Two-time cancer survivor Ann-Katrin Berger delivered an exceptional performance that propelled Germany into the semifinals of Euro 2025. In a quarterfinal match against France on Saturday night, the goalkeeper’s skills shone as she helped secure a dramatic victory in a penalty shootout after a tense 1-1 draw in regular and extra time.
Berger’s display was remarkable, with nine saves during open play, surpassing any goalkeeper’s efforts in a knockout stage match at the European Women’s Championship since 2013, according to the BBC. Her standout moment came in the 102nd minute when she executed an acrobatic save, preventing a potential own goal from teammate Janina Minge. With the match hanging in the balance, Berger leapt backward to claw away Minge’s looping header, keeping Germany’s hopes alive.
The tension peaked in the penalty shootout as Berger made crucial saves that ultimately decided the match. She denied the first penalty from France’s Amel Majri and then saved Alice Sombath‘s attempt, France’s seventh kick, ensuring a 6-5 win for Germany. Overwhelmed with emotion, Berger sank to her knees, arms outstretched, as her teammates rushed to celebrate their hard-fought victory.
This victory carries significant weight for Berger, as it marks a poignant moment in her journey. Three years prior at this very tournament, she learned that her thyroid cancer had returned, following an initial diagnosis in 2017. Despite these challenges, she returned to football within months of her treatments, finding solace in the sport that helped her maintain her mental health. In an interview with Sky Sports in 2022, she expressed, “Football saved my brain and saved my mental health because I had something to hold on to.”
Berger’s visible reminder of her journey is a tattoo on her neck that reads, “All we have is now,” covering scars from her treatment.
The match took an unexpected turn early on when Kathrin Hendrich was sent off in the 13th minute for a foul on Griedge Mbock, leading to a penalty for France. Grace Geyoro converted the spot kick, putting Germany at a disadvantage both in score and personnel. Nonetheless, the team rallied, with Sjoeke Nüsken equalizing in the 25th minute with a header from Klara Bühl‘s corner.
France had two goals disallowed for offside in the first half, and as the game progressed, Nüsken missed a penalty opportunity in the 69th minute, saved by France’s Pauline Peyraud-Magnin. Nevertheless, Berger’s resilience and heroics in goal were pivotal in leading Germany into the semifinals, where they are set to face reigning world champions Spain on Wednesday.
Germany’s journey in Euro 2025 continues to inspire, particularly through the remarkable story of Ann-Katrin Berger, whose determination and skill shine brightly on the international stage.
