Popp pinches herself at start of Dortmund third-tier adventure

DPAFri, Jul 10, 2026·1 min read

Germany's all-time top scorer Alexandra Popp began a very different challenge on Friday when she started pre-season training at third-tier Borussia Dortmund, having been a fan of the men's team since being a small girl.

The 35-year-old - who has retired from internationals with one Olympic gold to her name - completed the session with her new team in front of hundreds of fans.

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She left Wolfsburg at the end of last season after seven German titles and two Champions Leagues. She opted to drop down two divisions so she could be the face of the Dortmund women's project, which only started in 2021. She was born in nearby Witten.

"It is a small dream that has come true. The fact I am suddenly wearing this shirt now still feels a bit surreal," Popp told reporters.

"It is not just something new, it is a childhood dream again. I do not think many people can say they can wear a shirt they already wore as a small child."