The Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga is kicking off its 37th season. How is the fixture list created? Why are the specific kick-off times scheduled only after those of the men's leagues? And what does a typical matchday look like? The DFB answers the key questions regarding the 2026/2027 season—covering everything from fixtures and TV broadcasts to international qualification spots and promotion/relegation.

What are some notable facts and figures for the 37th Bundesliga season?

The Women's Bundesliga enters its 37th season in 2026/2027. With 344 Bundesliga appearances, Svenja Huth of VfL Wolfsburg is the most experienced player in the current lineup. Pernille Harder of FC Bayern Munich holds the record for the most Bundesliga goals among active players, with a tally of 107. There is an age gap of around 20 years between the league's youngest and oldest players: Svenja Hecke of VfB Stuttgart (born August 7, 2010) is 16 years old at the start of the season, while Marina Hegering of 1. FC Köln (born April 17, 1990) is 36. The season also marks a debut for two clubs: VfB Stuttgart and 1. FSV Mainz 05 are competing in the Women's Bundesliga for the first time.

How is the fixture list for the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga created?

The key dates for the season are established in the master schedule. This document outlines when the new season begins, when the final matchday before the winter break takes place, and when the season concludes. It also specifies the dates for the 26 matchdays of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga and the 2. Women's Bundesliga, as well as the rounds of the Women's DFB-Pokal (German Cup) and the Google Pixel Supercup.

Specific kick-off times for Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga matches are scheduled in blocks—usually covering two to four matchdays at a time. The scheduling of the top women's division depends on the fixtures of the other professional leagues in German football: the men's Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, and 3. Liga. Additionally, the schedules for the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) and the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup (UWEC) must be taken into account. International competitions for both women and men are the primary reason why precise match scheduling for national leagues takes place during the season rather than beforehand. Once kick-off times are confirmed, they generally remain unchanged to ensure planning certainty for clubs and fans.

For the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga, matchdays 1 through 26 can be scheduled with precise kick-off times for the entire season prior to the start of the campaign. The standard matchday slot is Sunday at 2:00 p.m., with an alternative option of 11:00 a.m.

Why are precise kick-off times always announced after those of the men's leagues?

Planning for the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga cannot begin until the schedules for the men's Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, and 3. Liga—as well as the fixtures for the UWCL and UWEC—have been released. For instance, clubs such as 1. FC Nürnberg, Hamburger SV, and Union Berlin share their home venues with their men's teams. At many Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga locations, scheduling men's and women's matches on the same day is generally avoided due to organizational and security considerations. Men's competitions, in particular, are heavily influenced by mandatory security requirements imposed by the authorities.

Scheduling also aims to avoid overlapping matches with the men's teams whenever possible. This ensures that fans are not forced to choose between attending or watching—whether at the stadium or on TV—a women's match and a men's match. Precise match scheduling for the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga is determined and published by the DFB—in coordination with the clubs and TV partners—typically five working days after the scheduling of fixtures for the men's Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga (by the DFL) and the 3. Liga (by the DFB).

What specific criteria must be considered when scheduling matches?

Various criteria must be taken into account when scheduling matches: For one, the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga schedule depends on the fixtures of other leagues (the men's Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, and 3. Liga, as well as the UWCL/UWEC). The availability of venues also depends on these factors. Based on this data—and while giving the utmost consideration to requirements and preferences—the schedule is drawn up in close coordination with all stakeholders (the association, clubs, and broadcasters) and published shortly thereafter. The guiding principle for this process is: as quickly as possible, yet as carefully as necessary. The master schedule provides the framework, while the specific matchdays and exact kick-off times are determined throughout the season based on the relevant criteria.

What does a standard matchday look like in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga?

The matchday format enshrined in the media rights agreements forms the basis for the specific scheduling. A standard matchday in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga consists of one match on Friday evening (6:30 PM), two on Saturday (12:00 PM and 2:00 PM), and three on Sunday (2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 6:30 PM). The matchday concludes with a game on Monday (usually starting at 6:00 PM).

Why is there a Monday match in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga?

Since the 2023/2024 season, the Monday match has served as a unique selling point for the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga. This gives the league a fixed, dedicated slot in the weekly live football schedule, designed to boost the league's visibility and media reach. In addition to being broadcast on DAZN and MagentaSport, the match is also shown on free-to-air TV via Sport1. The decision to introduce a Monday match in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga, starting with the 2023/2024 media rights period, was made in consultation with the clubs and the Women's Bundesliga Committee. The clubs were closely involved—alongside relevant DFB departments—in a comprehensive participatory process. The shared goal was to boost visibility through the unique selling point of a Monday fixture and to increase commercial revenues, from which all clubs benefit. This move is also intended to support further professionalization and the alignment of structures, thereby optimizing conditions for the players.

Where can the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga be watched on TV during the 2026/2027 season?

As in the previous year, all Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga matches will be broadcast live on MagentaSport and DAZN. The Monday match will also be shown on free-to-air TV on Sport1. Additionally, ARD and ZDF have acquired the rights to broadcast ten live matches per season on free-to-air television. All providers—with the exception of Sport1—will show highlights of all matches following the matchday.

Will there be "English weeks" (midweek matchdays) in the 2026/2027 season?

Since no major tournament took place in the summer of 2026, allowing the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga to start earlier than in the previous season, there will be no "English weeks" during the 2026/2027 season.

Which teams will compete in the UEFA Women's Champions League and the UEFA Women's Europa Cup during the 2026/2027 season?

