Dortmund, Germany – In a move that has sent ripples through the Frauen-Bundesliga, German national team captain Alexandra Popp is leaving VfL Wolfsburg to join Borussia Dortmund, effective this summer. The 34-year-old striker confirmed the transfer on Saturday, making a surprise appearance at Borussia Dortmund’s men’s match against FC Augsburg to announce her arrival and share a celebratory “La Ola” with the enthusiastic fans.
“Now I’m here and I get to wear black and yellow. There’s nothing bigger,” Popp told supporters, visibly moved by the reception. The move comes after Popp announced her departure from Wolfsburg via an Instagram video and subsequently signed a contract with BVB that runs through June 2029. “My heart beats for this club. I’m slowly heading towards the end of my career and I also have to listen to my body. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to run out onto the pitch in a BVB jersey,” she explained.
Popp’s departure marks the end of a hugely successful 14-year chapter with Wolfsburg. In her farewell video, the veteran forward paused frequently, overcome with emotion as she reflected on her time with the club. Joining Wolfsburg from FCR Duisburg in 2008, Popp amassed an impressive 20 titles with the “Wolves,” including seven German championships, eleven DFB-Pokal (German Cup) wins, and two Champions League triumphs. “There have been so many incredible moments that have shaped my life,” she said.
The forward expressed her gratitude to her teammates (“my girls”), coaches, and staff, recalling long nights of celebration, resounding victories, and difficult defeats. While she initially remained tight-lipped about her future plans, Borussia Dortmund quickly confirmed the signing.
“Alexandra Popp is one of the most influential figures in national and international women’s football. The success story she has written with a top club like VfL Wolfsburg and the German national team is extremely impressive,” said Carsten Cramer, a spokesperson for the BVB executive board. “We are very pleased that we have been able to inspire Alex for our ambitious path.”
Popp has long spoken of a “childhood dream” to play for Borussia Dortmund. While BVB currently competes in the Regionalliga West, the third tier of German women’s football, the club is investing heavily in its women’s program with the clear ambition of reaching the Bundesliga. The appointment of Ralf Kellermann as head coach, also arriving from Wolfsburg this summer, further signals Dortmund’s intent.
Born in Witten, near Dortmund, Popp’s connection to the club runs deep. She has already retired from international duty with Germany, having earned 145 caps and scoring 67 goals for her country. However, before her departure from Wolfsburg, there is still business to attend to. The Wolves are in the Champions League quarter-finals, facing Olympique Lyon, and are also competing in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals against Carl Zeiss Jena, with a potential final against league leaders FC Bayern Munich on the horizon.
Popp expressed her desire to experience a few more massive games in front of large crowds. “We’ll see each other in the stadiums,” she concluded in her farewell video, signing off as “Your Poppi.”
This move represents a significant boost for Borussia Dortmund as they strive to establish themselves as a force in German women’s football. Popp’s experience, leadership, and goal-scoring prowess will be invaluable as BVB aims to climb the ranks and compete for titles. The signing also underscores the growing investment and ambition within the Frauen-Bundesliga, attracting top talent and raising the overall level of competition.
The transfer also marks a poignant moment for VfL Wolfsburg, who lose a club icon and a prolific goalscorer. Popp’s legacy in Wolfsburg will undoubtedly endure, and her contributions to the club’s success will be fondly remembered by fans and teammates alike. The club acknowledged the end of a “special chapter” with Popp’s departure, recognizing her immense impact on their history.
As Popp embarks on this new chapter with Borussia Dortmund, she carries with her a wealth of experience, a proven track record of success, and the unwavering support of fans across Germany. Her arrival in Dortmund is not just a transfer of a player, but a symbol of ambition, passion, and a commitment to growing the game of women’s football.
Borussia Dortmund will be hoping Popp can inspire them to promotion and beyond, as they appear to establish themselves as a major player in the Frauen-Bundesliga. The arrival of such a high-profile player is a clear statement of intent, and signals a new era for the club’s women’s team.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Alexandra Popp and Borussia Dortmund will be the start of the Regionalliga West season, where they will start their quest for promotion to the Bundesliga. Fans will be eagerly anticipating her debut and the opportunity to witness her skills and leadership firsthand.
What are your thoughts on Alexandra Popp’s move to Borussia Dortmund? Share your opinions and predictions in the comments below!
