The final whistle blew in the Kölner Arena, signaling not just the end of a hard-fought DFB-Pokal final, but also a significant moment for women’s football in Germany. While Bayern Munich celebrated their hard-earned victory, securing their first double in twelve years, the losing side, SV Werder Bremen, displayed a remarkable sense of pride and accomplishment.
"In the end, the losers were almost as proud as the winners. I will still tell my grandchildren about this fight," declared Hanna Németh of Werder Bremen in the bowels of the stadium. Németh’s sentiment captured the essence of the match, a contest where the underdog from the north defied expectations and delivered a performance that resonated far beyond the final score.
Werder Bremen, widely considered the outsider, faced an uphill battle from the outset, conceding a goal in the 6th minute. However, they demonstrated resilience and determination, holding their own against the favored Munich side well into the second half. The emotional high point for Werder came just before halftime when Rieke Dieckmann capitalized on a counter-attack, narrowing the deficit to 1-2. Dieckmann’s goal ignited the Werder Bremen supporters, who had already been making their presence felt throughout the stadium. The stands erupted in celebration, a testament to the passion and unwavering support for the team.
Despite the surge of confidence, Werder Bremen ultimately succumbed to the individual brilliance of Bayern Munich’s Lea Schüller. In the 65th minute, Schüller showcased her exceptional talent, scoring two well-crafted goals that underscored the difference between individual skill and collective effort. While Larissa Mühlhaus managed to score a late consolation goal for Werder Bremen with a free kick, bringing the score to 2-4, the match ultimately reflected the established power dynamics within German women’s football.
For Bayern Munich, the victory was a moment of pure elation. The players visibly expressed their relief and joy at finally reclaiming the DFB-Pokal after a long hiatus. "I am simply happy. About the game, the three goals, the victory and that we finally got the cup," exclaimed Lea Schüller, the hat-trick hero for Bayern.
However, the DFB-Pokal final was more than just a victory for Bayern Munich or a defeat for Werder Bremen. It was a victory for women’s football itself. For the third consecutive year, the final in Cologne sold out, drawing a crowd of over 45,000 spectators. The game added to a growing list of landmark events for the sport in Germany, including the sold-out Pokal semi-final between HSV and Werder Bremen at the Volksparkstadion, which drew 57,000 fans, and the 10,000 spectators who attended the fourth-tier Westfalenliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04 at the Stadion Rote Erde.
The rising popularity of women’s football is undeniable. "Women’s football is one of the fastest growing sports worldwide and also in Germany," said Jessica Stommel, Head of Women’s Football at the sports marketing agency Sportfive. "And: It appeals to a new target group that is significantly more female and also younger."
The growth of women’s football has been particularly pronounced since the European Championship in England in 2022. In 2023, the Women’s Bundesliga experienced a significant financial boost, driven by a new media rights deal that increased revenue by a factor of 16, reaching 5.17 million euros gross per year, according to the DFB. While this figure still pales in comparison to the 1.121 billion euros distributed annually to men’s Bundesliga clubs from national TV revenue alone, it represents a substantial increase that, combined with rising sponsorship and ticket sales, enables even the less affluent Bundesliga teams to improve their infrastructure, expand their coaching and support staff, and provide better compensation for their players.
Despite the positive momentum, there is ongoing debate within the industry regarding the extent to which the current boom should be leveraged to move more games to larger arenas. During the regular season, Werder Bremen’s home games typically draw between 855 and 2,650 spectators to Platz 11, a pitch located next to the Weserstadion. However, the highlight game against Bayer Leverkusen, held in the main stadium, attracted a crowd of 22,700.
"I am convinced that we in Germany have to become even bolder," argues Jessica Stommel. She pointed to Arsenal in London, who play every game in their large stadium and boast a higher average attendance than ten clubs in the men’s Premier League. HSV has also announced that if they are promoted to the first division, they plan to play all their games at the Volksparkstadion. "It is then not an option to say: We are satisfied with 2,000 spectators, the main thing is that we are in the Volkspark. The club wants to write its own story with the women," says Stommel.
However, the fundamental question remains: what will the future of women’s football look like? Will it continue to be characterized by the often-cited emphasis on greater economic sustainability? Or will women’s football increasingly find itself caught in the competitive "rat race" for lucrative deals and investors?
An indication of the changing landscape may be the fact that both coaches of the Kölner final are stepping down from their positions at their respective clubs after this season. While both express no ill will toward their current employers, they appear to have reached the limits of what they can achieve with their existing resources.
"As a coach, you always have to see if you are satisfied with everything you are currently doing," said Werder coach Thomas Horsch before the final. "If you would perhaps like to have one thing or another, but it is not feasible, you have to consider whether you still want to continue."
The departures of these coaches suggest a growing ambition and a desire for more opportunities, reflecting the increasing professionalization and competitiveness of women’s football in Germany. As the sport continues to evolve, it faces the challenge of balancing its commitment to sustainability and accessibility with the pressures of commercialization and the pursuit of greater success. The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: women’s football is a force to be reckoned with, and its journey is just beginning.
