Born: 1978
Biography:
Nadine Marejke Angerer, born on November 10, 1978, is a German football coach and player who has left an indelible mark on the sport. Her contributions as a goalkeeper and her achievements on both the club and international level have solidified her reputation as one of the world’s best female goalkeepers.
Angerer’s career began in ASV Hofstetten, where she initially played as a forward. However, her true talent was revealed when she substituted as a goalkeeper during a youth scouting game. Recognizing her potential, Angerer’s journey as a goalkeeper commenced. In 1995, she joined 1. FC Nürnberg, and a year later, she transferred to FC Wacker München.
During her time at Wacker, Angerer had the chance to play for an American college soccer team, but she declined the opportunity. Instead, she continued to hone her skills in Germany. In 1999, she made a move to FC Bayern Munich, where she played a pivotal role in helping the team gain promotion to the Bundesliga. It was at this point that her career truly began to take flight.
In 2001, Angerer joined 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam, a club that became synonymous with success during her tenure. With Potsdam, she secured two Bundesliga championships, three German Cup victories, and the coveted UEFA Women’s Cup in 2005. This triumph solidified her status as one of Europe’s top goalkeepers.
While Angerer’s club career was undoubtedly impressive, it was her international achievements that truly set her apart. Since making her debut for the Germany women’s national football team in August 1996, Angerer amassed an incredible 146 caps. Her journey with the national team spanned two decades, leaving an indelible mark on women’s football.
She started as an understudy to Silke Rottenberg, participating in major tournaments such as the UEFA Women’s Championship in 1997, 2001, and 2005, the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1999 and 2003, as well as the 2000 and 2004 Olympic football tournaments. However, when Rottenberg suffered an injury before the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Angerer stepped up as the first-choice goalkeeper and maintained a clean sheet throughout the tournament. Germany emerged as champions, and Angerer played a vital role in their success.
Angerer’s excellence between the goalposts continued in subsequent tournaments. She continued as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper in the 2009 and 2013 editions of the UEFA Women’s Championship, the 2011 and 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cups, and the 2008 Olympics. Germany secured the UEFA Women’s Championship in each of these five tournaments and also clinched the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2003 and 2007.
One of Angerer’s standout abilities was her incredible skill at saving penalties. In the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final, she stopped Marta’s penalty kick, contributing to Germany’s victory. Similarly, in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2013 Final, she denied both Trine Rønning and Solveig Gulbrandsen from the penalty spot. Her penalty-saving prowess became legendary in the sport.
Angerer’s impact extended beyond her skills on the field. In 2011, following the retirement of Birgit Prinz, she was appointed the captain of the German national team. This role allowed her to provide leadership and inspiration to her teammates, further solidifying her legacy within the sport.
In recognition of her numerous accomplishments, Angerer was honored with the FIFA World Player of the Year award on January 13, 2014. She became the first goalkeeper, male or female, to receive this prestigious accolade. This achievement further exemplified her exceptional talent and contributions to women’s football.
After an illustrious career, Angerer announced her retirement from the international team on May 13, 2015. However, she has not left the sport entirely. Currently, Angerer serves as the goalkeeping player-coach for Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), continuing to contribute her expertise and experience to the next generation of football players.
Throughout her journey, Nadine Angerer has exemplified what it means to be a pioneering figure in women’s football. Her immense contributions, both on and off the field, have not only elevated the sport but have also inspired countless players around the world. She has left an enduring legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of women’s football.
Awards:
– FIFA World Player of the Year: 2014