#germany Germany’s Bundesliga is great

[doudouneverte]

Secret Wife?

a/n: let's start this world cup with a little thing...

*not my GIF*

Pairing: Fridolina Rolfo x NORWNT!Reader: NORWNT + SWEWNT x Reader

Summary: You have a secret realtionship with a certain Swedish player and you come out public after her final against Wolfsburg

Type: Fluff

Warning: nothing

word count: 2154

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Opposites attract each other; that is what a lot of people say. In your case, it was totally true. You married a woman who was your opposite in every aspect, even the professional one, Fridolina Rolfö. You both play football, but since you first met at a professional level, you have never played together.

You faced her for the first time in your first season in the Swedish league; she played for Linköping and you for Rosengråd. It was surprising how quickly you became friends after your first match and more a few months later. Except for some teammates, nobody knew about you two; they just assumed you were good friends because you didn't show too much in public, but that didn't mean you weren't there for her. To be honest, you were her number-one fan. Always here when she played, not so far from Malmö, and always cheered for her.

Then 2017 came, and you both received an offer to play for a different championship, the Frauen Bundesliga. It was a great opportunity, but you were a little sad when you learned that Fridolina wouldn't play with you again because she chose Bayern München, where you chose to play for Frankfurt. Even if you were always enemies on the pitch, when you were off, nothing could be better than when you asked her to be your wife one season after she moved to Wolfsburg.

After three years in Germany, you left the country to join one of your favorite clubs when you were younger, Real Madrid. Your first season, even if it had been interrupted, was very great, and you were ready for the next part of history until your wife joined your rivals, FC Barcelona.

Two wives playing for two rival clubs but also playing for two different countries, and that leads us to this day. A friendly game opposing Sweden and Norway—honestly,  you loved this type of match; you always found her very attractive when you played against her, but it was on another level when she wore her national colors.

You were in the locked room, preparing yourself for the match in a few minutes, when your phone buzzed next to you. It was a text from Frido. A few moments later, you were so focused on your conversation with your blonde girl that you didn't notice that everyone was waiting for you for a captain's speech. Maren Mjelde cleared her throat, but you just giggled, visibly whatever the Swedish said was more interesting than this.

"You giggle like a schoolgirl," Ada Hegerberg commented, and you finally looked at your teammates.

"Oh, shut up, Hegerberg," you replied, rolling your eyes. "So, are you finally ready?" you dared to ask.

"Are we....?" Guro Reiten repeated a little offended "I swear I'll..." She didn't have time to finish before she got interrupted by Maren.

"We were actually waiting for you." the defender said, and you looked at everyone.

"Oh sorry. So let's go," you said, standing up and extending your arm, waiting for them to form a circle to start your usual speech.

In the other locker room, the Swedish team was impatient to play—a certain player more than others. "You looked excited." Magda commented, and Frido looked at her, confused.

"Yes, I mean, aren’t you?" Your wife asked.

"Yes, of course I am; I like to play against Guro even if I prefer to play with her." the captain replied.

"I totally understand you; it’s really cool to play with Ingrid, but I don't like to play against her, even if it’s fun," the forward said.

"Oh, I’m a little disappointed. I thought you were talking to Y/n." Kosovare commented.

"What do you mean?"

"We saw you glued to your phone when Magda was doing her usual captain's speech. Great speech, by the way." Zećira said this time getting a little ‘thank you’ from her Chelsea teammate.

"I think it’s Y/n!" Kosse said across the changing room, gaining the attention of everyone. "What? It’s true," she added when she felt every gaze on her. 

"Yes it’s true, but—" The forward tried to defend herself but was cut off by Sofia Jakobsson.

"Why don’t you ever think about playing together? We wouldn’t have to support you missing each other."

"You’ve got a point." Zećira said.

"It’s not that easy. It’s not like she can play with us suddenly." Your wife said.

"Yes but you can always play for the same club. And I don’t want to force you to do anything, but I heard that a Londonian club wouldn’t mind having a new power couple in her team." The goalkeeper commented.

"I need to stop you right now; if they need to play for the same team in London, they will definitely play for Arsenal." Stina protested.

"And why?" Magda asked, raising her eyebrow.

 "Because we all know that Y/n considers Frida like her little sister, and according to that, she’d choose Arsenal." Unfortunately, the conversation couldn’t go further because it was already time to enter the pitch.

The match went pretty well; well, it ended in a draw, but 3-3 is a pretty draw. After the game, you thanked the supporters and made your way to the Sweden team. Even if your relationship wasn’t public, it was not uncommon for the fans to catch you being touchy with the Swedish player; honestly, they loved it. That's one of the reasons they loved when you faced her, of course there was also the sportive part, but they couldn't help themselves every time you interacted together, and it didn’t take a lot of time before some edits shipping you two appeared online.

After a little session of sweaty hugs with Ingrid, much to her dismay, you finally made your way to the third Barcelona player in this match. Some cameras were still recording, and they didn't miss the goofy smile the tall forward gave you—definitely good content for the fans later. "Hey pretty girl," you said, and the captain of Chelsea next to you two rolled her eyes.

"Good game, girls. You played very well." Ingrid said, giving her club teammate a little side hug.

"You too, even if I'm better." Fridolina replied, and you playfully hit her arm. "What? It's true."

"Your only goal was when I didn't defend on you." You reminded her.

"Yeah, I know, but it's still a goal," she said while she opened her arms, and you fulfilled the gap. "You played very well." she whispered before landing a quick kiss on your head.

"Even when you try to be sneaky, you are still so obvious." Frida said.

"Are you jealous?" You joked, "You can come here." You opened your arms, and even if the midfielder tried to resist, she knew she could never deny your hugs. You looked like a little family, and you obviously knew that the fans would edit it, but you were too comfy between your wife and your claimed little sister.

When you broke the hug, you made your way to the changing room with Ingrid and Rolfö, not too far from Frida and Stina. You were talking about anything and everything when the Arsenal forward called you. "Y/n do you ever think about playing with Frido on the same team?"

"Uh uh, don't start that." Zećira said, coming out of nowhere.

You looked at the Sweden players confused. "Don't listen to them; they're just arguing about which is the best team between Arsenal and Chelsea." Fridolina said.

"It's more than that." the keeper protested.

"Let me guess, you just want us to join Arsenal or Chelsea?" you asked.

"Yes." Magda and Sofia said rolling their eyes.

"No!" Stina and Zećira countered, "It's more than that; imagine being with your wife 24/7, training with her, playing with her, and just wearing the same jersey."

"Okay let's not talk about it right now because I'm exhausted, but we'll think about it." you said before heading to your locker room.

The next few weeks you came back to Spain, and you managed to spend a lot of time with Frido after the end of the season before her final at Eindhoven. You tried to not attract attention in the stadium, but it was almost impossible. You couldn’t enter the stadium before some fans of both teams recognized you. And there you took some pictures with them, some of them questioning you about who you were supporting. You were wearing a light jacket, so they couldn’t see your Rolfö’s national jersey. Of course you were there to support your wife, but as a Real Madrid player and fan, you couldn’t say it loudly.

"I’m just here to see some teammates play." You replied with a little smile. Thankfully for you, they let you leave rather quickly. In your seat, you were mentally preparing for the next ninety minutes.

After those ninety minutes, FC Barcelona were sacred European champions for the second time, and Frida scored a goal. You were ecstatic in your seat during the game, acting like a groupie when your blondie touched the ball. When a member of the security came to escort you on the pitch, you were a little shocked because you didn’t really think the Swedish forward would spot you in the crowd, but she definitely did.

On the pitch, you came to congratulate your national teammates, and Ingrid gave you a sweaty hug, making you quickly pull away with a grimace. "You look good in yellow," the midfielder commented.

"But something tells me she would look better in blue and red." Caro Hansen added, and you rolled your eyes.

"Let’s not start it now." You didn't have time to say anything else until you felt arms wrapping around your waist from behind you. you didn't have to turn to know who they belonged to.

"Oh no, the lovebirds are reunited again," Caro said, faking annoyance.

"Hey, don’t you have some Spanish girlfriends you want to see?" You said making them leave, but not before they mimicked how the Swedish player was clinched to you.

"Why do you wear my national jersey?" Your wife asked while her head found her space in the crook of your neck.

"Are you kidding me?" you asked, a little offended.

"I’m rather on the girl’s side this time."

"Oh no, we’ll not start that, not today." You groaned and turned around to finally face her.

"But I really think about what the girls said the last time, and, well, it’s been like, what, six or seven years since we started to play against each other. I know you would rather die than wear a Barcelona kit, but if one day I leave, would you come with me?" She asked with a pout.

