Alexandra Popp’s debut for Borussia Dortmund’s women’s team was anything but ordinary. The German star netted a brace in a 3‑0 victory, but the real surprise was the size of the crowd: 4,572 spectators filled the historic Stadion Rote Erde for a third‑tier match. Such a turnout is unprecedented for a club that only launched a women’s side in 2020, and it underscores the magnetic pull Popp has on fans.
Popp is already a household name in Dortmund. Last season the men’s team averaged just over half the attendance that was recorded for her first game. Since her arrival, season‑ticket sales have surged from roughly 600 to 1,700, and the demand for her jersey has eclipsed that of Serhou Guirassy, the men’s squad’s leading scorer for the past two campaigns.
The shirt bearing her name is now a common sight not only among supporters of the women’s side but throughout the city. When asked about the electric atmosphere after the win, Popp smiled, "It’s amazing to see more than four thousand people in the stadium. I’ve played in the Bundesliga for years, and many venues don’t get that full." Her comment highlights a broader transformation: Dortmund did not field a women’s team until 2020, when Popp was already a three‑time European champion and a six‑time Bundesliga victor. The club started in the seventh tier and has now climbed to the third, a rapid rise accelerated by Popp’s presence.
On the pitch, however, the competition still feels below her lofty standards. A high cross into the box in the first half was met with a powerful header from Popp that seemed as inevitable as watching Erling Haaland dominate a youth match. She was unstoppable, reminding everyone that her talent far exceeds the level of the league. Beyond the football, Popp’s move was driven by personal sentiment.
At 35, she faced a choice: remain at Wolfsburg, where she had built a storied career, or sign for the club she adored as a child. "The decision was quick," she told reporters. "I wanted to come back to Borussia Dortmund, the club of my youth." Known for her stoic demeanor and relentless work ethic, Popp admitted that the reaction to her signing has been overwhelming. "The fans and the club have shown such warmth.
It feels like the heart of Dortmund is beating for us," she said. She also sees her arrival as an opportunity to nurture the next generation. "I want to develop talent here. It was a shame that a club with such a massive men’s following didn’t have a women’s team for so long.
We’re working to make up for that lost time." Despite her dominance, Popp acknowledged that the match was not a walk‑over. Arminia Bielefeld put up a stubborn fight, and she endured some physical challenges. "People warned me I might get fouled.
It happened, and two opponents were booked for it," she noted, adding that she tried to mitigate the pressure by constantly moving to find space. When Sky Sports asked about her role on the field, Popp laughed. "I’m supposed to play as a number 10, but I’ll drop back, defend, or run wherever the team needs me," she replied, emphasizing her versatility and willingness to adapt.
Her presence also changes the dynamic for younger teammates who are not accustomed to the intense media scrutiny that follows a player of her stature. "Some of the girls were nervous at first," Popp admitted, referencing teammates like Manuela Zinsberger, the former Bayern Munich and Arsenal goalkeeper, who appears set for a quieter season. Yet Popp stresses that the squad maintains a normal, supportive relationship.
"The young players talk to me all the time. They’re not scared, and that’s crucial. Even in the national team, younger players sometimes hesitate to approach me, but here the atmosphere is open." Even without Popp, Dortmund’s women’s side posted an impressive goal difference of over 100 last season, yet they missed promotion by a narrow two‑point margin, both points lost in a crucial fixture against Arminia earlier in the year. This time, with Popp leading the charge, the club’s ambitions are crystal clear: win the league and secure promotion as swiftly as possible.
"Our first goal is the championship," she declared. "We want to keep progressing and reach the top tier as quickly as we can." Popp has signed a three‑year contract, and her schedule is already packed with autograph sessions and selfie requests from fans of all ages. The ultimate aim is to return to the Frauen‑Bundesliga, where her talent belongs, but for now she is content to be back where her football journey began. The combination of her legendary status, the surge in fan interest, and the club’s renewed focus on women’s football suggests that Dortmund’s rise through the divisions will be swift and sustainable, with Popp at the forefront of that exciting new chapter.