Alexandra Popp’s debut for Borussia Dortmund’s women’s side was anything but ordinary. After netting a brace in a 3-0 victory, she described the experience as "not normal," a sentiment echoed by the 4,572 spectators who filled the modest Stadion Rote Erde for a third‑division match. While the scoreline itself was routine for a player of Popp’s calibre, the sheer size of the crowd was a novelty for a league that rarely draws such attention.
Popp is already a household name in Dortmund. Last season the club’s average attendance hovered at less than half the figure recorded for this particular game against Arminia Bielefeld. Since her arrival, season‑ticket sales have surged from roughly 600 to about 1,700, almost tripling in a matter of weeks.
The spike is directly linked to Popp’s presence; the former captain of the German national team, who has amassed 67 international goals, signed for the club she adored as a child. Her return to her hometown club has ignited enthusiasm among both existing supporters and newcomers alike.
The player’s jersey has become a ubiquitous sight throughout Dortmund. In fact, merchandise bearing Popp’s name now outsells the shirts of Serhou Guirassy, the men’s team’s leading scorer for the past two campaigns. When reporters approached her after the match‑winning display, she remarked, "The atmosphere was fantastic. Over 4,000 fans in the stadium is incredible.
I’ve played many years in the Bundesliga, and you don’t often see stadiums that full at that level." Dortmund’s women’s side is a relatively recent creation. The club did not field a women’s team until 2020, by which time Popp had already secured three UEFA Women’s Champions League titles and six Bundesliga crowns. Starting from the seventh tier, the squad has climbed to the third tier in just a few seasons, a rapid ascent that underscores the club’s ambition and investment.
On the pitch, however, the competition is clearly below Popp’s standard. When a cross was delivered into the penalty area early in the first half, she rose to meet it with a powerful header that left the opposition helpless—an outcome as predictable as watching Erling Haaland dominate a youth match. Her dominance was evident, yet the game still presented challenges. Arminia Bielefeld fought tenaciously, and Popp endured some robust physical play, including fouls that resulted in two bookings for the opposition.
The move to Dortmund was not driven solely by footballing considerations. At 35, Popp faced a career crossroads and explained, "I had two options: stay at Wolfsburg or join my childhood club, Borussia Dortmund. The decision was easy." Known for her stoic demeanor and relentless work ethic, she admitted that the reaction to her signing had been overwhelming. "It’s wonderful to see the heart of the club and the passion of the fans," she said.
Beyond personal satisfaction, Popp sees her role as a catalyst for growth. She highlighted the irony that Germany’s most successful men’s club had only recently established a women’s side, calling it an "embarrassment" that they are now striving to rectify. "I want to help develop something here," she asserted, emphasizing the importance of setting a foundation for future generations.
Despite her superior skill set, Popp acknowledged that the match was not a walkover. "It was a tough game," she conceded, noting that Arminia’s defenders were aggressive.
She recalled earlier warnings that she might be targeted with fouls, but she responded by constantly moving across the pitch in search of space, adapting her position as needed. When asked by Sky Sports about her role, she laughed, "I’m supposed to be a number 10, but I’ll drop back, defend, or run wherever there’s room." Her arrival has also altered the club’s internal dynamics. Young teammates, unaccustomed to the intense media scrutiny that follows a global star, initially felt nervous. Popp mentioned goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger, a former Bayern Munich and Arsenal player, as an example of a teammate who appears comfortable this season.
Overall, Popp emphasized a "normal relationship" with the squad, noting that the younger players frequently approach her with questions and that they are not intimidated by her reputation. Even without Popp, Dortmund’s women’s side posted a staggering goal difference of over 100 last season, yet they missed promotion by a narrow two‑point margin—both points lost in a direct encounter with Arminia earlier in April. This season, with Popp leading the charge, the club’s ambitions are crystal clear: secure the championship and accelerate the push for promotion to the Frauen‑Bundesliga.
"The first goal is the title," she affirmed. "We want to keep progressing and reach the top league as quickly as possible." Popp has signed a three‑year contract, and her short‑term objective is to help Dortmund climb back to the highest tier of German women’s football. In the meantime, she spends her days signing autographs, taking selfies with fans of all ages, and embracing the feeling of being back home.
Her presence not only raises the club’s profile but also provides a tangible role model for aspiring young footballers in Dortmund and beyond. As the season unfolds, the club’s supporters will be watching closely, hoping that Popp’s experience and leadership will translate into the long‑awaited promotion and a new era of success for Borussia Dortmund’s women’s team.