"Honey, one day I asked you if you wanted to marry, and you made the mistake of saying ‘yes’ so unfortunately for you, you’re stuck with me wherever you go." You joked.

"Even if I receive a proposition from Chelsea?" she tried.

"Okay don’t push your luck, Mrs.Rolfö." You replied dramatically, pushing away from her grip. The tall woman obviously didn’t give up and wrapped you close to her again.

The two of you were so much in your little bubble that you forgot that her team was celebrating and that the stadium was not totally empty when you pushed your toe to land a passionate kiss on her lips. When you heard some wolf whistles from Catalan players and the public cheering loudly, that's when you came back from your trance and remembered that you were not alone.

"Oh my..." you mumbled, hiding your face in your wife’s chest, who was laughing at your action.

"Don’t be shy, I think most of them already knew; it’s not like we’re good at hiding our behavior every time we’re together." Frido joked, "And at least now, everybody would know that you’re off the market, Mrs. Rolfö."

This night, like you assumed, you broke the internet, and a photo of you and Fridolina kissing was on almost every Woso fan’s Instagram stories and some of your teammates’ too. You received a lot of support from some teammates and even other celebrities. Magda and Pernille shared a cute picture of the four of you on a double date just after the Euro, and things went more crazy when Z posted almost all the cute pictures she took of you when you didn’t notice.

"I think that after today, if someone decides to sign one of us, they will definitely have to sign the other." The Swedish player said while she came to lay beside you.

"I still think we could have announced it in a better way." you said after you left your phone on the nightstand.

"Yes, maybe, but right now it’s just the two of us." she said, pressing a shy kiss on your head.

"I love you, Frido."

"And I love you more."

[alexbkrieger13]

Harder: "Underrated? I get enough recognition"

According to her coach, Bayern's Pernille Harder (31) is still underrated. She sees it differently, talks about her role, her goals - and the duel with her former club Wolfsburg.

Just in time for the start of the Champions League against Arsenal this Wednesday (6.45 p.m.) and the Bundesliga top match against Wolfsburg (Saturday, 5.45 p.m., both LIVE! on kicker), Germany's Footballer of the Year 2020 is back in top form. So a visit to the Oktoberfest was a perfect fit for the Dane Pernille Harder and her Bayern teammates.

According to her coach, Bayern's Pernille Harder (31) is still underestimated. She sees it differently, and talks about her role, her goals - and the duel with her former club Wolfsburg.

Pernille Harder recently scored three times against TSG Hoffenheim.

Pernille Harder recently scored three times against TSG Hoffenheim.IMAGO/DiZ-PiX

Just in time for the start of the Champions League against Arsenal this Wednesday (6.45 p.m.) and the Bundesliga top match against Wolfsburg (Saturday, 5.45 p.m., both LIVE! on kicker), Germany's 2020 footballer of the year is back in top form. So a visit to the Oktoberfest was a perfect fit for the Dane Pernille Harder and her Bayern teammates.

Ms. Harder, how was the trip to Oktoberfest with the team?

A good experience. It's always interesting to experience German culture, especially here in Bavaria. Last year I was there for the first time, now for the second time.

Do you like the hustle and bustle there?

It's always a nice experience and fun, but I don't have to go to Oktoberfest every weekend (laughs). I generally prefer quieter places.

You seem to have a very good atmosphere in the team. That's probably not least due to the results this year.

Yes, we're really well positioned, a close-knit group. That's also because we don't have a huge squad - everyone has an important role in the team. That contributes to the atmosphere. We win, we score a lot of goals.

Apart from the DFB Cup final against Wolfsburg, you haven't lost a single game this year.

There is a lot of self-confidence in the team. This is based on the many victories and the experience we have gained there. Even if we are behind, we have the confidence to come back. And we trust our style of play. The way we are now, the way we are playing, we have developed a lot as a team compared to a year ago.

You previously played for VfL Wolfsburg and FC Chelsea and won a series of titles there. Can you get used to winning?

I don't know if I'm used to it… you shouldn't take it for granted. I like it anyway (smiles). And sometimes you lose too. We don't want to sit back and rest on our laurels, we want to develop and get better.

Wolfsburg suffered a surprise 0-3 defeat to Frankfurt a week ago. Do you watch this or other Bundesliga games in your free time?

I watch the Bundesliga, our Bundesliga, whenever I can. We were still eating after our own game against Bremen when Frankfurt played Wolfsburg, so I could only watch on my phone.

Is Eintracht now the number one pursuer? Or, despite the mixed start to the season, is Wolfsburg still your next league opponent?

We definitely have an exciting league. Frankfurt and Wolfsburg will both fight for the top spots. It's all the more interesting, all the more fun, when there's more competition.

Between 2017 and 2020 you played for VfL - your first stop at a top European club.

I have good memories of it, it was a great time. For me, that was the point in my career where I went from being a relatively unknown player to an established player in Europe. I am grateful to VfL for putting their trust in me as a young player. I still have some good contacts there.

Let's move on to the Champions League. Your coach Alexander Straus says that FC Bayern "got the toughest possible opponents from some of the pots". Do you agree?

I think there are two difficult groups. We are in one of them. And yes, Juventus is probably the strongest team in pot 3. We have to concentrate on each game individually. If we are fully there in these games, we have a good chance of progressing.

In January, your teammate and partner Magdalena Eriksson said in a kicker interview that FC Barcelona and Olympique Lyon were the top favorites for the 2023/24 title. Has anything changed since then?

Barcelona will always be the top favorite at the moment. But we now have so much competition in women's football that not just one or two teams can win. I estimate that apart from Barca there are about eight that have the opportunity to get very far in this tournament.

Which ones are they?

We also have Lyon, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea. And Juventus, AS Roma, Bayern and Wolfsburg.

So do you see yourself as being on a par with the other seven behind Barcelona?

It's all about the little things. When you're in the quarter-finals, it often depends on your form on the day.

But your coach thinks Arsenal are the top favourites in Group C.

Yes, difficult to say… It's been a while since we played against them. Arsenal are a great team with a lot of great players.

Who come to mind first?

Kim Little is important for them. Mariona Caldentey came from Barcelona, ​​a great player. For me she is already a key player, even though she is new to the team. Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are worth mentioning, Frida Maanum has performed well this season. They have a lot of good players.

With Chelsea, they have won five of their eight games against Arsenal, and drawn two. So they know how to beat Arsenal.

We have to defend compactly. Arsenal want to play the game, they are good at finding gaps and spaces. We will have some good moments of transition, but we can also play our game with the ball. Maybe we have to defend a little more against them than we are used to. Without becoming passive, but being aggressive.

Then we play against Juventus. In the pre-season, you played 0-0 against the Italians. What do you remember from that?

Juventus played man-to-man, one-on-one, all over the field. That made the game very different to what we are used to. But this experience can also be an advantage for us.

Do you like this man-oriented defense of opposing teams?

I like it better when it is possible to find space. We don't come up against so many teams that play man-marking all over the field. Maybe some teams do that up front or in midfield - but not everywhere. We will prepare well for that.

Valerenga Oslo is the absolute underdog in your group. Or?

They are from pot 4, so on paper they are an underdog team, yes. I know a few players from there, including a Danish player (captain Janni Thomsen, editor's note), she is a really good player. It applies to all teams in the group stage: if you are not fully there on the day, any team can hurt you. Even Valerenga.

Why is FC Bayern better than in the previous season? Why is the season not ending in the group phase this time?

We are almost the same team as last season. But we have developed our game since then. We are more attuned to the way we want to play, both offensively and defensively. And our transition behavior has improved.

What do you think of the new Champions League mode from next season?

That will be interesting. The men are already gaining their first experiences with it. It's always fun to try something new.

Before the Bundesliga game against Hoffenheim (5:1) at the end of September, your coach said that you hadn't yet broken the deadlock. Then you scored three times in that very game. Did you also feel like you had broken the deadlock?

Of course, as an offensive player you always want to score your first goal of the season to get going. But I also try to concentrate on other things that I do on the pitch: creating chances and providing assists. For me, that's just as important as the goals. Even though I know that the media and the people around me like the goals more. But the goals come by themselves if the rest is right.

Straus also said that you were underestimated and didn't get the recognition you deserve.

(laughs) I think I get enough recognition, that's fine. I don't know if I'm underestimated. But I'm glad that the coach thinks I'm important to the team. That's the most important thing for me: that my team trusts that I'll deliver and that I get recognition from them.

Before you left the Bundesliga for England in the summer of 2020, it sometimes seemed as if you could score and set up goals at will. In the meantime, your opponents have gotten better.