According to the UEFA access list, champions FC Bayern Munich have qualified directly for the UEFA Women’s Champions League league phase. Runners-up Wolfsburg must successfully navigate the third qualifying round—playing Inter Milan on August 26 and September 2—to qualify for the league phase.

Eintracht Frankfurt, who finished third last season, have already advanced through the second qualifying round (August 5–8) by defeating Omonia Nicosia and Malmö FF, thereby reaching the third qualifying round, where seven teams (including VfL Wolfsburg) enter the competition automatically. In this round, the "Adlerträgerinnen" (Eagles) will face Paris Saint-Germain (also on August 26 and September 2). The winners of the nine third-round ties qualify for the league phase, while the losers move on to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup.

Which teams qualify for international competition for the 2027/2028 season?

The top three teams qualify for a UEFA international competition. The specific round in which they enter the competition is determined anew for each season based on the UEFA access list.

Which teams are relegated to the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga?

The two bottom-placed teams are relegated from the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga.

Which teams are promoted from the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga?

The two top-placed teams from the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga are promoted to the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga. Reserve teams are not eligible for promotion—unless the club's first team is relegated from the top division. Should a reserve team finish in a promotion spot, the highest-placed eligible team takes that place instead.

Translated article below (original article is in German and should be free to access):

Just days before the start of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga season, VfL Wolfsburg finalized two high-profile attacking signings. Mara Alber and Lara Prasnikar are set to bolster the reigning runners-up in the upcoming campaign. However, the "She-Wolves" aren't the only team with plenty of new faces; DFB provides an overview of all 14 clubs.

U23 national team forward Mara Alber could make her debut for VfL Wolfsburg in Saturday's season opener against 1. FC Nürnberg (kick-off 2:00 PM, live on MagentaSport and DAZN). The 20-year-old attacker has joined the club on a one-year loan from top English side Chelsea FC. Alber moved to London from her long-time club TSG Hoffenheim a year ago and spent the second half of the previous season on loan at SV Werder Bremen to gain match experience.

"VfL Wolfsburg is a major club in women's football that continues to have big ambitions," said Alber. "So, I didn't have to think twice when the opportunity arose to join VfL on loan. I am particularly looking forward to working again with Stephan Lerch, who was my coach at Hoffenheim. My goal is for us to remain in contention in all three competitions for as long as possible."

"Wolfsburg is one of the biggest clubs in Europe"

Lara Prasnikar made her debut for the Wolfsburg women's team as a substitute in the Google Pixel Supercup (a 3–0 loss to double-winners FC Bayern Munich). The 28-year-old forward most recently played in the US professional league for Utah Royals FC. During her previous stints with Bundesliga clubs 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam (2016–2020) and Eintracht Frankfurt (2020–2025), the daughter of former Bundesliga coach Bojan Prasnikar scored 68 goals in 162 matches. She has also earned 94 caps and scored 48 goals for the Slovenian national team.

"It’s a great feeling to be back in the Bundesliga," says Lara Prasnikar. "VfL Wolfsburg is one of the biggest clubs in Europe, so this move means a lot to me. I’m really looking forward to the time ahead."

Also new to Wolfsburg is national team forward Giovanna Hoffmann (27), though she is currently working on her comeback following an ACL tear and subsequent knee surgery. "VfL Wolfsburg has been a major force in European football for years," explains Hoffmann, who joined from league rivals RB Leipzig. "You might not get an opportunity like this twice. That’s why I want to give everything for the club, take responsibility, and lead by example with my goal-scoring threat."

VfL loses Popp and other attacking stars

U23 international Katharina Piljic (22) also joined VfL from Bayer 04 Leverkusen with high ambitions. Despite her young age, the versatile midfielder arrives in Wolfsburg with the experience of 113 Bundesliga matches played for her hometown club SGS Essen and Bayer 04. "I was really pleased about the interest," says Piljic. "Personally, I see ideal conditions in this environment to take the next step in my development. Playing in the Champions League is a childhood dream of mine." Other new signings include Danish forward Cecilie Floe Nielsen (24, Napoli Women), 18-year-old Polish player Weronika Araśniewicz, and defenders Julia Landenberger (22, RB Leipzig) and Lieske Carleer (25, FC Twente Enschede).

However, VfL Wolfsburg also has to compensate for numerous departures. Club legend and record appearance-holder Alexandra Popp (35) returned to her native Westphalia after 14 successful years; she will now be scoring goals for the club closest to her heart, Borussia Dortmund, in the Women's Regionalliga West. At the ambitious BVB, she joins other former Bundesliga players, including Jacqueline Meißner, Lena Ostermeier, and Ramona Maier (all from SGS Essen), as well as Ricarda Walkling and Lara Schmidt (both from SV Werder Bremen).

In addition to Popp, two other outstanding attacking players left the club: national team player Vivien Endemann (Liverpool FC) and former top scorer Lineth Beerensteyn (Real Madrid). Full-back Janou Levels is also now wearing the Real Madrid jersey, while Caitlin Dijkstra (Tottenham Hotspur) and Justine Kielland (Aston Villa) have moved to England.

