Women's football in Germany booming, but still much to do

Women's football in Germany has made strides in recent years, but still has work to do to improve its professional structures Image: Grant Hubbs/STEINSIEK.CH/IMAGO

According to the German Football Association (DFB), investment in women's football by professional clubs has risen by 135% over the past six years. In addition, the number of girls in Germany who play the game has increased by about 30% since 2022.

Celia Sasic , the former Germany striker who has been in charge of diversity and inclusion at the DFB since 2022, has helped bring women's football more into the spotlight in the boardroom.

"We've focused on the issue and established new structures, so that there is now a separate department with its own sports director," the 38-year-old told DW.

"In my view, it's important that there are very clear responsibilities for the development and professionalization of this sport."

"I believe it's important that [women's football] is recognized within the licensed clubs. And it's becoming increasingly recognized, so the framework conditions need to be adjusted," continued Sasic.

"And we're seeing that if we provide the right framework for the game, there's huge growth potential there."

The most-watched football match featuring a German team in 2025 was the Women's European Championship semifinal between Germany and Spain . The match drew around 14.26 million viewers — and a market share of about 57.6%. By comparison, the men's game against Portugal in the Nations League semifinals drew around 10 million viewers.

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