We played differently with Wolfsburg than we do now at Bayern. That's why it's difficult for me to compare.

But you can compare the opponents.

That's right. The level in the Bundesliga has increased since then, no question about it. There has been a big development. Also that there are now more teams that are good with the ball. And almost all of them want to build up from the back through the goalkeeper.

Your coach sometimes uses you as a striker, sometimes as a ten, sometimes on the wing. Which position suits you best?

I prefer to move in the "space in between" (Harder uses the German term here for once; ed.), where I can pick up the ball and then turn. Thanks to our style of play, I can stay in the space in between, regardless of whether I'm a nine, ten or winger. So the exact position is actually not that important.

[didishawn]

Then can I request a kylian fic where the reader is Jude and jobe Bellingham’s older sister and she is about 20/21 yo and she gets sm dms from different players, basketball players singer etc etc.. but then she gets a dm from kylian ( and kylian is her celeb crush) so she is over the moon then her brothers find out and become so overprotective over her.

Thank you for reading this long request bbs

❤️❤️❤️

Celebrity crush (Kylian Mbappe x Reader)

Warnings: none really, just celebs flirting with you and being kind of suggestive I guess

Masterlist

Pt 2 Pt 3 Pt 4 Pt 5

"Hey, Jude, care to tell me what your friend is doing on my dms?"

That definitely catches your brother's attention, walking over and taking the phone from your hand, his eyes widen when he sees Haaland react to your story with heart eyes, fires and a: looking good, Bellingham

"What an asshole" your brother says, scrolling up to see more messages like that from his friend "Any other friend of mine over your dms?"

You see your brother's intention of checking out more messages, you stand up, taking the phone off his hand, making him and Jobe -sitting on the couch, previously distracted, but now with a watchful eye staring at you-surprised.

Jude raises an eyebrow "What was that about?"

You give him a nervous smile "What was what about?"

"Taking the phone off his hand" Jobe says "What are you hiding?"

"Nothing, just don't want my little brother going through my dms"

"Do you have a boyfriend that you don't want us to know about?" Jude asks, his arms crossed, imitating your father whenever he saw you with some boy.

"And where did you get that from?"

"I don't know, you have been pretty cheery recently, not as annoying, and know are hiding something on your phone"

"You really want to see who else dms me?"

"I surely want to know if you are -Jobe cover your ears- hooking up with any of my teammates"

"I know what hooking up is...."

"Seriously, Jude? Fine, here, take it, I don't think you will find any of your friends there, but who knows?"

Honestly, Jude was kind of joking when he made his drama queen act about the dms, but he is not about to miss the chance of seeing who messages his dear sister.

Pedri González: coming any time soon to Barcelona? I can show you around the city and some real fun

Jamal Musiala: looking great, makes me want to show you who the best team of the Bundesliga really is

Harry Styles: wanna come to my next concert? Then we can find something better to do

Hero Fiennes Tiffin

Jude doesn't have time to read what that one said as his eyes go to the next name, he has that look that says: bullocks.

"You can't be serious, Kylian Mbappe?" he shouts, Jobe is instantly next to him watching your screen, your cheeks red.

Your brothers are speechless as they scroll over months of conversations in between you and who they know to be your celebrity crush, unbelieving when they see it was Kylian -or, Kyky as you call him-was the first to reach out to you, reacting to some story of yours of you tanning on the beach.

The man has invited you to France and all, and even offered to be the one to come and see you, doesn't matter if you are in Germany or England, he says he wants to see you.

"I can't believe it..." Jude sighs, Jobe nods.

"And you didn't tell us!"

"Because just look how crazy you are now. Besides, it's nothing serious, we are just friends"

"Yeah, right, that's why he constantly ssays you are hot and is desperate to see you"

"We are friends"

"You still should have told us!" the younger of the two says.

Jude is still for a second, seemingly deep in thought -you refrain from commenting how your never thought him to be one capable of thinking- he opens the camera, pointing at him and Jobe, whispers something at the younger one, you are confused, but refrain from saying anything as you see him press record.

"Hello Kylian, I am Jude, this is Jobe, but you must already know that judging by how much you seem to talk to my sister. You see, this video is just a warning to be very careful on whatever match we see each other next in, because I will be going after you. What on Earth is this about flirting with a maybe-future teammate's sister. Not cool at all, right Jobe? "

"Yeah! Not cool! At all!" you can't help but snort.

"So, yeah, just sleep with an open eye, and also, forget about my sister, she is too good for you even if she is pretty annoying"

"What? I am not annoying!"

"Yes you are, now shut up, I am not done yet" Jude turns again to the camera "Or you can continue talking to her and see what happens. Anyways, now I am finished, see ya around, Kyky"

They send the video, looking pretty proud of themselves.

Kylian opens your message as soon as it arrives as he always does, Jude and Jobe expectant for his reaction.

A couple of minutes later, a video from him arrives too, your brothers opening it without delay.

"Hello, Jude, Jobe, of course I know who you are, because you are right, I spend day and night talking with your sister and I don't intend to stop. I am pretty exited for what you will supposedly be doing next time we see each other Jude, I am sure you have some tricks up your sleeve - so do I, by the way. Really hoping we do end up as predicted on the same team, to see the look on your face when y/n uses my number instead of yours. Also, tell your sister to call me later, and don't be surprised when she travels to Paris on the next couple of weeks, she will be with me, my treat. Take care care you two, and give the phone back to your sister, I have something to show her"

Your brothers are speechless, and you, can't hp but laugh, taking your phone you start walking off, but turn to them "Oh, yeah, I will be asking you later for some tips about what to wear to Paris. I want to look my best, you know?"

You laugh at their expressions, a gentle smile taking over your face when a text from the man himself arrives, this time for you.

Your brothers are pretty funny, love, but we will also have to make sure to fill up the internet with photos about us when you come to me. Just as a payback.

[miroslavcloset]

Footy RPF Fictober ~Day 1~

⚽︎⋆𐙚First game together/against each other𐙚⋆⚽︎

Rating:G | Wordcount:614 | Pairing:Neuller | Prompts

Notes: IT'S HERE I'm so happy to start this little project 🤭 Hope you like it and the collection/collections in AO3 will be posted soon! Fic under the cut.

It was a bit of the same, and he didn't mean it in a derogatory way, or to belittle the effort that both the coach and his teammates were putting in. But even with his limited experience, Thomas found the pre-match speech quite similar to the others he had heard, even in his teenage days.

He found it somewhat amusing, smiled to himself and nodded enthusiastically. It was curious how his concentration was in a completely different place. As if absorbed in his thoughts was the newly called-up goalkeeper on the other side of the locker room. He hadn't shared much with him yet, other than a couple of handshakes before the games Bayern played against Schalke that season.

Obviously, the countless plays he had tried to score against him didn't count, at these times it was more the effort Thomas put into finishing his plays and scoring than he could put into Manuel's good looks. At least now, with a little more calm, Thomas could detail his characteristics. He always looked so focused, always with his goal in mind. It was no wonder that he was also called up to the national team to fill such an iconic and looked-upon position as the Germany NT goalkeeper.

He watched as Manuel, with the same look, directed his serene green eyes at correctly adjusting the goalkeeper's gloves. But perhaps he watched him for too long because as if he had noticed, Manuel looked back at him with curiosity.

Thomas was not one to blush or get nervous, but it was difficult not to feel something with Manuel watching him without saying a word. Thomas smiled, as usual, giving an air of complicity to the atmosphere between them. Manuel smiled softly back, without taking his gaze off him. It was as if Manuel had also been waiting to detail him better. His dishevelled light brown hair, his eyes that he had not yet noticed were two-tone, his sharp but warm smile. Even with the few years that the goalkeeper was older than Thomas, it was like seeing a child, someone who always gave that exciting but welcoming energy.

In Thomas' mind, Manuel was another story. He was like someone he could trust, he gave an air of confidence and security, of warmth. He tried to look away a couple of times only to look back at Manuel. Even though they had both been called up to the team within a few days of each other, Thomas felt like he belonged there. He wondered if Manuel felt the same way. Kahn’s shoes were pretty big ones to fill, and well, even though they were rivals in the Bundesliga, on the national team Thomas would do his best to support the new goalie whether on or off the pitch. And as much as he was starting to like him, it was going to be an easy and rather enjoyable task.

In the background, he could hear the coach still talking about a couple of things that he hadn’t paid attention to since he was immersed in Manuel’s gaze. He noticed how the others stood up and did the same, assuming that they had finished the preparations and it was time to go out on the field. But both Manuel and Thomas were focused on each other. Thomas took the initiative, took a few steps towards Manuel and extended his hand, which Manuel took with a somewhat clumsy movement by the huge goalkeeper's glove, which made them both laugh slightly.