Hendrich and Hegering reunited

1. FC Köln also caused quite a stir by signing national team player Kathrin Hendrich from Chicago Stars FC in the USA. The 34-year-old defender has already played 91 matches for the German women's national team; her honors include being a European Championship runner-up (England 2022) and an Olympic bronze medalist (Paris 2024), as well as winning the Champions League once, the German league title once, and the DFB-Pokal four times. In Cologne, Hendrich—who has already played over 300 Bundesliga matches (for Bayer 04 Leverkusen, the former 1. FFC Frankfurt, FC Bayern Munich, and VfL Wolfsburg)—can once again play in defense alongside her long-time DFB teammate Marina Hegering.

"I’m really excited. I can’t wait to play for 1. FC Köln," said Hendrich. "My first impression is very positive, and there were so many reasons to choose FC. FC is a great club; I’ve followed the team's development and saw that they just played the best season in the club's history. My new squad has a nice mix of experienced players and young talent, while also possessing plenty of potential for success."

Her first competitive match takes her straight back to a former stomping ground: on Saturday (starting at 12:00 PM, live on MagentaSport and DAZN), 1. FC Köln will play away at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Union Berlin signs Gräwe

Meanwhile, within Germany's top flight, midfielder Lisanne Gräwe has transferred from Eintracht Frankfurt to 1. FC Union Berlin. The 23-year-old played for the Hessian club for three years, making at least 20 appearances per season in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga. In the capital, she will reunite with several former Frankfurt teammates, including Anna Aehling, Cara Bösl, Tanja Pawollek, and Tomke Schneider.

"I already know a few players in the Union squad who had nothing but positive things to say about the club's environment and ambitions," said Lisanne Gräwe. "I am delighted to be part of it myself starting now, and I want to take the next step in my development with Union."

Veit also arrives at the Alte Försterei

Center-back Jella Veit (21) also made the move from Frankfurt to Berlin-Köpenick after deciding not to extend her expiring contract. The defender made her debut for the German women's national team as a substitute in a 4–0 win in Norway in early March; she was recently named as a standby player and was part of the U23 national team squad. In total, the 2022 U17 European champion has played no fewer than 58 youth international matches for Germany. She received the gold Fritz Walter Medal in 2022 for her outstanding performances.

Other new signings for the "Iron Ones" include Belgian wide player Jill Janssens (formerly of TSG Hoffenheim) and Swiss international Leela Egli (SC Freiburg). They will play the official opening match against FC Bayern Munich with their new club on Friday (starting at 6:20 PM, live on ZDF, MagentaSport, and DAZN).

Top scorer joins Eintracht

In addition to Lisanne Gräwe and Jella Veit, four other key players left Eintracht Frankfurt: German internationals Elisa Senß (to Real Madrid) and Nicole Anyomi (London City Lionesses), as well as Swiss players Geraldine Reuteler (Arsenal) and Nadine Riesen (West Ham United). However, the team—which finished third in the league and is competing in the UEFA Women's Champions League qualifiers—also made some significant statements regarding new signings.

International player Larissa Mühlhaus (23), the current top scorer of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga, arrived in Frankfurt from SV Werder Bremen. With 17... With her goal tally, the Hamburg native secured the top scorer award—an honor she had already claimed in the 2023/24 season while playing for HSV in the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga, where she scored 20 goals. She has signed a contract with Eintracht running until June 30, 2029.

"I am very happy to be joining Eintracht Frankfurt this summer," says Larissa Mühlhaus. "It was clear to me that I wanted to take the next step after this season. Eintracht offers the ideal environment for that and is a club that consistently competes at the top level. I want to develop step by step, deliver strong performances, and play my part in helping us improve further and win titles in the future."

Krumbiegel arrives from Turin

Paulina Krumbiegel (25), who has earned eleven caps for the national team, is now also wearing the Eintracht jersey. The versatile wide player has returned to the Women's Bundesliga from the top Italian club Juventus Turin; she previously played in the league for TSG Hoffenheim.

"Paulina brings a profile that is extremely exciting for us," emphasizes Frankfurt's sporting director and former national team player Babett Peter. "As a person, she is very driven and ambitious, and hungry for success. As a player, she is dynamic, technically gifted, and versatile enough to play both defensively and offensively on the flanks. Furthermore, Paulina has recently played at the top international level and won titles with Juventus Turin. We are convinced that her skills and experience will immediately benefit our team, while she also brings further potential for development."

Simon returns to Leverkusen

There have also been numerous squad changes at Bayer 04 Leverkusen. While captain and goalkeeper Friederike Repohl (retired), Kristin Kögel (RC Strasbourg), and U23 national team player Julia Mickenhagen (joining newly promoted VfB Stuttgart)—among others, alongside Katharina Pilic—are no longer available, the club has signed several highly experienced players. These include long-time national team defender Carolin Simon (33), who returned to the Rhineland from double-winners FC Bayern Munich; attacking players Marlene Müller (RB Leipzig) and Maja Sternad (SV Werder Bremen); midfielders Natasha Kowalski and Paulina Platner (both SGS Essen); and youth international Emily Wallrabenstein (Eintracht Frankfurt II). Bayer 04 also looked abroad, recruiting Justine Brandau (Feyenoord Rotterdam) and Lobke Loonen (FC Utrecht) from the Netherlands, Lumbardha Misini (Servette FCCF) from Switzerland, and Paulina Tomasiak (Gornik Leczna) from Poland. SV Werder Bremen has also undergone a major squad overhaul, having to compensate for the departure of twelve players. A trio from relegated FC Carl Zeiss Jena has been brought in to help fill the gaps: defender Felicia Sträßer (18), Swiss midfielder Elena Mühlemann (23), and forward Isabella Jaron (24) are now wearing the green-and-white Werder jersey. Austrian international Lilli Purtscheller (23) arrived from SGS Essen; although she missed almost the entire previous season due to injury, she had previously been a key performer for the team.

