Former Germany women's star Popp signs with Borussia Dortmund

Alexandra Popp, former star of the Germany women's team, revealed on Saturday that she plans to transfer to Borussia Dortmund this summer, bringing an end to her 14-year association with Wolfsburg in the women's Bundesliga.

Regarded as one of Germany's most recognised sports figures after retiring from international football in October 2024, Popp, a devoted fan of Dortmund since childhood, expressed her aim to assist the third-division club in reaching the premier league.

"My heart beats for this club," the 34-year-old striker Popp commented in her statement confirming the three-year agreement.

"I'm slowly approaching the end of my career and I need to listen to my body, but I didn't want to miss the chance to play in a Dortmund jersey."

Awarded German Footballer of the Year on three occasions and winner of gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Popp appeared before the 82,000-strong crowd at Westfalenstadion shortly before the men's team secured a 2-0 Bundesliga victory over Augsburg on Saturday.

"I'm standing here and I get to wear black and yellow. There's nothing greater," Popp declared to enthusiastic applause broadcast through the stadium's public address system.

In her early years, Popp stood as the only girl enrolled at a specialised football academy in Gelsenkirchen, the city that hosts Dortmund's longstanding adversaries Schalke.

She launched her professional career with Duisburg prior to transferring to Wolfsburg, where she claimed 20 titles comprising two Champions League victories, seven league championships, and 11 German Cup successes.

For Germany, she tallied 67 goals.

Launched in 2020, the Dortmund women's team occupies the second position within the third division.