“You’ll do great!” Thomas said enthusiastically. To which Manuel's expression softened… This Muller guy and himself could probably get along well in the future, he thought with a smile.

[leonsliga]

Keeping On

–> It's been a long road back from injury for Manuel Neuer, but at 38 he is once again integral to Bayern München's success. After breaking the Champions League clean sheet record against Arsenal in the quarter-finals, he reflects on a career that still has plenty of road ahead.

Manuel Neuer is in a reflective mood. Now 38, the Bayern München goalkeeper became a father for the first time in March - something which can add a fresh layer of perspective to anybody's outlook. Yet right now, as he sits speaking to Champions Journal, his focus is on another event which prompted much introspection on his part - the career-threatening lower-leg break he suffered in a skiing accident in December 2022.

"If we were to ask the medical staff and the rehab team, they would scarcely believe that we are where we are today because I think out of every ten people only one or two manage to come back from that," he says. "Particularly after the injuries and with the games I played, it couldn't have gone any better than it did, for me to be standing in goal and performing well again. It was a big strain for me, which is normal for a serious injury. I think everything takes time and ultimately nature decided if it would work out or if I would never be able to play again.”

That he was back playing for Bayern ten months after the fracture to the tibia and fibula in his right leg was down to "thinking positively and the desire to play football and play professional sport again". That determination should surprise none of us given the admirable longevity of a player who, among the goalkeeping fraternity, is second only to lker Casillas for most appearances in the Champions League, with 138 (prior to this month's semi-finals) to the Spaniard’s 177.

Moreover, with his clean sheet in the quarter-final home victory over Arsenal, he did not just help his team into another semi-final but surpassed Casillas's record of 57 shutouts in the competition. "It's not the most important thing there is but it's nice for my team-mates - and all the colleagues I've played with in the past - if we think about our defensive work. I started with Schalke and then continued at Bayern, right up to the present day, and it's great that it's not over yet."

Those clean sheets are part of a bigger picture in which he has made over 500 appearances for Bayern and worn the captain's armband since 2017 - earning a special place in the club's pantheon as one of only three goalkeepers to have held aloft the European Cup along with Sepp Maier and Oliver Kahn.

As an interviewee, Neuer speaks with the clarity and maturity of a man on the verge of 500 Bundesliga games and - ahead of this summer's EURO - 117 senior caps for Germany. He is polite to the point of shaking the hand of every member of the film crew present as he introduces himself.

Since his early days at Schalke, his first club, he has been considered a pioneer of the sweeper-keeper role though in his eyes, defensive security still represents the most important thing a goalkeeper can give his colleagues. "I think being able to give the rest of the team the feeling that they've got someone at the back that they can rely on to provide assurance, that's the decisive factor.”

That assurance was there again in Bayern's semi-final first leg against Real Madrid as he flung himself to his left to keep out a deflected shot from Toni Kroos, then stood tall to foil Vinícius Júnior in a one-v-one. Arguably, it has always been there - at least to some degree. His first clean sheet in the Champions League was on 3 October 2007 in a 2-0 Schalke win at Rosenborg. Then he was a fresh-faced 21-year-old playing for his home-town team. Looking back on his younger self, and how he has changed, he says: "I would just be more relaxed [nowadays] and also not try and decide everything on the pitch - that is kind of the difference from Manuel at the beginning, at Schalke, who wanted to take a lot into his own hands, to do a lot himself. I also know that I cannot influence everything. I'd say I was a bit wilder - I didn't have this sense of calm and maybe the charisma as well. I was, of course, always an attacking goalkeeper who tried to join in the build-up play.”

"It's obviously been a long time since then when you look back on it. It's also very normal, given that I'm now 38, that I've developed a fair bit since then. But it's nice to cast your mind back to those days, and how things were at that time."

Now we are back in those days, let's stay there a little longer. With Schalke, he reached the Champions League quarterfinals in his debut season of 2007/08. In 2011 he helped the Gelsenkirchen club into the semi-finals where they lost to Manchester United. That summer he headed south to Bayern. Remembering the move, he says: "It certainly wasn't easy. There was a lot of media scrutiny about my character in making the switch from Schalke to Bayern. There were lots of fans who weren't thrilled about it.

"I think that the support of the club, of the team, was very important. I already knew lots of the German players from the national team - they were definitely very excited that I was coming to Bayern. That was something that I realised from the first day when we started training at Säbener Strässe [Bayern's training ground in the south of the city] and then at the training camp. And so, I felt very comfortable from the beginning."

His first campaign in Munich ended with a Champions League final defeat at Bayern's home stadium against Chelsea. He had shone in the preceding semi-final victory over Real Madrid, saving from Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaká in the concluding shoot-out. These were not his first spot-kick heroics, mind: two saves against Porto had taken Schalke to the last eight in that debut season.

"You have to radiate confidence and try to show your opponent that you are stronger than they are," he says of the mano a mano challenge that penalties bring. Yet he tasted the downside of those duels in the final against Chelsea, with Bayern beaten despite his stop from Juan Mata. "Fundamentally, we were satisfied with how we performed on the pitch, but in the end we didn't get over the line," he recalls of a year in which they also finished runners-up in the Bundesliga and German Cup. "It meant that we were extra motivated when we went into the next season and that made a difference. I think that the coaching staff around Jupp Heynckes were also very motivated. From the first day, it was clear that we all wanted to achieve something that season, and you could see that from then on."

Cue a treble-winning campaign, with successes in the German league and cup allied to a 2-1 Champions League final success over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. Back-to-back clean sheets against Barcelona in the semi-final had underlined, in Neuer's own words, that he was "someone that can be relied upon". It meant he ended his first two campaigns in the competition with Bayern with a total of ten clean sheets. And his development continued the following year with Germany’s World Cup triumph in Brazil, where he racked up four more shutouts.

He relates: “I gained a lot of experience from 2012 to 2013, from the success, and also the next stages because we had coaches who taught us a lot. I think the team developed too, which we also benefited from, and then the German national players became world champions. We had a lot of self-confidence. I was able to learn a lot from the good coaches and from my good team-mates and no one can take that experience away from you. That is why I can always play to the best of my ability, even in big games."

If that was one golden chapter, another came in 2020 when he lifted the Champions League trophy again, with the Bayern team who defeated Paris Saint-Germain in the final in Lisbon. That was the competition that concluded in empty stadiums in Portugal owing to the pandemic. "It meant a lot to me; he remembers. "I think it was the best team performance that we put together for the club. It was a bit harder given the conditions that we had to play under during the coronavirus period. How we prepared, and the spirit and fitness we went into these games with... put simply, we earned that success. It wasn't always clear that we would beat Paris in the end. We worked really hard to stay in the game and then Kingsley [Coman] made it 1-0.

"That was a team success and, unfortunately, you could not celebrate with the fans. That was the downside, that we won the Champions League in Lisbon, which of course meant just as much to us, but it would have been even better if the spectators had been there."

Neuer, for the record, registered clean sheets in both the one-off semi-final against Lyon and then that final versus Paris. His enduring excellence has been on display this season too, since his return from injury - with four shutouts in seven outings up to the semi-final stage.

It would be no surprise if the first of those, clean sheet no55 of his Champions League career at home to Copenhagen on 29 November, had felt especially sweet, coming 421 days after the previous one against Viktoria Plzen on 4 October the previous year. If this takes us back to the difficulties - physical and mental - of his injury, he cites a silver lining.

"I think every break and every injury also has some good in it. Nothing comes at the right time. The injury was supposed to be simple but you have to look deep into your eyes and say, 'Hey, I will take this challenge on and will try to come out of it stronger.’ That took a little while of course but I couldn't expect anything else."

Once again, Neuer has experienced enough of football's ups and downs to see the bigger picture. And right now, it holds more than one reason for optimism, including the prospect of playing in Germany's home EURO this summer - home town Gelsenkirchen and adopted home town Munich are among the ten venues. He has not forgotten the feeling of the last major tournament his nation staged, the 2006 FIFA World Cup. "In 2006, I was watching in public viewing areas and soaking up the atmosphere - it was just sensational how Germany hosted the world," he says.

