Germany’s goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger shows her strength; the team reaches the Euro 2025 semi-finals.
Germany’s goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, who has been a two-time cancer survivor, performed brilliantly against France in the quarter-finals of Euro 2025 and took the team to the semi-finals. This match was played on 19 July 2025 in Zurich.
When the match became memorable: Showed class in penalty shootout
Berger made nine brilliant saves in the entire 120-minute match. Later, by stopping two shots in the penalty shootout and scoring a penalty goal herself, she gave Germany a 6-5 victory. The final score of the match was 1-1.
Berger also saved an almost own goal of her team in extra time, which everyone called a “match-saving moment.”
Battle with cancer: Returned after defeating death twice
Ann-Katrin Berger was first diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2017. But just three months later, in February 2018, she returned to the field and won titles at the club level.
She again developed cancer during the Euro tournament in 2022, but she returned after a month of treatment.
The tattoo “All we have is now” on her neck covers the scar of the same surgery and reflects her outlook on life.
Great success at the club level too
In 2024, Berger became the main goalkeeper of the German national team. She played for many big clubs in England and Germany and led Gotham FC to win the CONCACAF W Champions Cup in 2025.
She was named the NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024, and ESPN included her in the top 25 women footballers in the world.
Praises from the team and love from the fans
German teammate Sjoeke Nüsken said, “She is a calm and clever goalkeeper, a real inspiration.”
Berger said about her performance, “This is the team’s victory, not mine.”
She says, “I live my best life,” which shows how positive her outlook has become after battling illness.
A new identity beyond football
Berger’s story has become an inspiration for many people. She never allowed her illness to become a weakness, but because of it she learned to play strong under pressure.
Career Highlights
| Year | Event | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Return after first cancer treatment | PFA Team of the Year |
| 2022 | Second cancer diagnosis, comeback | Semi-final Euro squad |
| 2024 | NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year | Gotham FC, ESPN Top 25 |
| 2025 | Euro 2025 Quarterfinal vs. France | Penalty heroics |
Background: Who is Ann-Katrin Berger?
- Berger started playing football as an outfield player but became a goalkeeper at the age of 16.
- She has performed brilliantly in the leagues of France, England, and the USA.
- Her life story shows that a true player fights bravely both on the field and in life.