Alexandra Popp described her debut for Borussia Dortmund’s women’s side as "not normal" – and she wasn’t exaggerating. The German star netted a brace in a 3-0 victory, but what truly surprised her was the atmosphere: more than 4,500 spectators packed the modest Stadion Rote Erde, a figure that dwarfs the average crowds Dortmund’s women’s team attracted last season. In the third division of German football, such a turnout is virtually unheard of, yet Popp’s arrival has turned the match into a local phenomenon.
The surge in interest is evident in the numbers. Last season the club sold roughly 600 season tickets for the women’s side; this campaign the figure has ballooned to around 1,700 – almost a three‑fold increase. Ticket sales are only part of the story. Merchandise featuring Popp’s name now outsells even the most popular men’s‑team shirt, the Serhou Guirassy jersey, despite the latter being the top scorer for Borussia Dortmund’s senior squad for two consecutive seasons.
When asked about the electric vibe in the stadium, Popp smiled, "It was a wonderful atmosphere. Over 4,000 people in a third‑tier ground is amazing.
I’ve played in the Bundesliga for years, and many stadiums don’t fill up like this." Her comments highlight a broader transformation: Borussia Dortmund did not have a women’s team at all until 2020. At that point Popp was already a three‑time UEFA Women’s Champions League winner and a six‑time Bundesliga champion. Starting from the seventh tier when the club first formed a women’s side, Dortmund have climbed to the third tier in just a few short years, largely propelled by the star power of Popp’s signing. On the pitch, however, the quality gap was unmistakable.
In the first half, a cross floated into the penalty area and Popp rose to meet it with a powerful header that left the opposition goalkeeper with no chance – a moment that felt as inevitable as watching Erling Haaland dominate a youth match. While the opposition, Arminia Bielefeld, fought hard and even booked two players for fouling Popp, the German forward’s dominance was clear. She later laughed when Sky Sports asked about her position, replying, "I’m a number 10, but I’ll run wherever the team needs me – defending, attacking, you name it." Beyond the on‑field spectacle, Popp’s move was driven by personal sentiment as much as professional ambition. At 35, she faced a crossroads: remain at Wolfsburg, where she had enjoyed considerable success, or return to the club she adored as a child.
"I had two choices – stay in Wolfsburg or go to my favourite club, Borussia Dortmund. The decision didn’t take long," she explained. Known for her stoic demeanor and relentless work ethic, Popp admitted the reaction to her arrival had been overwhelming.
"It’s wonderful. You see the heart of the club and the heart of the fans," she said.
Popp also sees her presence as a catalyst for the next generation. She noted that the club’s previous lack of a women’s team was an embarrassment for a city that hosts one of Europe’s most successful men’s sides. "We’re trying to make up for lost time," she said, emphasizing her desire to develop talent and inspire young players. The effect is already visible: teammates who have never before been in the spotlight of international media are now adjusting to cameras and increased attention.
"Some of the girls were a bit nervous at first," Popp admitted, referencing goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger, a former Bayern Munich and Arsenal player, as well as several younger squad members. Despite the media frenzy, Popp insists the team dynamics remain normal. "We have a regular relationship.
The young girls talk to me all the time. They’re not scared, and that’s very important," she told Sky Sports.
She added that even in the senior national team, younger players sometimes feel intimidated, but at Dortmund the atmosphere is open and supportive. From a competitive standpoint, Dortmund’s women’s side had already demonstrated their dominance last season, finishing with a goal difference exceeding 100. Yet they missed promotion by a narrow margin – two points, both lost in a crucial fixture against Arminia earlier in the year. This season, with Popp leading the attack, the ambition is crystal clear: win the league and secure promotion to the Frauen‑Bundesliga as quickly as possible.
"The first goal is the championship," she declared. "We want to keep taking steps forward, to grow, and to reach the top tier as fast as we can." Popp has signed a three‑year contract, signalling a long‑term commitment to the project. In the meantime, she is already fielding autograph requests and selfie demands from fans of all ages. Her presence has turned the modest third‑tier stadium into a pilgrimage site for supporters eager to catch a glimpse of Germany’s three‑time footballer of the year.
The broader significance of Popp’s move extends beyond Dortmund. It illustrates how a high‑profile player can accelerate the development of a fledgling women’s program, attract sponsorship, and inspire a new generation of athletes. By bringing her experience, professionalism, and star power to a club that only recently embraced women’s football, Popp is not just playing matches; she is helping to build a sustainable foundation for future success.
Looking ahead, the ultimate target is clear: promotion to the Frauen‑Bundesliga, where Popp believes she belongs. Until then, the excitement in Dortmund’s Rote Erde will continue to grow, fueled by a legendary forward who finally returned home.