Alexandra Popp described her debut for Borussia Dortmund’s women’s side as "not normal," and she wasn’t exaggerating. The former Germany captain netted two goals in a 3-0 victory, yet the real surprise was the crowd: 4,572 spectators filled the modest Stadion Rote Erde, a figure that would have seemed extraordinary just a season ago in the club’s third‑tier campaign. Popp has instantly become a magnet for attention. Last season Dortmund’s average attendance for the women’s team was less than half of what was recorded for this match against Arminia Bielefeld, and season‑ticket sales have surged from roughly 600 to 1,700 since her arrival.
The surge is not accidental – it is directly linked to the high‑profile signing of the 35‑year‑old striker, who arrives not only as a former national team captain with 67 international goals but also as a lifelong fan of the club. Her jersey now dominates the club’s merchandise stalls, outselling even the shirt of Serhou Guirassy, the men’s side’s leading scorer for the past two campaigns. When asked about the electric atmosphere, Popp smiled: "It’s amazing to see more than four thousand people here.
I’ve played many years in the Bundesliga, and you don’t often see stadiums that full for a women’s game." The context makes the moment even more striking. Borussia Dortmund did not field a women’s team until 2020, when the club was still competing in the seventh tier of German football. In just a few short years the side has climbed to the third division, and Popp’s arrival marks a symbolic homecoming that has captured the imagination of supporters across the city.
On the pitch, however, the level of competition is clearly below what the German star is accustomed to. A cross delivered into the box in the first half was met with a powerful header from Popp that seemed inevitable, much like watching a world‑class striker such as Erling Haaland dominate a youth side. The goal‑scoring display was effortless, underscoring the gap between her experience and the current standard of the league. Beyond the football itself, the move was driven by personal motives as much as professional ones.
"I had two options – stay at Wolfsburg or join my favourite club as a kid, Borussia Dortmund. The decision was easy," Popp explained.
Known for her stoic demeanor and relentless work ethic, she admitted that the response to her signing has been overwhelming. "The club’s heart and the fans’ heart are both evident. It’s wonderful." Popp also sees a broader mission in her return.
She wants to inspire the next generation and help the fledgling women’s side catch up with the stature of the men’s team, which has long been a powerhouse in European football. "It was a bit of an embarrassment that such a successful club didn’t have a women’s team," she said. "We’re trying to make up for lost time." The match itself was not without challenges.
Arminia Bielefeld offered stubborn resistance, and Popp endured some hard physical play. Two opposing players were booked for fouls against her, and she suggested that more could have been called.
In response, she moved constantly, searching for space and offering defensive cover when needed. When Sky Sports asked which position she was occupying, she laughed, "I’m usually a number 10, but I’ll drop back, run, defend – wherever the team needs me." Her presence also changes the dynamic for younger teammates who are unaccustomed to the intense media scrutiny that follows a player of her stature. "Some of the girls were nervous at first," Popp admitted.
Among them is Manuela Zinsberger, the former Bayern Munich and Arsenal goalkeeper, who appears poised for a quieter season. Nevertheless, Popp stresses that the relationships remain normal.
"The younger players talk to me all the time. They’re not scared, and that’s crucial.
Even in the national team, younger players can be hesitant, but here they’re very open." Statistically, Dortmund’s women’s side was already dominant last season, boasting a goal difference of over 100. Yet they missed promotion by a narrow two‑point margin, losing crucial points in a previous encounter with Arminia in April. This time, with Popp leading the charge, the ambition is clear: "Our first goal is the championship," she declared. "We want to keep progressing, to reach the top league as quickly as possible." Popp has signed a three‑year contract, and the club’s long‑term plan is to return to the Frauen‑Bundesliga, where she believes she belongs.
In the meantime, she is already enjoying the simple pleasures of being back home – signing autographs, taking selfies with fans of all ages, and soaking up the enthusiasm that has surged since her arrival. The story of a world‑class player choosing to drop down a division for love of a club and a desire to nurture future talent is a compelling one, and it signals a new chapter for Borussia Dortmund’s women’s football project.