Alexandra Popp described the scene after her first appearance for Borussia Dortmund’s women’s squad as "not normal" – and she wasn’t exaggerating. The German star netted two goals in a 3-0 victory, but the real surprise was the crowd: more than 4,500 spectators packed the modest Stadion Rote Erde, a figure that dwarfs the average attendance Dortmund’s women’s team recorded last season.
The surge in interest is directly linked to Popp’s arrival, and the numbers tell the story. Season‑ticket holders rose from roughly 600 to 1,700, almost a three‑fold increase, while her jersey quickly became the best‑selling shirt in the club, even outselling the men’s top scorer Serhou Guirassy’s kit. Popp’s move to Dortmund is more than a transfer; it is a homecoming.
The former captain of the German national side, who has scored 67 goals for her country, grew up dreaming of wearing the black‑and‑yellow colours. This summer she turned that childhood fantasy into reality by signing for the club she loved as a child.
Her presence has ignited the imagination of fans across the city, and the effect is evident both on and off the pitch. In an interview after the match, Popp marveled at the atmosphere: "It was a very nice atmosphere. We have more than 4,000 people here in the stadium and that is amazing.
I played for so many years in the Bundesliga and some stadiums are not so full like that." The comment underscores how rare it is for a third‑tier women’s game to draw such a crowd, especially when the club only established a women’s team in 2020. At that time Popp was already a three‑time European champion and a six‑time Bundesliga winner, achievements that far exceed the level of competition she now faces.
From a purely sporting perspective, the gap in quality is obvious. When a cross was delivered into the box early in the first half, Popp rose above the defenders and headed the ball into the net with a certainty that reminded observers of watching a world‑class striker dominate a youth side.
Yet the match was not a walk‑over; Arminia Bielefeld’s women fought hard, committing robust challenges that resulted in two bookings. Popp herself noted that she expected some physicality: "Some people told me before that it is possible I get some fouls. It is what it is." Her response was to keep moving, seeking space wherever she could, and to help out defensively when needed.
The decision to leave Wolfsburg – where she had spent the bulk of her professional career – was not taken lightly. "I had two choices," Popp explained. "To stay in Wolfsburg or switch to my favourite club as a kid, Borussia Dortmund. The decision did not take long." Her choice reflects a blend of personal affection and a desire to give back to the community that inspired her.
She sees her role as a catalyst for growth: "I can develop something here. It was a bit of an embarrassment that the best‑supported men’s club in Europe did not have a women’s team. They are trying to make up for lost time." Beyond the on‑field impact, Popp’s arrival has altered the club’s culture. Young teammates, many of whom have never encountered a player of her stature, have had to adjust to increased media attention and the presence of global fans at the modest Rote Erde stadium, which sits next to the massive Signal‑Iduna Park home of the men’s side.
"Some of them were a bit nervous," she admitted, referring to the younger squad members. Yet she emphasized that the atmosphere in the locker room remains supportive and informal. "We have a normal relationship.
The young girls speak with me all the time. They are not scared and that is very important." One notable teammate, goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger – a former Bayern Munich and Arsenal player – appears poised for a relatively quiet season in terms of playing time, but the overall squad benefits from the heightened professionalism and visibility that Popp brings. The club’s recent statistics illustrate its ambition: last season Dortmund’s women posted a goal difference of over 100 yet fell short of promotion by just two points, both lost in a crucial fixture against Arminia in April. This year, with Popp leading the line, the objective is clear and unapologetically bold.
"The first goal is the championship," she declared. "I hope that we can make more steps. We have a dream to grow. We want to be in the first league as fast as we can." Her three‑year contract reflects both the club’s long‑term vision and her personal commitment to see Dortmund rise to the Frauen‑Bundesliga.
Fans have already responded with enthusiasm, lining up for autographs and selfies, while the club’s marketing department reports a surge in merchandise sales and social‑media engagement. The broader significance of Popp’s move extends beyond Dortmund. It highlights a growing trend in German football where elite women’s players are choosing to join clubs with strong fan bases and ambitious projects, even if those clubs are currently outside the top tier. By leveraging her reputation, Popp is helping to accelerate the professionalisation of the women’s game at a grassroots level, encouraging other clubs to invest in women’s squads and creating a more competitive environment across the country.
In summary, Alexandra Popp’s debut for Borussia Dortmund’s women’s side is a story of personal fulfillment, community uplift, and strategic ambition. Her two‑goal performance may have been expected given her pedigree, but the real narrative lies in the packed stadium, the skyrocketing ticket sales, and the renewed sense of purpose within the squad.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Dortmund to see whether they can translate this wave of enthusiasm into promotion. If they succeed, it will not only vindicate Popp’s decision to return home but also signal a new era for women’s football in Dortmund and, potentially, across Germany.