Back then he was 18 and had just completed his first full season with Schalke's second team. We go back to the question of his evolution as a player over the years. "I would say that maybe I am a bit calmer, and also more disciplined in my actions, though it always depends on the team-mates we have, who is playing, how do I have to adjust as the goalkeeper, what game plan we have, what does the coach want, how high is the line, how are we defending, how do we want to play out from the back? There are always little things that change and that is the case whether I play for the national team or for Bayern, and it is the same from coach to coach in the seasons when we have competed in the Champions League - there are always nuances that are different, but fundamentally I have always stayed true to the way I play." And while that involves Neuer's work with the ball at his feet, he has not lost sight of the one thing that matters above all for a goalkeeper: "The clean sheets." 

~ Written by Simon Hart for Issue 19 of the Champions Journal

[justforbooks]

Franz Beckenbauer, who has died aged 78, was widely regarded as the best footballer Germany has ever produced. A pre-eminent figure in the world game after the second world war, he was a phenomenally innovative player who captained West Germany to a World Cup win in 1974 and later managed his country to two consecutive World Cup finals, winning the second of them in 1990 in Rome.

As a club manager he added a Bundesliga title and a Uefa Cup win to his World Cup victory at international level and as a player he won a World Cup, a European Championship, three European Cups and five Bundesliga titles in Germany. However, more than his capacity for winning, it was the elegant, intelligent nature of his play that attracted such admiration all over the world.

While he was still a teenager at Bayern Munich, Beckenbauer had become the virtual inventor of what came to be called “total football”. Watching the Milan team Internazionale on television, he was impressed by the attacking forays of their big left-back, Giacinto Facchetti. He asked himself why a defender might not attack from a central role as well as from the flanks, and thus became Bayern’s attacking libero. It was a role that became the cornerstone of the total football practised by Bayern and their great Dutch rivals, Ajax, in the early 1970s.

Captained by Beckenbauer – a tall, erect figure always ready to sweep out of defence – Bayern at first played second fiddle to Ajax, but eventually emulated them by winning the European Cup three times in a row, between 1974 and 1976. Before that sequence Beckenbauer had already captained an outstanding West Germany team to the European Championship title in 1972, beating the Soviet Union 3-0 in the final. Two years later he led his country to victory in the 1974 World Cup on German soil, defeating the Netherlands 2-1. He played 103 times for West Germany and appeared in 427 league matches for Bayern.

Franz was born to Antonie (nee Huphauf) and Franz Sr, a postal worker in the Munich suburb of Giesing, near the stadium where he would make his name. By the age of eight he was already regarded as a technically accomplished player, even in a city where footballers and football proliferated. Munich 1860 was the club he favoured; Bayern Munich, where he would later excel, were small beer at the time; an upstart by comparison.

However, Munich 1860’s loss would be Bayern’s gain. In 1958 he was playing for the junior team of a little local club, SC 1906, which actually closed that year, and expected to join 1860. “But in the last game we played for SC 1906 against 1860,” he related, “a half-back gave me a slap. That was enough for me. 1860 would never get me. And so Bayern took me into its ranks.” Beckenbauer was, with rare exceptions, always a sporting player, who declared that he would rather be fouled and leave the field than commit a foul himself.

He made his debut for Bayern Munich in 1964 – when they were in the German second division – and in his first season helped them gain promotion to the Bundesliga.

Thereafter Bayern rapidly became a major force both at home and in Europe, winning the German Cup in 1966–67 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1967 (against Rangers). Beckenbauer was made team captain for the 1968–69 season and led the club to its first league title that year, subsequently winning three league championships in a row from 1972 to 1974 and that hat-trick of European Cup wins in 1974-76.

Under his leadership (he was nicknamed the Kaiser for his commanding, almost imperious presence) the Bayern team of that era, which also featured greats such as the goalkeeper Sepp Maier and the centre-forward Gerd Müller, established itself as one of the most accomplished club sides of all time.

Beckenbauer’s first game for the national team, at the age of 21 in 1965, had come even before Bayern’s dramatic rise to prominence. He was the star member of the West Germany side in the 1966 World Cup finals, where they were runners-up in the Wembley final to England, and again in the 1970 finals in Mexico, where they finished in third place.

Helmut Schön, the tall, gentle West Germany team manager who was almost a father figure to Beckenbauer, for many years refused to let him play the libero role for his country. When he finally relented in 1974, West Germany won the competition and Beckenbauer lifted the trophy as captain.

All seemed set fair for a fourth World Cup campaign for Beckenbauer in Argentina in 1978, but to general surprise, and aged only 31, he retired from international football in 1977 to switch to play for New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League.

It was an unusual move after almost 15 years at the highest level of the game with Bayern, but the contract was lucrative and enormous crowds came to see him play with Pelé and other stars at the Giants Stadium, New Jersey.

In his four seasons with the Cosmos the team won the national Soccer Bowl on three occasions (1977, 1978 and 1980). “I’ve done everything in my life – championships for Bayern Munich and the World Cup for Germany – but the New York Cosmos was the best time of my life,” he said. “At Munich it was all German players; at the Cosmos it was 14 nationalities and Pelé.”

He returned to Germany to play for Hamburg (1980-82), where he picked up another Bundesliga winners’ medal at the end of the 1981-82 season before going back to the US for one final campaign with the Cosmos in 1983 and then retiring. In his career in domestic leagues he had made 587 appearances and scored 81 goals.

When Beckenbauer retired he seemed to have no ambition to go into management, so it was a surprise that in 1984 he agreed to manage West Germany in succession to Jupp Derwall. Never before had a West Germany manager been appointed who had not come through the exhaustive qualifying programme of the German football association, one which involved not only the passing of examinations but the running of minor clubs.

In appointing Beckenbauer, the German authorities were abandoning firm principle in the hope that his immense prestige and authority would prevail; and they were not disappointed.

The team he inherited was in the doldrums, yet at the 1986 Mexico World Cup, suitably inspired, they reached a final in which they were plainly inferior to an Argentina team that went into a 2-0 lead, only for the Germans to fight back, catch them up, and then lose 3-2. Four years later, in a grisly final in Rome, Germany had their revenge, beating Argentina 1-0 with a penalty by Andreas Brehme.

Shortly afterwards Beckenbauer resigned his position to became technical director of the French club Marseille on a two-year contract worth nearly £500,000, taking a German physical trainer with him. But for once his writ did not run. The French players were unhappy with the training regime and Beckenbauer withdrew after just four months.

He was far happier when he returned to Bayern Munich to serve as manager over two short spells – in 1993-94 and in 1996 – during which time he collected two further honours, the Bundesliga title in 1994 and the Uefa Cup in 1996. Thereafter he was president of the club for two years.

In 1998 he became vice-president of the German football association and at the end of the 90s headed the successful bid by Germany to host the 2006 World Cup, chairing the subsequent organising committee. He was named honorary president of Bayern Munich in 2009, a position he held until his death.

His son, Thomas, with Ingrid Grönke was born in 1963. In 1966 he married Brigitte Wittmann. They had two sons, Michael and Stephan. Following their divorce in 1990, he married Sybille Weimer; they divorced in 2004. With his third wife, Heidi Burmester, he had two children, Noel and Francesca. Stephan, who was also a footballer and played for Bayern Munich, died in 2015. Franz leaves Heidi and his four other children.

🔔 Franz Anton Beckenbauer, footballer, born 11 September 1945; died 7 January 2024

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[diemannschaftblr]

@/iMiaSanMia: Julian Nagelsmann: "Ilkay Gündogan remains captain. But Manu's word will continue to have weight. The captain is intended to be a contact point for his teammates. Players should feel like they have a leader in their ranks. He’s a representative of the team"

On Hummels being dropped: Mats hasn’t played as much recently as before. We now have a different system and one less centre-back. There are currently other players there. I don't see Mats as the ideal choice. It’s not always just about finding the best players, but perhaps simply the most suitable ones.

On who will start in goal in the next two games: We will have a conversation with both of them [Neuer and ter Stegen] - and then decide.

On dropping Goretzka: The decision was not between Pavlović and Leon. Leon's last few games have been much better, that's right. It's about finding the right players for the roles, I see other players ahead at the moment. We had others in mind. Through very good performance and an understanding of the role, the door is not closed. It wasn’t a pleasant conversation [with Goretzka], as you can imagine, but you have to make decisions.

On Pavlović: He has shown very strong performances recently. He was one of the best players at Bayern. Of course this was not a political decision. We didn't have to convince him. That was the consequence of the performance principle. We'll see whether it'll be enough for the Euros. He talks in the dressing room and doesn’t hide despite his young age.

On his future: I currently have a contract with the DFB until after the European Championships. I don't have any other contract available. My full focus is on the European Championships and the national team.

But, Nagelsmann is definitely thinking about his future: I would advise that to anyone whose contract is about to expire.

