Spotlight on Alexandra Popp for BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2023
Age: 32
Position: Forward
Squads: Wolfsburg & Germany National Team
For years, Alexandra Popp has been a scoring machine in women’s football, but oddly enough, the prestige of being the highest scorer in Germany’s premier league, the Frauen-Bundesliga, didn’t come her way until the last season.
Her professional journey has had its share of bumps and bruises—quite literally—thanks to injuries. Despite this, she made a roaring comeback after a disappointing absence from the 2022 Euro finals. Her Euro performances were so electric, Wolfsburg had no choice but to keep her as their main striker.
Popp’s 16 net-benders were instrumental in Wolfsburg narrowly trailing Bayern Munich by a mere two points at the close of the league season. Not to mention, she hoisted the German Cup with the She-Wolves for a staggering 10th time. Though they were edged out 3-2 by Barcelona in the Champions League finale, Popp didn’t leave the pitch without adding a goal to her tally.
Despite Germany’s unexpectedly early World Cup exit during the group stages, Popp still showcased her patented box wizardry. With four goals in just three games, she came astonishingly close to claiming the Golden Boot, losing by just one goal to Hinata Miyazawa.
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A Heart-to-Heart with Popp
On her Wolfsburg goal record:
“Breaking goal records isn’t my priority. I’m more about team victories, though it’s always a perk to contribute to our wins through my goals.”
On waiting to become top-scorer:
“I never set out to be the league’s top scorer, but I can’t deny that playing regularly as a striker last season felt awesome. The Euro performance definitely fueled that shift.”
Her season highlight:
“The pinnacle for me was reclaiming the German Cup. It felt like embracing my long-lost child.”
Her secret to enduring success:
“That’s a million-dollar question. I’ve grown significantly over the years, especially in my role as captain. It shapes you, matures you, and aids you in navigating different situations on the field.”
Objectives for the current season:
“I’m setting my sights on sweeping all competitions. That includes taking Wolfsburg to the top in all three contests and helping Germany qualify for the Olympics.”
Reflecting on Germany’s World Cup disappointment:
“In team sports, it’s a collective effort. Our early exit was soul-crushing. Whether or not I scored is irrelevant when the team as a whole didn’t deliver.”
Her thoughts on being a role model:
“I find it profoundly gratifying. All I’m doing is playing the sport I adore, and somehow that’s inspiring to others, especially young girls.”
Acclaim from the Pros
Germany’s Manager Martina Voss-Tecklenburg:
“The fact that our top scorer is also our captain speaks volumes. Alexandra is not just a superb player; she’s a quintessential team player.”
Germany’s Midfielder Sara Dabritz:
“Poppi is the cornerstone of our team, both on and off the field. Her vibe and tenacity serve as daily boosts to us all.”
Fun Facts & Achievements
- Trained as a zookeeper, Popp has aspirations to work with animals post-retirement
- Though a Wolfsburg player and a Schalke academy alumna, she’s an avid Borussia Dortmund supporter
- Bagged the title of Germany’s Women’s Footballer of the Year for 2023, her third time but the first since 2016
- Had to sit out the 2013 and 2017 European Championships due to injuries
- Accumulated a total of 12 German Cups
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Alexandra Popp
Who is Alexandra Popp?
Alexandra Popp is a 32-year-old forward who plays for Wolfsburg and the Germany National Team. She’s a prominent figure in women’s football and is known for her clinical goal-scoring abilities and leadership qualities.
Why is Alexandra Popp a contender for the 2023 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year?
Popp has had a stellar season, leading Wolfsburg to finish just two points behind Bayern Munich in the Frauen-Bundesliga. She’s also lifted the German Cup for the 10th time and was instrumental in her team’s Champions League performance. Additionally, despite Germany’s early exit from the World Cup, Popp displayed her trademark skills, scoring four goals in three matches.
What awards has Alexandra Popp won in the past?
She has been named Germany’s Women’s Footballer of the Year for 2023, marking her third such honor but the first since 2016. Additionally, she has won 12 German Cups in total.
What is Alexandra Popp’s role in her teams?
Beyond being a forward, Alexandra Popp serves as a captain for the Germany National Team and is considered a leader both on and off the field.
What does Alexandra Popp think of her own career and achievements?
Popp is team-focused and values collective victories over individual records. However, she does find personal satisfaction in contributing to her team’s success through her goals and leadership.
What are Alexandra Popp’s plans for the future?
She aims to win every competition she’s involved in, both at the club and national level. Popp also expressed a desire to help Germany qualify for the Olympics.
How does Alexandra Popp maintain her performance level?
Popp attributes her enduring success to her maturity and leadership roles, especially as a captain. These responsibilities have helped her navigate various on-field situations and maintain her performance.
What are some interesting facts about Alexandra Popp?
Popp is a trained zookeeper with a hope to work with animals in the future. Despite playing for Wolfsburg and being an alumna of Schalke’s academy, she is actually a Borussia Dortmund fan.
How can I vote for Alexandra Popp for the 2023 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year?
If you’re viewing the article through the BBC News app, you can click a link provided at the end of the article to cast your vote.
More about Alexandra Popp
- BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2023 Official Page
- Alexandra Popp’s Player Profile on Wolfsburg’s Official Site
- Germany National Team Women’s Squad
- Frauen-Bundesliga Official Site
- UEFA Women’s Champions League Final Recap
- 2022 Women’s Euro Final Overview
- Germany Women’s Football Team World Cup Performance
- Borussia Dortmund Official Site
- Animal Welfare and Zookeeping
- Germany Women’s Footballer of the Year Past Winners
10 comments
Popp for the win! Her performance this year was fire. Deserves the BBC award for sure.
I adore her team-first approach. it’s all about the game, not just the fame. A true role model for young girls. And boys too!
Love the detail bout her being a Dortmund fan. It’s like working for Apple but using a Samsung at home. LOL
I think its cool she wants to work with animals in the future. Gives her more dimension than just being a footballer.
Didn’t know she was a zookeeper too. Talented on and off the field, huh. Girl’s got layers.
anyone else think her life story would make an epic sports movie? I’m already hearing the soundtrack in my head.
the link to vote isn’t working. Anyone else having this problem? wanna cast my vote for Popp.
Would be interesting to see some tech analysis of her play style. You know, like player tracking and stuff.
So she missed out on previous Euros due to injury? And now she’s back killin’ it? Talk bout a comeback story.
Whoa, Alexandra Popp’s like a real-life superhero in women’s football. I mean 10 German Cups? That’s insane, man.