SC Freiburg faced a particular need to take action regarding the goalkeeper position due to the pregnancy of first-choice keeper Laura Benkarth and the departure of Rebecca Adamczyk (to 1. FC Nürnberg). Two new goalkeepers joined the club: Lina von Schrader (22) from RB Leipzig and Swiss player Lorena Barth (19) from FC Aarau. Additionally, Anna Reimann (17) was promoted from the club's youth academy. Another Swiss player, forward Amira Arfaoui (26), is a new arrival in Freiburg, while her compatriot Svenja Fölmli (23) joined TSG Hoffenheim. There, she is expected to help replace international striker Selina Cerci (who moved to Arsenal)—alongside players such as 19-year-old Norwegian Martine Fenger, who arrived from Champions League winners FC Barcelona.

Plenty of experience for VfB

Following three consecutive promotions—taking them from the Oberliga Baden-Württemberg all the way to the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga—VfB Stuttgart is signing further players who have already gained valuable experience in Germany's top flight. Among them is Chantal Hagel, a 13-time international who most recently played for Sevilla FC in Spain. The 28-year-old midfielder has previously played in the Bundesliga for TSG Hoffenheim and VfL Wolfsburg, winning the DFB-Pokal with the "She-Wolves" in 2024. "I am delighted and proud to be wearing the VfB jersey in the future," says Chantal Hagel. "It has been a big dream of mine since childhood to play for the club in the Bundesliga. When the opportunity arose, I didn't have to think twice. I want to use my experience to help us establish ourselves in the Bundesliga. I will give my all to achieve that."

Also joining the Stuttgart squad are center-back Greta Stegemann (25, formerly SC Freiburg), defender Julia Mickenhagen (21, Bayer 04 Leverkusen), midfielder Adriana Achcinska (24, 1. FC Köln), forward Verena Wieder (26, SV Werder Bremen), and U19 international Luzie Zähringer (18), who has been signed on loan from FC Bayern Munich.

At the German double-winning club itself, personnel changes have been limited, although one undisputed key player—English double European champion and World Cup runner-up Georgia Stanway (27)—has decided to move to a new club (Arsenal FC). New signings include Sarah Mattner (23, SKN St. Pölten/Austria), Kassandra Potsi (18, SGS Essen), and Sophie Proost arrives from FC Twente Enschede. Dutch player Regina van Eijk (24), from Ajax Amsterdam, is set to fill the gap left by goalkeeper Mala Grohs following her move to French champions OL Lyon.

1. FC Union Berlin

Coach: Marie-Louise Eta, born July 7, 1991 (formerly men's head coach / since July 1, 2026), replacing Ailien Poese (junior women's head coach)

Arrivals: Leela Egli (SC Freiburg), Lisanne Gräwe, Jella Veit (both Eintracht Frankfurt), Jill Janssens (TSG Hoffenheim), Sherley Schulz, Leona Seifert (both from the club's own second team), Nelly Smolarczyk (VfL Wolfsburg)

Departures: Alma Aagaard (SKN St. Pölten/Austria), Marina Georgieva (1. FSV Mainz 05), Julia Kassen (SGS Essen), Leonie Köster (BSC Young Boys/Switzerland), Athanasia Moraitou (FC Luzern/Switzerland), Fatma Sakar (Fenerbahce SK/Turkey), Celine Frank, Jenny Hipp (both destination unknown)

SV Werder Bremen

Coach: Friederike Kromp, born January 2, 1985 (incumbent / since July 1, 2025)

Arrivals: Elena Dhont (Sassuolo Calcio/Italy), Thea Farwick (SV Meppen), Marie Gmeineder (FC Bayern Munich), Isabella Jaron, Elena Mühlemann, Felicia Sträßer (all FC Carl Zeiss Jena), Julia Magerl (RB Leipzig), Mei Shimada (Urawa Red Ladies/Japan), Lilli Purtscheller (SGS Essen), Luna Vanzeir (RSC Anderlecht/Belgium), Wiktoria Zieniewicz (FC Basel/Switzerland)

Departures: Amira Arfaoui (SC Freiburg), Michaela Brandenburg (retired), Amira Dahl (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Saskia Matheis (1. FSV Mainz 05), Larissa Mühlhaus (Eintracht Frankfurt), Hanna Németh (Newcastle United/England), Lara Schmidt, Ricarda Walkling (both Borussia Dortmund), Maja Sternad (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Rieke Dieckmann (Racing Power FC/Portugal), Sharon Beck, Melina Kunkel (both: destination unknown)

Eintracht Frankfurt

Coach: Niko Arnautis, born April 1, 1980 (incumbent/since October 14, 2022)

Arrivals: Hanna Bennison (Real Madrid/Spain), Katharina Jeppe (TSV Jahn Calden), Paulina Krumbiegel (Juventus Turin/Italy), Sofie Lundgaard (Liverpool FC/England), Larissa Mühlhaus (SV Werder Bremen), Jamilla Rankin (TSG Hoffenheim), Danique Tolhoek (Ajax Amsterdam/Netherlands)

Departures: Ilayda Acikgöz (SC Freiburg), Nicole Anyomi (London City Lionesses/England), Remina Chiba (Juventus Turin/Italy), Lisanne Gräwe, Jella Veit (both: 1. FC Union Berlin), Geraldine Reuteler (Arsenal FC/England), Nadine Riesen (West Ham United/England), Pernille Sanvig (BK Häcken FF/Sweden), Elisa Senß (Real Madrid/Spain), Eleni Markou (destination unknown)

