition, including winning a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics with Germany.

Berger explains how surviving cancer changed her entire outlook on life and football. “I try to live, react, and act in the moment,” says Berger. “If I think too much, it ruins my style of play.” She no longer obsesses over mistakes or the future — her perspective is grounded in the now, thanks to her experiences with serious illness.

She acknowledges that football, although a passion, is just a game: “There are worse things in the world.” The illness made her more composed, more appreciative, and a lot more powerful mentally. Even though she still hates losing, Berger now walks away from every match satisfied if she gave her best, regardless of the result.

UEFA Women’s EURO 2025: A Platform for Purpose and Legacy

As she prepares for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, Berger brings more than skill to the German squad—she brings leadership, experience, and a unique understanding of life beyond the pitch.

Interestingly, her goalkeeping inspiration isn’t fellow German legend Manuel Neuer, but Edwin van der Sar. Berger admires how the former Dutch star handled transitions and impacted games beyond traditional saves. “Van der Sar was the best in transition play,” she shared, explaining that she, too, wants to be different in her approach.

In 2024, Berger left Chelsea for Gotham FC in the United States, where she quickly made her mark by winning the NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year award in her debut season. Despite being 34, she remains Germany’s top goalkeeper and has no immediate plans to retire. That said, she’s already thinking about her future.

Berger is working toward her coaching license, with a particular interest in developing young goalkeepers. She also hopes to become a sign language interpreter, inspired by her sister, who is hard of hearing. “I just love helping people,” she says—whether on the field or off it.

As Germany gears up for the challenge of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, Berger will play a central role in the team’s success. Her story—one of survival, reinvention, and excellence—makes her a key figure in this summer’s tournament and a role model for athletes everywhere.