On Thomas Müller: He’s been playing a lot recently. He knows what his role is, he knows what importance he can have in each role. Thomas could also settle for a spot off the bench. He already knows the role at FC Bayern. Thomas is a player who also has a role off the pitch. He is an intelligent player who doesn’t focus on himself but on the team.

On Kroos' comeback: He is very important, but also not the sole savior. He knows what he can do. On the other hand, he also knows what he can't do. He has a very good instinct, a good calmness. He can be a brilliant link between defense and attack. There is always this expression in Germany “Querpass-Toni” [sideways pass Toni] - Anyone who says that knows nothing about football. I'm extremely happy that after many conversations I persuaded him to come back. I give him credit for that.

On 4 Stuttgart players called up: That’s also momentum. This year they are doing very, very well. I could have called two or three more from VfB. Waldemar Anton is a very good defender, also with an offensive urge. He won't demand to play every game from the start, but he'll still give it his all. Maxi Mittelstädt is currently the most stable left-back in the Bundesliga. Statistically speaking, he is by far the best left-back in the Bundesliga. Chris Führich is an extremely valuable player, with 1v1 and good finishing, that can be key if we need a goal. Deniz Undav has a great ability to read spaces. He runs a lot, is hard-working and has a good nose for goal.

On Jan-Niklas Beste: He can play an offensive role but also at the back and can play left-back without any problems. Plus he is an exceptional set piece taker. He deserved the nomination with the goal involvments he has.

Nagelsmann says Rüdiger and Tah will be the starting CB duo: Toni and Jona are initially the starters in central defense. They can confirm this through good performances.

On BVB players (except Füllkrug) being dropped: The assessment is not always about talent. I spoke to Edin (Terzic) and Sebastian Kehl on the phone, I can imagine that neither of them are happy. I think other players have better momentum. Everyone knows what it will take to get back in. From the discussions we had, they know what is missing so that they can be called up for the Euros. The player decides at the end. I’m just the executive body. Julian Brandt was a tough decision, Führich probably has the better momentum at the moment.

[chelseafcwmemes]

Another one behind a paywall

https://www.sportherning.dk/artikel/b2936750-9100-4136-a391-fa72c10fb6e3/

Pernille Harder has fought back from her first long-term injury and feels that her body is strong again ahead of her first World Cup final round.

Pernille Harder has, among other things, won eight championships in a row - across three of Europe's strongest leagues.

Nine cup titles and three finals in the Champions League are also there. Along with an EC silver medal.

But the star player, who was born and raised in Tulstrup by Ikast, has never been a part of the World Cup in football.

- I am really looking forward to experiencing it and being part of the WC. Of course, we go out on the pitch to get the best possible result, and I give everything for that. But as I said, it's my first WC, so I'm just looking forward to soaking it up, says Pernille Harder.

She delivers the words to Herning Folkeblad before Tuesday's training on the hybrid track in Herning Fremad. This year, the national team has set up its big WC training camp in Herning with three training days this week and four next. The squad for the final round is announced the day after the last training session in Herning.

The injured thigh feels strong again

Of course, Pernille Harder does not have to worry about her place in the World Cup squad, even though she has not actually played a single international match this year.

She was injured in an international match against Switzerland on November 11 last year and subsequently underwent surgery for a thigh injury and was sidelined for five months.

- It was the first time I was out with an injury for a long time. But I worked really hard during my injury period to be in good physical shape when I came back.

And it also felt good when I returned, says Pernille Harder.

She got playing time in the last six games of the season in the English league for her club, Chelsea, and scored five goals in those games.

Now she is also back on the national team for the first time since the injury.

- It feels great to be back. Nice to see the girls and train with them and just be in the national team camp again, says the 30-year-old offensive ace.

The fact that the training session takes place in Herning with accommodation at Hotel Eyde is only a plus.

- It feels quite homely. After all, it's only 10 minutes to Ikast, smiles Pernille Harder, who still has her parents Annie and Mogens and older sister Louise in Ikast.

There are exactly 29 days until the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand begins. Denmark is in a pool with the European champions from England, China and Haiti.

- We have a month to train hard and make sure we are sharp.

- We are of course looking to progress from the pool. That's how it always is.

And then we'll have to see after that, points out Pernille Harder with a sense of humor.

New challenges in Germany

She also has a lot to look forward to at club level. Just three weeks ago, she and her boyfriend, the Swedish national team captain Magdalena Eriksson, were presented as new players in FC Bayern München.

It may seem surprising to some that one of the world's best players is saying goodbye to the up-and-coming and money-rich English league, but for Harder it makes good sense.

- I wanted to try something new. And I really like the German culture and German mentality, and I think that Bayern as a club is really interesting.

I like the values in the club, and I think it's a really good team that I hope I can help to become even stronger, says Pernille Harder.

She played three and a half years in the German Bundesliga before moving to Chelsea, and thrived enormously in the German back then.

It was in VfL Wolfsburg.

This time it is Bayern Munich, and this time it will be with Magdalena Eriksson. The Swede has been at Chelsea for six years.

- It is of course a big plus that the club wanted both of us and sees a good role for both of us in the team, she states.

They have both signed three-year contracts with the southern German big club, which has won five German championships on the women's side - including two within the past three years. In the past three seasons, Bayern have been in two quarter-finals and one semi-final in the Champions League - The aim is to play for the titles in Germany - both the championship and the cup - and try to chase the big one: the Champions League, says Pernille Harder, who has been to three Champions League finals without winning the major trophy.

I wanted to try something new. And I really like the German culture and German mentality, and I think that Bayern as a club is really interesting

[thewebbloghouse]

Ann didn't only point out the ageism. She also spoke about switching to the goalkeeping position "too late," and so she missed the DFB U-teams. And probably was not considered for a long time after that because of that. This is a stupid move by the DFB and also does happen in the men's team, not just for goalies either. Then you get players choosing to play for another country if possible (dual citizenship) even though they would have gladly played for Germany.

In my opinion, they should have invited her way earlier based on her performances, just so she can get familiar with the environment and the other players.

The DFB also tends to focus too much on players playing in the Bundesliga, and you have to perform way harder to be considered if you play outside Germany unless you're already an established part of the national team. Which is another stupid move, in my opinion. I don't know if other countries act similarly.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of specialising too early. It's actually beneficial to play all the different positions and even other sports.

You're right. That Ann was called up to late is something that other people pointed out too in the last years. That german players play abroad was for a long time a novum. AKB was one of the first player who did it and this was a big reason, why she got overlooked all the time and didn't got nominated for the NT.

Jess pointed it out aswell, that it was incredible that AKB made her debute with 30 on her insta post from the 1st december 2020. 😉

And yes, to play other positions before specialising as a goalkeeper can only help. Nadine Angerer was a striker before she moved to the goal. Hope Solo too. Both great goalies, who benefited from their former experience as outfield players.

I think german players are also to comfortable and stubborn to make the step abroad. Many players still think the Bundesliga is the best league. The DFB aswell.

[kimmichedfcb]

Wins for me personally out of this game:

Jo played great

we took out (2nd yellow) some of their players for the next match

when toni went all in in the first minutes, I was like: it's (maybe) his last game, what are you gonna say?

NOBODY MADE A MISTAKE THAT LEAD TO GOAL (especially not our players and especially not manu)

no penalties where one player could have gotten all the blame

I've never seen such good subs tbh, it really was something, he really knew how to use them

flo goal, jo assist

two goals for the bundesliga

captain kimmich

that equalising goal was really important; I think the whole picture of germany in this em is improved because of that moment. Now instead of a team that is good but can't score and fails to deliver in big games, it's a team that fought 'til the end.

[doudouneverte]

a/n: I totally agree with you

Other plans

*not my GIF*

Pairing: Sarah Zadrazil x NY/NJ Gohtam!reader; FC Bayern frauen x reader

Summary: A date with your wife while her team take care of your daughter....well that was your plan

Type: Fluff

Warning: none

word count: 1849

------------

Loud noises, and people everywhere, some walking faster than others, some who looked stressed or late. It was in this state that you left the plane. It was one of these days when you would come back to Europe after a big season in the US.

It was a hard choice to make at first. I mean, yeah, it is always hard to leave your family and your friends behind, but this time it was for football, so they understood. Well, almost everyone, because at first it was strange for your daughter to leave Germany. For her defence, a kid doesn’t really think about things like that.

“Look, it’s mama!” Your, surprisingly, very energetic daughter, yelled after she saw your wife. You look at where she was pointing to see a smiling and very beautiful Sarah waiting for you two. The middle fielder quickly closed the gap between you and hugged the little girl tightly.

“Hallo, meine mausebâr. Were you good for your mom in America?” The Bayern player asked.