SC Freiburg

Coach: Marco Konrad, born October 18, 1974 (previously assistant coach for SpVgg Greuther Fürth men's team/since July 1, 2026), replacing Edmond Kapllani

Arrivals: Ilayda Acikgöz (Eintracht Frankfurt), Amira Arfaoui (SV Werder Bremen), Lorena Barth (FC Aarau/Switzerland), Carina Brunold (SKN St. Pölten/Austria), Johanna Hebben, Zoe Schick, Weena Simmen (all: club's own U20s), Emma Memminger (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Anna Reimann (club's own U17s), Sabah Seghir, Jana Vojteková (both: FC Basel/Switzerland), Borbala Vincze (FC Zürich/Switzerland), Lina von Schrader (RB Leipzig)

Departures: Rebecca Adamczyk (1. FC Nürnberg), Sarah-Lisa Dübel (SK Sturm Graz/Austria), Leela Egli (1. FC Union Berlin), Svenja Fölmli (TSG Hoffenheim), Ally Gudorf (retired), Sophie Nachtigall (1. FC Köln), Greta Stegemann (VfB Stuttgart)

Hamburger SV

Coach: Rodolfo Cardoso, born October 17, 1968 (incumbent/since April 13, 2026)

Arrivals: Jule Baum (SC Sand), Paulina Bartz (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Nikola Karczewska (Lazio Rome/Italy), Sylwia Matysik (1. FC Köln), Leila Peneau (SKN St. Pölten/Austria), Andrea Svibkova (LASK/Austria), Celainy Obispo (Feyenoord Rotterdam/Netherlands), Kinga Szemik (West Ham United/England)

Departures: Mia Büchele (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Tarah Burmann (club's own U21s), Michaela Croatto (taking a break), Jobina Lahr, Lea Paulick (both retired), Emilia Hirche (SC Braga/Portugal), Vildan Kardesler (SC Sand), Christin Meyer (FC Viktoria 1889 Berlin), Maria Mikolajova (Slavia Prague/Czech Republic), Sophie Profe (FC Rapperswil-Jona/Switzerland), Inga Schuldt (1. FC Köln), Annalena Wucher (SKN St. Pölten/Austria), Almudena Sierra (destination unknown)

TSG Hoffenheim

Coach: Eva-Maria Virsinger, born January 13, 1995 (incumbent/since January 5, 2026)

Arrivals: Romy Bräutigam, Milena Röder, Svenja Vöhringer (all club's own U20s), Martine Fenger, Laia Martret (both FC Barcelona/Spain), Svenja Fölmli (SC Freiburg), Lisa Lichtfus (Le Havre AC/France), Ilse Kemper (PEC Zwolle/Netherlands), Jonna van de Velde (Ajax Amsterdam/Netherlands)

Departures: Emilie Byrnak (RC Strasbourg/France), Selina Cerci (Arsenal FC/England), Dominika Grabowska (Legia Warsaw/Poland), Jill Janssens (1. FC Union Berlin), Sophie Lindner, Nikée van Dijk (both RB Leipzig), Jamilla Rankin (Eintracht Frankfurt), Juliane Schmid (1. FFC Turbine Potsdam), Napsugár Sinka (FC Carl Zeiss Jena)

1. FC Köln

Coach: Britta Carlson, born March 3, 1978 (incumbent/since January 2, 2025)

Arrivals: Laureta Elmazi, Beke Sterner (both SGS Essen), Sædís Rún Heiðarsdóttir (Vålerenga Oslo/Norway), Kathrin Hendrich (Chicago Stars FC/USA), Alina Kerschbaumer (First Vienna FC 1894/Austria), Sophie Nachtigall (SC Freiburg), Pauline Nelles (Arizona State Sun Devils/USA), Jil Schäfer (internal U20 squad), Inga Schuldt (Hamburger SV), Elise Stenevik (Everton FC/England)

Departures: Adriana Achcińska (VfB Stuttgart), Sara Agrež (Liverpool FC/England), Amélie Delabre (Club Brugge/Belgium), Sylwia Matysik (Hamburger SV), Ella Touon (Ajax Amsterdam/Netherlands), Martyna Wiankowska (Como 1907/Italy), Aurora Mikalsen (destination unknown)

RB Leipzig

Coach: Jonas Stephan, born January 2, 1992 (incumbent/since July 1, 2024)

Arrivals: Marie Kleemann (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Sophie Lindner, Nikée van Dijk (both TSG Hoffenheim), Jasmien Mathys (KAA Gent/Belgium), Zenia Mertens, Linde Veefkind (both OH Leuven/Belgium), Sára Pusztai (OH Leuven/Belgium), Charlotte Hulst, Alieke Tuin (both FC Twente Enschede/Netherlands), Emanuela Pfister (GC Zürich/Switzerland), Therese Simonsson (Servette Chênois/Switzerland), Aude Waldbillig (RSC Anderlecht/Belgium)

Departures: Lisa Baum (Arsenal FC/England), Gina Chmielinski (Parma Calcio/Italy), Luca Graf (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Rucy Grunenberg (FC St. Gallen/Switzerland), Giovanna Hoffmann, Julia Landenberger (both VfL Wolfsburg), Mai Kadowaki (RB Omiya Ardija/Japan), Victoria Krug (FC Nantes/France), Julia Magerl (SV Werder Bremen), Marlene Müller (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Persis Oteng (PEC Zwolle/Netherlands), Maja Spilenberg (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Kyra Spitzner (SGS Essen), Lina von Schrader (SC Freiburg)

Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Coach: Roberto Pätzold, born July 18, 1979 (incumbent/since July 1, 2024)

New signings: Justine Brandau (Feyenoord Rotterdam/Netherlands), Sana Coskun (internal U20), Natasha Kowalski, Paulina Platner (both SGS Essen), Lobke Loonen (FC Utrecht/Netherlands), Lumbardha Misini (Servette FCCF/Switzerland), Marlene Müller (RB Leipzig), Carolin Simon (FC Bayern Munich), Maja Sternad (SV Werder Bremen), Paulina Tomasiak (Gornik Leczna/Poland), Emily Wallrabenstein (Eintracht Frankfurt II)

Departures: Paulina Bartz (Hamburger SV), Ida Daedelow, Anne Moll (both VfL Bochum), Kristin Kögel (RC Strasbourg/France), Julia Mickenhagen (VfB Stuttgart), Katharina Piljic (VfL Wolfsburg), Friederike Repohl (retired), Paula Schwartze (internal U23), Juliette Vidal (Deportivo Alaves/Spain), Vanessa Haim, Shen Menglu (both destination unknown)

1. FSV Mainz 05

Coach: Takashi Yamashita, born Dec. 22, 1984 (incumbent/since July 1, 2025)

Arrivals: Mara Bukowski, Christine Kilian (both from club's own U20s), Gentiana Fetaj (FC Luzern/Switzerland), Paula Flach (SGS Essen), Marina Georgieva (1. FC Union Berlin), Nicola Hauk (UMF Tindastóll/Iceland), Sabina Jackson (FC Basel/Switzerland), Lara Martin, Leonie Stöhr (both 1. FC Saarbrücken), Saskia Matheis (SV Werder Bremen), Laura Pawlowski (SV Hegnach), Ivana Slipčević, Rio Takizawa (both SC Sand), Mattson Strickler (Queens University/Canada)

Departures: Tal Faingezicht (Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem/Israel), Yuuka Fukuhara (SV 07 Elversberg), Tamar Goren (1. FFC Turbine Potsdam), Lisa Gürtler, Heidrun Sigurdardottir (both Kickers Offenbach), Sarah Khalifa (Palm Hills Sports Club/Egypt), Jana Löber, Laura Schmahl (both club's own U23s), Jana Meierfrankenfeld (retired), Ann-Christin Schäfer, Jule Stendebach (both TuS Wörrstadt), Miriam Sterrer (LASK/Austria), Maren Michelchen (destination unknown)

FC Bayern Munich

Coach: José Barcala, born Sept. 28, 1981 (incumbent/since July 1, 2025)

Arrivals: Sarah Mattner (SKN St. Pölten/Austria), Kassandra Potsi (SGS Essen), Sophie Proost (FC Twente Enschede/Netherlands), Regina van Eijk (Ajax Amsterdam/Netherlands)

Departures: Mala Grohs (OL Lyonnes/France), Carolin Simon (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Georgia Stanway (Arsenal FC/England), Natalia Padilla Bidas (CD Tenerife/Spain)

1. FC Nürnberg

Coach: Omar Adlani, born August 27, 1991 (previously FC Basel, Switzerland / since July 1, 2026), replacing Thomas Oostendorp

Arrivals: Rebecca Adamczyk (SC Freiburg), Keira Bednorz (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Marie Bleil (SV Meppen), Charline Coutel (OL Lyonnes/France), Louna Lapassouse (Toulouse FC/France), Alexandra Lobanova (Djurgårdens IF Fotboll/Sweden), Mia Richter (SK Sturm Graz/Austria)

Departures: Beatrix Fördös (Lazio Rome/Italy), Luisa Guttenberger (RC Strasbourg/France), Alina Mailbeck (retired), Aneta Polaskova (FC Viktoria 1889 Berlin), Klara Svensson Senelius (FC Rosengard/Sweden), Abigail Chaves (destination unknown)

VfB Stuttgart

Coach: Nico Schneck, born October 6, 1987 (incumbent / since March 26, 2026)

Arrivals: Adriana Achcinska (1. FC Köln), Mira Arouna (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Laura Carollo, Svenja Hecke (both from own U17s), Laura Giuliani (AC Milan/Italy), Chantal Hagel (Sevilla FC/Spain), Julia Mickenhagen (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Katana Norman (SoCal FC/USA), Greta Stegemann (SC Freiburg), Verena Wieder (SV Werder Bremen), Luzie Zähringer (FC Bayern Munich)

Departures: Emma Babic (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Charlotte Blümel (SC Sand), Gillian Castor, Joy Castor, Leonie Kopp, Anja Selensky (all to own second team), Meike Meßmer, Jana Spengler (both retired), Celine Philipp (SV Eutingen), Pia Hein, Laureta Temaj (both destination unknown)

VfL Wolfsburg

Coach: Stephan Lerch, born August 10, 1984 (incumbent / since July 1, 2025)

Arrivals: Mara Alber (Chelsea FC/England), Weronika Arasniewicz (FC Barcelona/Spain), Lou Bogaert (Paris FC/France), Lieske Carleer (FC Twente Enschede/Netherlands), Ylvi Eisenbeiß (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Cecilie Floe Nielsen (Napoli Women/Italy), Giovanna Hoffmann, Julia Landenberger (both RB Leipzig), Katharina Piljic (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Lara Prasnikar (Utah Royals FC/USA)

