Born: 1972 (Euskirchen, Germany)
Silke Rottenberg is a retired German footballer who was born on January 25, 1972, in Euskirchen. As a goalkeeper, she had a remarkable career in both club football and the national team, earning her place as a prominent figure in German women’s football.
Rottenberg began playing football at the tender age of four, starting at SC Enzen-Dürscheven. Initially, she played in the libero position but eventually switched to becoming a goalkeeper at the age of 16, following the advice of the Mittelrhein coach, Tina Theun-Meyer.
In 1991, Rottenberg achieved her first major success by winning the DFB-Pokal with Grün-Weiß Brauweiler. She then moved on to TSV Siegen, where she experienced the majority of her club triumphs. She was a key part of the team that became German champions in 1994 and 1996 and won the German Cup in 1993.
In 2000, Rottenberg joined FFC Brauweiler Pulheim 2000 but didn’t have the opportunity to win any titles with the club. However, in 2002, she completed her football coach training at the Sport University Cologne, further enhancing her knowledge and skills in the sport.
From 2003 to 2006, Rottenberg played for FCR 2001 Duisburg before moving to 1. FFC Frankfurt in the 2006/2007 season. Sadly, on December 11, 2008, she was forced to retire due to a career-ending injury.
Throughout her playing career, Rottenberg achieved various accomplishments, including being a four-time German champion. She won the German championship with TSV Siegen in 1994 and 1996 and with 1. FFC Frankfurt in 2007 and 2008. Additionally, she lifted the German Cup trophy in 1991 with Grün-Weiß Brauweiler, in 1993 with TSV Siegen, and in 2007 and 2008 with 1. FFC Frankfurt. Furthermore, Rottenberg tasted European success by winning the UEFA Cup in 2008 with 1. FFC Frankfurt.
On the international stage, Rottenberg made her debut for the German national team in 1993 against the USA. She played a pivotal role in the team’s European Championships triumph in 1997, helping Germany concede only one goal throughout the tournament held in Norway and Sweden.
In the 2003 World Cup, Rottenberg demonstrated her exceptional goalkeeping skills and earned the title of the world’s best goalkeeper. She was also honored with the SportStar Award in 2004. Rottenberg secured another achievement by becoming a three-time European champion with the national team, winning the title consecutively from 2001 to 2005.
Rottenberg also participated in the Olympic Games, capturing bronze medals with the German team in Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004. However, in January 2007, she suffered a devastating injury while training with the national team in Guangzhou, China, tearing her cruciate ligament and requiring a six-month break.
In July 2007, the national coach, Silvia Neid, announced that Rottenberg’s position would be taken over by Nadine Angerer as the first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming World Cup in China. Rottenberg’s career in the national team came to an end in May 2008 due to a series of injuries. Her final match for the national team was played on May 29, 2008, in the European Championship qualifier against Wales, where Germany emerged victorious with a 4-0 scoreline. At the age of 36 years and 125 days, Rottenberg became the oldest player to ever represent the German national team.
Silke Rottenberg’s dedication and talent in women’s football have left an indelible mark on the sport. Her achievements, both at the club level and with the national team, have helped elevate the profile of women’s football in Germany and inspired future generations of female players. Silke Rottenberg’s impact on women’s football history will always be cherished and remembered.
Awards:
– German Champion 1994 and 1996 with TSV Siegen
– German Champion 2007 and 2008 with 1. FFC Frankfurt
– German Cup winner 1991 with Grün-Weiß Brauweiler
– German Cup winner 1993 with TSV Siegen
– German Cup winner 2007 and 2008 with 1. FFC Frankfurt
– UEFA Cup winner 2008 with 1. FFC Frankfurt