“If we ignore that she was very spoilt by all the girls, then yes.” You replied while you gathered all your bags.

“I also missed you.” Your wife said before giving you a light kiss, making your daughter grimace. “Here, Maya, let’s show mama how strong you became and help us to carry the luggage in the car, okay?” 

The four-year-old girl nodded vividly and started to grab her backpack. You and Sarah took the rest of the luggage and followed your little girl to the car.

“I'm pretty surprised that she has so much energy right now.” The middle fielder remarked.

“Actually, she had a nap on the plane because she wanted to ‘not be tired and the first one to hug mama’.” You quoted with a smile. “Totally a mama’s girl.”

“Yeah, but we both know that you love our ‘mama’s girl’.” She mocked you with air quotes. “Now let’s go back home; I think you really need to rest too.” She caressed your cheek and admired your tired face.

It’s not really a surprise for her; you always had been the stressed one in the couple, so she could guess that you overthought the last night or packed and unpacked to be sure that you didn’t miss anything.

Being back in Germany, and especially in Munich, was a little strange feeling for you. Maybe because you’re Austrian, so you’re technically not ‘back home’, but the other thing was that the last time you played in the Bundesliga was when Sarah still played with you for Potsdam. Of course, southern city was a very great place for Maya to grow up, but you couldn’t help but miss the house you shared there.

“Finally back home.” Sarah announced before turning off the engine.

“Mama, can we see Sydney and Klara?” Maya asked very excited.

“It’s a little late today, but I promise that they will come to see you tomorrow after training. Now, what do you think to help me and your mom to unpack everything, and then I will give you your bath? What do you think about that?”

“Really?” The little girl asked.

“Yeah.”

“Yay, and I will show the new toys Esther brought me!”

“I really want to see them, but right now, help me to wake up your mom so she can help us, right? We can’t do everything on our own.”

After a few hours of unpacking things and a mama-daughter time, it was time to eat before sleeping.

“--and then, mommy took the ball, and she ran very, very fast to before she passed the ball to auntie Esther... Oh, auntie Esther played for Spain, and she’s really good, but I still prefer Klara and Syd–”

“Maya, please, babygirl, can you finish your dinner before?” you asked.

“But I was about to tell mama when you scored.” Your daughter pouted.

“You still can tell me before your bed story.” Your wife reassured her.

And it was with this promise on her mind that Maya finished eating and immediately waited for her mama. Being totally exhausted because of the precious hours, Sarah easily convinced you to let her deal with the four-year-old girl. When she came back to your shared bedroom, she found you still awake and waiting for her.

“She has a lot of energy recently.” She commented, making you laugh when you remembered how the team struggled to keep up with Maya’s energy.

“You should’ve seen her with Kelley. I swear this woman never grew up.”

“Well, she’s about to spend all her time with the girls.” Your wife reminded you before laying next to you. You both looked at each other, not exchanging a word, just smiling and appreciating the time together. "Congratulation, by the way. My wife is a NWSL champion.” She gave you a light kiss, which made you smile even more widely.

"Look, who’s talking? You won the Bundesliga last season. And I watched your game; you’re ready to do the same this season too.” You countered.

“I know, but it’s different when it’s come from you.”

“What do you mean by that?” You asked with a falsely offended look.

“I mean that we need to celebrate that properly, and that’s why I think I will take you on a date tomorrow.” She explained.

“Oh, really? Then I’m pretty glad to win this thing then.” You grinned and caught her lips between yours before you decided to finally call it a night. 

~~~~

The next day everything was planned to let you spend a lovely day with Sarah while some Bayern players would take your daughter to a ‘tanten and Maya day’.

“You have everything you need in her bag. I packed some snacks if she got hungry, and she had a bottle of water. If–.”

“Hey, Y/n, it’s okay. We know how to take care of our little girl here.” Jovana cut you off.

“Actually, she’s still legally our little girl, but I’m really glad that you accept to spend the day with her today.” Sarah said coming out of Maya’s bedroom.

“Okay, now where is she?” The striker asked. Just after that, you all heard some footsteps coming in your direction.

“Mommy, look, Syd bought me this.” Maya showed you a Bayern kit that, of course, the younger player brought.

“It’s suit you very well, little mause.” Linda said, making you roll your eyes. “What, isn’t she cute?” She asked you directly this time.

“Okay, now girl, we need to leave before there’s too many people.” Lea announced, and everyone followed outside.

“Lea, you’re in charge!” You told her, and she nodded. "Why do I feel a little stressed?” You asked your wife when everyone left.

“It’s okay; nothing will happen to her. She’s with her favourite aunties; nothing can happen, don’t worry. Now let’s get to change for our date.”

~~~~

Everything was perfect. It was maybe one of the best dates you ever had together. And even if there were still a little doubt about how the Bayern players took care of Maya, you forced yourself to trust them.

You were walking hand in hand with Sarah, talking about how much you missed her, and she was talking about how everything was going so far. And it was when you really started to relax that the middle fielder received a call.

“Uh, hello, Linda. Everything is alright?” When you heard that, you instantly froze.

“Yeah, of course. All is good. I just need to ask you a question. Maya still has all her baby teeth, right?” Sarah’s eyes instantly opened more wide.

“Linda, what happened?” She asked very stressed. Not knowing what her teammate was talking about, you started to get anxious. You started to gain her attention, but she was too focused on the call. “Where are you?... Okay, we’re coming right now.”

“What’s happening?” You asked when she hung up.