Departures: Lineth Beerensteyn, Janou Levels (both Real Madrid/Spain), Guro Bergsvand (ACF Fiorentina/Italy), Karla Brinkmann (SGS Essen), Emma Broddheimer (FC Carl Zeiss Jena), Caitlin Dijkstra (Tottenham Hotspur/England), Vivien Endemann (Liverpool FC/England), Justine Kielland (Aston Villa/England), Luca Papp (US Sassuolo/Italy), Alexandra Popp (Borussia Dortmund), Nelly Smolarczyk (1. FC Union Berlin), Sharn Freier (destination unknown)

As of: August 18, 2026

Stay safe out there, my fellow trans brothers and sisters. 🫂

🇩🇪 Originalartikel in deutscher Sprache: https://web.de/magazine/sport/fussball/totalkatastrophe-dopingexperte-spricht-freigang-42626862

Updated on August 19, 2026, 5:22 PM

The DFB Control Committee has been investigating Laura Freigang since early June. In this interview, doping expert Prof. Dr. Fritz Sörgel explains what the national team player might face, what this would mean for her daily life, and what lessons athletes should draw from the situation.

https://preview.redd.it/wcwwghhb0dkh1.png?width=2146&format=png&auto=webp&s=d651a84af2ced2e2f59444068905899ac75da596

An interview

by Andreas Reiners

Three tests within twelve months where doping control officers failed to find Laura Freigang at her registered location: the DFB Control Committee has been reviewing the case since early June, yet no outcome has been reached. The 28-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt captain continues to play—scoring goals in Champions League qualifiers—while she waits.

Sörgel is intimately familiar with comparable cases from recent years. Speaking to our editorial team, he explains what the Control Committee is looking for during this period, why a ban would have severe consequences for a female footballer, and just how strict the reporting requirements actually are. The case of Owen Ansah is also discussed.

Mr. Sörgel, how serious is a missed doping test?

Prof. Dr. Fritz Sörgel: A single missed test isn't a catastrophe in itself. Nor is a second one. But the third one immediately leads to total disaster. It must be clearly stated, however, that there is a dramatic difference between a missed test and a refusal to be tested. A refusal immediately carries the threat of a four-year ban—as NADA is seeking in the case of Owen Ansah. With three missed tests, a solid line of defense usually results in a two-year ban. A one-year penalty is almost never handed down; sometimes athletes end up with a term somewhere between one and two years. But for a ban of less than two years, there really have to be exceptional circumstances working in the athlete's favor.

When exactly is a test considered missed?

When the athlete isn't present during their designated one-hour window. They declare: "I will be at this specific address in Hamburg from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m." If they aren't there when the time comes, it counts as a missed test. Period.

As a national team player, Laura Freigang is part of the Registered Testing Pool, which is subject to the strictest reporting requirements. How tight is this system?

Very tight. The pool applies to all athletes of international significance. Football is a kind of religion in this country anyway—the most important sport—so national team players are naturally included. The same applies to the first and second divisions (Bundesliga), for both women and men. The logic behind this is simple: the higher the level of performance, the greater the suspicion that things might not be entirely above board. There is no room for debate; the testing is carried out rigorously.

Do you consider the system fair?

Three missed tests is the limit. If you ask how many chances people should be given after breaking rules in some way, you often arrive at that number across many areas of life. But certainly no more than that. Four missed tests in twelve months would mean one every three months, on average. You could also argue: after the first test, she should have been careful. Even more so after the second. And then it happens a third time—in the case of a professional athlete whose job and income depend on being allowed to play. That raises the question: how does this happen?

Freigang speaks of discrepancies and misunderstandings regarding her missed tests. According to a report by *Bild*, the issue centers primarily on the third missed test. She was reportedly at her parents' home on February 23 but had listed her own apartment as her location. She wasn't found there, but she subsequently drove to the location and provided a negative sample. Furthermore, she had a match against SC Freiburg that day. This raises the question of whether a private test should have taken place at all. It all sounds very complicated.

There is a lot of speculation right now because there is little official information. It is obvious that the situation is not easy for outsiders to grasp. We are talking about a highly professional footballer here. Of course, things like this can happen. But then you have to face the consequences. Admittedly, it is tough when you have a job with a busy schedule and have to specify a one-hour window each day when you will be at a particular location. But she can change that on short notice. Ultimately, an incorrect entry would count as a so-called "filing failure," and that would be penalized just like a missed test. WADA emphasizes this very clearly.

When can she hope for an acquittal?

For starters, the penalty being cited is two years. In the event of a total failure of communication with the reporting system—or errors within it—a one-year ban could be considered. Such a penalty has practically never been imposed for missed tests or filing failures in the past. If it could be proven that the fault lay entirely outside her control, the missed test would be disregarded, meaning she would not be banned. However, such an exoneration would be so unusual that NADA or WADA would immediately file an appeal. The case would then end up before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The DFB Control Committee has been investigating since early June. The DFB points to the extensive factual background and complex medical and legal issues involved, emphasizing that thoroughness takes precedence over speed. Do you see it that way too?

It has been two months now. After this amount of time, NADA would have the right to step in and say: "Enough is enough; we haven't found any discrepancy that calls the test into question, so the case is going to the Court of Arbitration for Sport." That would be an interesting question to put to NADA—why they aren't actually doing that. And one could ask the DFB why it is taking so long. There is a fear that the Control Committee might drag this out until the beginning of next year. Frankly, I don't understand why. After all, the case isn't *that* complicated.

