Silke Rottenberg

Blessed with fundamental attributes such as presence, quick reflexes and jumping ability, Silke Rottenberg took the game to new heights in her position, despite having taken up the sport relatively late in life. It was not until the age of 16 that she made the switch from outfield player to goalkeeper. The way she dealt with one-on-one situations from then on, the way she commanded her penalty area and simply saved shots – this had rarely been seen in women’s football up to that point. With her cat-like movements, magnificent flying saves and her confidence with the ball in her hands and at her feet, she was ahead of her time.
In this way, she became a key figure in the team’s success – both at club level and for the national team, for whom she made her debut in 1993 and with whom she would remain for 15 years. Here she was in constant competition with the equally formidable Nadine Angerer, who, however, had to be patient before she could succeed the three-time European champion and 2003 World Cup winner as the national team’s number one. Following a cruciate ligament tear, Rottenberg lost her long-standing place in the starting line-up ahead of the 2007 World Cup, but not her great fighting spirit. Despite the serious injury, she still managed to make the World Cup squad and, with great team spirit – even if she didn’t play – contributed to the defence of the World Cup title.