“Maya fell, and it seems that she lost a tooth, and she’s crying a lot.” Your wife explained before dragging you to the car.

~~~~

The ride to join the girls seemed endless. You couldn’t stop your heart from beating more than usual, your palms were sweaty because of stress, and you couldn’t look away from the road even in the passenger seat.

Once Sarah stopped the car, you immediately unbuckled your belt and rushed out of the car. You called for the girls, but no one replied. A few seconds later, Sarah was by your side, and she told you that Linda texted her precisely where they were. You followed her, a little anxious, even if your hands were attached together.

You walked a few more steps until you heard voices. You tried to decipher what they were saying, but the middlefielder dragged you with her when she started to accelerate. Then you both found Maya sitting on a bench with her favourite plush that you packed earlier. You started to run to her, but you stopped when you suddenly saw the girls coming out of nowhere.

“Surprise!!” They yelled together, making you look at them with a confused expression.

“What the hell?” Was the only thing that came out of your brain.

“We planned this before you came back.” Your wife explained after she joined you.

“Honestly, we didn’t know what to do to bring you there, so we used the help of Maya.” Lea said this time.

“Wait, you’re telling me that you almost gave me a heart attack for a…for a party?” You asked.

“Well, it’s not any party. It’s your party. Sarah thought it would be a good idea to organise that because we couldn’t be there to see your final against OL Reign.” Caro said.

“Yay, it’s mom’s party. Mama, can we eat cake now?” Maya asked, making you laugh.

“Of course, babygirl.” You said very amused.

Honestly, it was not really what you were thinking about two days ago. But you also didn’t think you could win the NWSL this season a few months ago.

And that’s how what should have been a date with your wife transformed into a party thrown to make up for something she didn’t have to.

“So, did you like your surprise?” Sarah asked once you were back at home.

“Yeah, that’s definitely the best surprise someone ever made me.” You replied.

“Well, you already gave me the best surprise I could ever dream off four years ago, and now I just try to match that, but it’s not easy.” You caressed her cheeks and admired her face with an enamoured expression.

“You don’t have to match anything; you already did so much all these years together, and I absolutely love you for that.” You said and pecked her lips gently, which helped a smile appear on her face.

The brunette was about to reply before Maya came into the living room. “Mom, can you read me a story tonight?” The four-year-old asked.

You looked at her and at Sarah before replying, “Okay, but what about, mama’s coming too?” The younger brunette nodded excitedly and ran to her bedroom, followed by you too.

[ninifooty]

I fully agree i feel like him being so complete of a player he is able to help in many aspects like he is great in one on ones ,take-on, tackles ,ball carrying and also scoring Its crazy knowing he is just 20 and his potential and yeah he still has a shoulder brace on i think he might get surgery after this season is finished. Yeah vini deserves im glad he is getting recognition and they both love each other like jude even said if vini wins it would feel like he also won i find that so cute.

I just hate the scrutinising that jude gets like he won the laliga player of the year and here i was thinking he was the obvious choice and i go online and so many people are saying as he isn’t top scorer or top assist he doesn’t deserve these people need to think outside of stats and actually acknowledge the season he is having.

worried about the euros if they don’t perform well i feel he will get dragged so badly

the people scrutinising him are just the salty toxic barca fans 😭 everyone else is very happy for him, as an english madridista who's been a fan since his 2022 dortmund days i know i sure am. its years of hard work that's really paid off.

i think everyone really is looking at england right now for the euros. they have some of the best players in the prem, bundesliga and laliga all on their team. on paper, they're a team that should be obliterating all their competition. there's so much pressure in the whole team to do well this year, and i have a horrible feeling that it's gonna drag them down a bit.

i just hope that the fans who are travelling to germany can be fully supportive. to the players, the travelling fans represent the whole fanbase. if the fans in the stadium aren't happy, for the players it really translates to the whole country being unhappy. you can see it a lot in the prem, teams losing at home and their fans leaving before the full time whistle. it lowers their morale incredibly

the scary part is the racism that gets dragged into it. jude's said it before, when he performs well for england, he's "one of our own", when he's not he's just black. that's what i'm worried about, on behalf of all our black players at the euros

[ikram1909]

would love for ansu to find good form again and stay :’( i just don’t see it happening in barca with its constant high pressure grueling atmosphere. maybe if he goes to italy or germany on another loan stint (i don’t rate england on developing loan signings, especially foreign players).

yeah not signing grimaldo was such a failure on our part, his years in portugal had loads of injuries but when he was on the pitch he always delivered, sort of like pedri. our loss, leverkusens gain.

i’ve given up on finding a DM by this summer… they’re are at their most expensive. there is no one good, young-ish, and proven coming up on a free/cheap anywhere. and anyways, unless we sell fdj/araujo/ter stegen we cant even afford players who might be ok choices AND balance our books. honestly, i think barca should either develop casado/a youth player or stick to a two pivot system until we actually have money to sign a decent player.

You know what, I can get behind Ansu going to the Bundesliga I think he'd be a great addition to bvb (hopefully Edin will be gone next season).

Grimaldo is such a loss man Ale could've used competition in his position and the guy is genuinely amazing AND is from la masía like I'm still confused why they didn't bring him 😒

As for the DM, they're still going for Aleix Garcia who isn't really a DM because we just suck at squad building and I'm worried he'll turn out to be another Romeu. Our other option is relying on la masía and child abuse again 😭😭

[athletic-aditya-vyas]

An Amazing Night with FC Bayern Family❤️🤍 Great to see all the Bavarian Armies Uniting under one roof, supporting the team till the End🫶🏻 Glad to witness a rise in Football Fan Culture in INDIA🇮🇳

V.C: @kiratmehar00

E.C: @ellomennopeekyuu

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#bayern #bayernmunich #fcbayern #harrykane #thomasmüller #alphonsodavies #leroysane #xabialonso #bayerleverkusen #bayerleverkusen04 #bayernmünchen #mumbai #football #IndianFootball #india #love #bayarena #jamalmusiala #musiala #goretzka #kimmich #upamecano #germany🇩🇪 #german #germanfootball #bundesliga #bundesliga2 #bavarianarmy #bavarianarmypune #bavarianarmymumbai

[leonsliga]

A tour through Leon’s Facebook:

Thank you, FC Bayern München! Mona Lisa will be jealous. 😂😎

#derPokalhatseineganzeigenengesetze #puh — #thecuphasitsownlaws #puh

Ein Bild sagt mehr als 1000 Worte. — A picture says more than 1000 words.

The eagle has landed. 🚁🙏👊

🕶️ -gefunden ! 😜 — 🕶️ -found! 😜

Wer weiß wofür es im billard ne blaue nase gibt ? 😜 — Who knows what a blue nose is for in billiards?

Hexenkessel abgekühlt und eine gute Ausgangslage geschaffen 💪🏼😊 jetzt gilt es sich gut zu erholen, um Sonntag in der Bundesliga wieder mit vollen Akkus starten zu können ! — Witches cauldron cooled down and created a good starting position 💪🏼😊 Now it's time to recover well so that we can start Sunday in the Bundesliga again with full batteries!

Zu viel Kuchen gegessen ?! 🎂 Ate too much cake?! 🎂

Die nächste Aufgabe wartet schon 😊 — The next task is already waiting 😊

Max Meyer & Ich sind sowas von bereit 😉😜 — Max Meyer and I are so ready 😉😜

Grüße von da, wo die Sonne scheint 😉☀️ —Greetings from where the sun shines 😉☀️

Die Vorbereitung auf Samstag hat heute begonnen ! 💪🏼⚽️🔵⚪️ Benedikt Höwedes will weider drängeln bei den Koordinationsübungen 😅🙈 — Preparation for Saturday started today! 💪🏼⚽️🔵⚪️ Benedikt Höwedes wants to keep pushing during the coordination exercises 😅🙈

#seidihralleaufdemweg #wieisteuertipp — #areyouallonyourway #whatisyourtip

Ich: Kein Tor gemacht 😡//Er: 2 Tore gemacht 😀🎉🎉🎉 — me: no goal scored 😡//him: 2 goals scored 😀🎉🎉🎉

#schnippschnappnewcut 😛

Überragendes Konzert von Beyonce 🙏🏼✌🏼— Outstanding concert by Beyonce 🙏🏼✌🏼

Bei über 30 Grad und einer Luftfeuchtig von 89% - viel trinken !! ☝🏼😜 — At over 30 degrees and a humidity of 89% - drink a lot!! ☝🏼😜

Ich fahre nächste Saison den Mannschaftsbus ?! 🙈✌🏼😜 🚐💨…🚓🚓🚓 — I’ll drive the team bus next season?! 🙈✌🏼😜 🚐💨…🚓🚓🚓

Der neue Wachlöwehund 🙉😳😍🦁🐶 — the new guard lion dog 🙉😳😍🦁🐶

Cooler Typ, cooles Bild 👉🏼👈🏼🙉🙈 — Cool guy, cool picture 👉🏼👈🏼🙉🙈

Kreditkarte glüht 💸 — Credit card glows 💸

Kleines Käffchen nach dem obligatorischen Vapianobesuch ! 🤓😉 — A little coffee after the obligatory Vapiano visit! 🤓😉

Mussten wir was gegen die juckenden Füße tun 😍⚽️ — We had to do something about the itchy feet 😍⚽️

Auch hier nochmal. ab sofort bin ich für euch auch bei snapchat unterwegs 😉✌🏼 — Here again. From now on I’m on Snapchat for you too 😉✌🏼

Germany’s next top model 😂

Erst Training gehabt und jetzt in der Sonne entspannen. ☀️ Was macht ihr? — First had training and now relaxing in the sun. ☀️ What are you doing?

Kleinen Lauf um den Ümminger #catchmeifyoucan — Small run around the Ümminger #catchmeifyoucan

Ich habe heute die Gelegenheit genutzt um mal wieder die alte Schule zu besuchen 🤓😂📝 — I took the opportunity today to visit the old school again 🤓😂📝

Hatten einen schönen Abend mit den Jungs in Hamburg ! 😊 super Musical, sehr empfehlenswert! — Had a nice evening with the guys in Hamburg! 😊 Great musical, highly recommended!

✌🏼 Leute ! 😊 Ab sofort werde ich diese Facebook-Seite selbst führen und euch persönlich mit Neuigkeiten aus meinem Leben nerven ! 😁 — ✌🏼 People! 😊 from now on, I will run this Facebook page myself and annoy you personally with news from my life! 😁

[thommi-tomate]

Thommi on LinkedIn:

Full speed ahead... Welcome 2024!

There are a whole handful of things I'm particularly looking forward to this year. The Bundesliga kicks off again on Friday with a home game against Hoffenheim. In the Champions League, we face Lazio Roma with FC Bayern in February.

We have a lot planned for the second half of the season. Due to Bayer Leverkusen's strong performances so far this season, we are currently in the somewhat unfamiliar role of the hunter. But hopefully that will change soon...

Of course, the European Championship in our own country is hovering over everything this year. It would be great if we as a nation could look forward to this great football tournament in Germany, regardless of the DFB team's recent unsatisfactory results. We have the chance to present ourselves as great hosts in these difficult political times and to celebrate a peaceful and inspiring football festival together across all nations. The 2006 World Cup inevitably comes to mind. Back then, I experienced the tournament as a 16-year-old fan. The atmosphere in the stadiums and at the public viewings was absolutely magical.

Incidentally, I see the sporting situation today in a similar way to back then. We are rightly not one of the top favorites at the moment. But perhaps we can start the tournament on a positive note - as we did in 2006 - and then grow from game to game with the support of the German public.

I wish you a healthy, happy and successful 2024 and look forward to many LinkedIn moments together!