14 points were enough for the striker to triumph over her ÖFB teammates Sarah Zadrazil and Eileen Campbell (11 each). “It’s the biggest thing I’ve won as an individual so far. I’m really happy,” emphasized Hickelsberger-Füller. She won with the lowest winning score ever. In addition, the decision was more balanced than ever before. No fewer than nine players were voted first by the decision-makers in the election carried out among those responsible for sport at the ten women’s Bundesliga clubs.
Only Zadrazil was mentioned twice. Hickelsberger-Füller, who was sixth in 2019 and fourth in 2020 and had to pause at the end of the season due to a muscle injury that has now healed, only had Christian Lang at the front. “She put in a strong performance abroad and was particularly present in the national team,” said Lang, explaining his choice.
Speed and physical presence
The striker once again won the national double with St. Pölten and then switched to the German Bundesliga. There she scored four times in ten competitive games for the Bundesliga fifth – twice each in the league and cup. “What sets her apart is her speed, that’s a topic that is very noticeable, but also her physical presence, that she never spares herself in a duel and that’s really an added value for us,” praised the previous Hoffenheim coach Gabor Gallai was released on Tuesday, his number 18.
But there is plenty of potential for development. “Especially when it comes to scoring a goal, she can definitely improve and her left foot can still be improved,” said the 43-year-old. Hickelsberger-Füller sees it the same way, citing these two points with “a few construction sites that I can still improve”. It was clear to see in autumn that moving to one of the top European leagues has done her good. Not just because of the games, but also because of the higher quality of training. Especially when it comes to playing with the ball, the transfer “brought her a lot”.
Between feelings of happiness and cruciate ligament rupture
The offensive player made her debut on February 27, 2019 in the ÖFB team in the 4-1 win against Nigeria in the Cyprus Cup. She scored her debut goal months later in a 3-0 win against North Macedonia in the European Championship qualifier on September 3rd. The next milestone followed a little later with a four-pack in the 9-0 win over Kazakhstan on November 12. Speed was already one of her trademarks back then, which is one of the reasons why it was clear that a bright future was in store for her. On September 22, 2020, however, there was a severe setback – a cruciate ligament rupture and associated injuries in the right knee in the 5-0 win in Kazakhstan.
The healing process, like the rehab, did not go according to plan, and the comeback in the A-Team only followed about 17 months later. “I’m happy for Julia that she’s receiving the award this year, especially after her serious injury and her long journey back, it’s a great confirmation of her hard work in rehab and afterwards,” said ÖFB team boss Irene Fuhrmann. Under her, Hickelsberger-Füller is considered a winger.
ÖFB team boss: “Dangerous to score, even with standards”
“Because of her speed, she’s difficult to defend, gives great assists and is a threat herself, even with set pieces. But she is also a very valuable player in the game against the ball thanks to her robustness and commitment,” the 42-year-old Viennese emphasized the advantages of Hickelsberger-Füller. At the European Championships in the summer, there was no goal on the way to the quarter-finals, but there were strong performances.
In autumn, their three-year goalless series ended with the goal in the 1-0 test in Italy. At the end of the year against Slovakia she scored her seventh international goal in the 26th match. “It can go on like this,” said Hickelsberger-Füller. More friendlies will follow in 2023 before the new Nations League starts in autumn.
Before that, the striker, who also enjoys sports such as tennis, skiing and volleyball, celebrates Christmas with her partner in the family circle at home. “There are no real wishes, I’m the type of person who likes to be surprised,” said Hickelsberger-Füller. She lives alone in Germany, but receives regular visits from her “better half”. Otherwise, time is spent with teammates, including ÖFB aces Billa and Katharina Naschenweng.
Away from the field: Training to become a primary school teacher
Even if they can now “live quite well” with their income as a professional, provisions are made for the future. Hickelsberger-Füller has almost completed his training as an elementary school teacher and is currently writing his bachelor’s thesis. “It’s very important to me to finish that,” said the striker. From a sporting point of view, her contract runs until the summer of 2024. After only six months abroad, it is too early to think about the future. There is no clear career plan. “I’m very open, I would say that I can imagine a lot, but the whole package has to fit.”
She, who started with the boys in Neulengbach in 2006 and came to St. Pölten in 2019, definitely wants to get up in the Champions League. “There might be a chance at Hoffenheim, too,” said Hickelsberger-Füller after a “very special, eventful and really nice” year.
