Alexandra Popp could hardly keep her composure after her first appearance for Borussia Dortmund’s women’s side – she netted a brace and helped the team to a 3‑0 victory. While the scoreline itself was routine, the atmosphere was anything but ordinary. A crowd of 4,572 spectators filled the modest Stadion Rote Erde, a figure that dwarfs the average attendance Dortmund’s women’s team recorded last season, which was less than half of that number. Season‑ticket subscriptions have surged dramatically, climbing from roughly 600 to about 1,700, a clear sign that Popp’s arrival has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among local supporters.
The reason for this surge is simple: Alexandra Popp is back where she grew up dreaming of football glory. The former captain of the German national team, who has amassed 67 goals for her country, signed for the club she adored as a child earlier this summer.
Her homecoming has resonated deeply with fans, turning her jersey into a hot‑selling item. In fact, shirts bearing her name now outsell those of Serhou Guirassy, the leading scorer for Dortmund’s men’s side over the past two campaigns.
When interviewed after the match, Popp praised the atmosphere, noting, "Having more than 4,000 fans in the stadium is amazing. I’ve played many years in the Bundesliga, and you don’t often see stadiums that full at this level." Her comment underscores the transformation Dortmund has undergone.
The club only launched a women’s team in 2020, when Popp was already a three‑time European champion and a six‑time Bundesliga winner. Starting from the seventh tier, Dortmund’s women have climbed to the third tier in just a few seasons, a rapid rise that coincides with Popp’s arrival.
On the pitch, however, the quality of play was clearly below the standard 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 left the opposition goalkeeper with no chance – a scene reminiscent of watching a world‑class striker like Erling Haaland dominate a youth side.
While the opposition put up a fight, the disparity was evident. Popp, now 35, explained that her decision to leave Wolfsburg for Dortmund was driven by more than just footballing ambition.
"I had two options: stay at Wolfsburg or move to the club I loved as a child, Borussia Dortmund. The choice was easy," she said. Known for her stoic demeanor and relentless drive, Popp admitted 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 added.
Beyond personal sentiment, Popp sees an opportunity to inspire the next generation. She highlighted the irony that Dortmund, a club with one of Europe’s most fervent male fanbases, had only recently formed a women’s team.
"It felt like an embarrassment that we didn’t have a women’s side earlier. We’re now working hard to make up for lost time," she explained. The veteran striker described her move as a "new challenge" and acknowledged that the game against Arminia Bielefeld was tougher than the score suggested. Arminia’s defenders were tenacious, and Popp endured some rough tackles, with two opponents receiving yellow cards for fouling her.
When Sky Sports asked about her role on the field, Popp laughed, "I’m supposed to play as a number 10, but I’ll run wherever there’s space – defending, attacking, you name it." Her versatility and willingness to cover ground have already set a professional example for her younger teammates, many of whom are still adjusting to the heightened media attention that follows a star of Popp’s stature. The presence of a global figure has also impacted the squad’s dynamics. Some players admitted they felt nervous at first, but Popp emphasized that she maintains a normal, approachable relationship with the girls.
"The young players talk to me all the time. They’re not scared, and that’s crucial. Even in the national team, younger members can be hesitant to speak up, but here the atmosphere is open," she said.
Even before Popp’s arrival, Dortmund’s women posted a goal difference exceeding 100 in the previous season, yet they missed promotion by a narrow two‑point margin – both points lost in a decisive match against Arminia in April. This season, with Popp leading the line, the club’s objectives are crystal clear. "Our first goal is the championship. We want to keep moving forward and reach the top tier as quickly as possible," she declared.
Popp has signed a three‑year contract, and the ambition is to see Dortmund back in the Frauen‑Bundesliga, where she believes she belongs. While the journey is still underway, the German three‑time Footballer of the Year already feels at home in Dortmund, ready to leave her mark both on and off the pitch.