Euro 2025: Germany keeper Ann-Katrin Berger’s journey from cancer to penalty shootout hero

Berger was was first diagnosed with cancer in 2017 while playing for Birmingham City, but she returned to football 76 days later and went on to be named in the Professional Footballers’ Association team of the year.

She then enjoyed an extremely successful spell at Chelsea, winning five Women’s Super League titles before moving to US side Gotham FC last year.

“She is a player who has had extreme experiences,” Wuck said after the game.

“That is a very important character trait. I think her faith and pathway in life has made sure she is patient, and the patience and calmness she brings to the team she proved today.”

Berger, who was named player of the match, said reporters should not focus on her performance.

“All the credit should go to the team and not me. Maybe it was the decisive moment in penalty shootout, but everyone here should talk about the performance of the team because that was amazing and incredible,” she said.

Germany midfielder Sjoeke Nusken said she was always confident they would win on penalties, knowing Berger was between the posts.

“I knew we had Ann-Katrin Berger, so we are very good in this,” she said.

“She is an amazing goalkeeper. She is so calm, she is so clever and I knew she would save penalties. We are very happy she is in our team.”

Germany’s victory was the second quarter-final to be decided by penalties after England beat Sweden in a shootout that lacked quality compared to Germany and France’s display.

“This is two outstanding performances from goalkeepers that we have seen most recently,” said former England keeper Karen Bardsley.

“Hannah Hampton won player of the match against Sweden. Through a slightly biased lens, I am so pleased to see goalkeepers get the credit they deserve.

“I’m not German but I would be so proud to support these girls with the way they played this game out in such difficult circumstances.

“This is a real players’ performance tonight. I’ve been really impressed; Germany showed some real grit.”