What exactly is the Control Committee looking for?

They are examining what actually happened regarding the third missed test. They are looking at instances where penalties were reduced in comparable cases. And they may well be scrutinizing the system itself for errors. Whether that actually counts for anything is a completely different question. In any case, it remains astonishing that a national team player, just a year before the World Cup, would take the risk of incurring a third "strike" due to negligence. Don't you make a calendar entry for something like that? With two strikes, you are teetering on the edge of disaster.

Are there any precedents that can serve as a guide?

The most interesting case is that of Salwa Eid Naser, the 2019 world champion in the 400 meters. She actually missed four tests—meaning she was not present at the location she had specified. The situation was then resolved through a clever maneuver involving shifting the observation period; after all, the three missed tests must occur within a twelve-month span. One test was declared invalid, and she initially escaped punishment—until WADA intervened, took the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and she was handed a two-year ban.

What does this mean for the DFB?

The rule is: If the DFB hands down a ban of less than two years, the case will almost certainly end up before the CAS. And then all the documents the DFB has submitted will be on the table there. If those documents reveal a desperate attempt to argue away a test result, one’s chances at the CAS are poor. So, the DFB should be very careful and not overestimate its position.

Regardless of the outcome: As an expert, do you shake your head in disbelief when something like this happens?

Yes, it makes you shake your head. But I don't know Ms. Freigang well enough to speculate whether it was negligence or intentional. No one can really judge that at the moment. Two factors come into play here: the ban itself and the fact that she is getting older during this time and will likely need a long period to reintegrate. Especially if it turns out to be a two-year ban, that would be extremely serious for a female footballer in her prime.

What would a ban mean for Freigang in practical terms?

Under such a sanction, she wouldn't even be allowed to enter the club grounds or train with the team. She couldn't play for a local league club in Frankfurt, either—not even on a standard football pitch. It is a harsh punishment; there is no other way to put it. What does that mean? Just look at injured players and how long it takes them to get back to form, even after the injury has healed. She won't have completely forgotten how to play football after two years, but following a two-year ban, it will take time before she is ready to compete at the top level again.

How does a person cope with a situation like this?

Freigang has been performing well recently. Clearly, she is able to focus despite this looming punishment—much like the track athlete Ansah. But elite athletes are a special breed. They can often block that out while on the field—it’s something they’ve learned; sports psychology plays a major role in all disciplines these days. What happens in the evening before they fall asleep is another matter. They would be unusual people if they didn't think about it at all. A strong suspicion of doping lies behind three missed tests, just as it does behind a refused test. Without that near-certain assumption, such bans couldn't be imposed in the first place.

There is no suspicion of doping against Freigang; all parties emphasize that. Does the suspicion arise automatically anyway?

The test she submitted later reportedly came back negative. Nevertheless, athletes are generally viewed with suspicion; while WADA has made mistakes over the years, it is experienced in evaluating excuses. It turns out that, in retrospect, the sanctions in many controversial cases were not entirely unjustified.

How do you think it will turn out?

Let’s assume WADA takes the case to the CAS. Then it really comes down to how Freigang and the DFB present their case before the CAS. Given NADA’s statement that everything was in order regarding the three tests, the CAS will ask why the case is even there. It will result in a two-year ban if the DFB overplays its hand, or a few months less if there are genuinely strong, valid arguments. But there is no way Ms. Freigang will get away with just a one-year ban. There are numerous examples of two-year bans and practically no exceptional cases resulting in a one-year ban. Internationally, a reduction is generally only accepted if it comes from the CAS—which is viewed as a neutral institution. If a German body makes that decision unilaterally, it faces challenges. And then it’s possible that a two-year ban stands in the end.

What about the Owen Ansah case?

In Owen Ansah’s case, it involves an allegedly refused test. He won gold and bronze at the European Championships.

How do you think that case will end?

His case is basically clear-cut. Refusing a test generally carries a standard four-year ban.

He was under time pressure because he had to catch his flight. Isn't that still negligent?

He might genuinely not have realized the situation at that moment. And I believe that is precisely what will be the decisive point in the hearing: Did the doping control officer explicitly warn him that he faced this penalty if he left then? Ansah has emphasized that the officer wished him good luck. If that is true, it speaks volumes about the atmosphere during that conversation. I’ve never witnessed such a procedure myself; perhaps things are always kept casual—after all, you don’t want to make the athlete nervous. But for Ansah, "good luck" could have been interpreted to mean: "What you’re doing is fine." He was allowed to compete at that time; he hadn't been sanctioned. He still hasn't been. So, wishing someone good luck is acceptable in that context.

Is an acquittal conceivable?

I am very curious about this hearing, as it will reveal what information was exchanged—both verbally and in writing—between Ansah and the doping control officer, and what arguments he presents in his defense. There is speculation circulating as to whether any crucial documents were signed. It is unlikely that the sanction will be less than two years. That would be a bitter outcome—a harsh penalty to face at the peak of his athletic career.

Is there anything else of note regarding the Ansah and Freigang cases?

There is one important piece of information missing from the *Bild* report: how much time elapsed between the missed test and the subsequent test? This could be significant for the Ansah case as well. If Freigang was tested after a considerable delay, then Mr. Ansah is entitled to ask why there was no time to test him at the airport.