Ann-Katrin Berger makes Gotham FC debut after move from Chelsea | OneFootball

German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger made her NJ/NY Gotham FC debut on Sunday after making her move to the NWSL from Chelsea. The 33-year-old spent five years in London and won ten trophies with the Blues before embarking on her new chapter.

On April 19th, Berger announced her permanent transfer to Gotham FC for the remainder of the NWSL season. The initial contract is set to last til the end of the 2024 campaign. However, there is a further option to extend it. From one team of champions to another, Berger will get stuck in straight away with the Bats, who are hoping to climb up the NWSL table to retain their title.

Berger’s Chelsea career

During her five years with Chelsea, Berger built up a legendary status at the club, serving as a sublime goalkeeper. As Emma Hayes reflected on the German’s time at Chelsea, she commented on how she’s ‘never seen a goalkeeper as good at saving penalties as Ann-Katrin Berger’.

Berger’s supreme set of skills have helped Chelsea achieve four WSL titles, three FA cups, two League Cups and a Community Shield. Her incredible performances have not gone unnoticed throughout the years, with Berger being named in the WSL PFA Team of the Year on four occasions.

In January 2019, Berger joined Chelsea from Birmingham City. After making only one appearance in her first few months at Chelsea, she went on to become a regular. She featured 13 times in the 2019/20 WSL campaign, before the league was curtailed due to Covid-19.

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Before the season ended, Berger helped Chelsea earn a victory over rivals Arsenal, with a number of spectacular saves. Her standout performances throughout the season earned her a spot in the 2019/20 PFA Team of the Year.

Saves and silverware

Berger had a sublime season in 2020/21, recording a tally of 12 clean sheets throughout 17 matches. Her displays between the sticks helped the Blues win another league title and saw her winn her first WSL Golden Glove. Berger also showed Europe that she was a queen of stops as she saved two penalties in the last 16 of the Champions League, landing Chelsea a win.

Prior to the 2021/22 season, Berger signed a new contract with the Blues. During this season, she notched another beautiful tally of 15 clean sheets in 25 matches. Following yet another season of Berger being on marvellous form, she was chosen for the third consecutive year by the PFA as the Best Goalkeeper of the Season.

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The 2022/23 campaign was the season of recognition for the German goalkeeper. She finished in the top three for FIFA’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper award. Berger also won yet another WSL title, the FA Cup, and made her 100th appearance for Chelsea.

One of the most memorable moments for the Chelsea goalkeeper happened in the quarter-finals of the UWCL. After a tense game, a level score on the board meant that there would be a penalty shootout at Stamford Bridge. Despite the high tension around the ground, Berger made two big saves, helping the Chelsea move into the semi-finals.

Personal life

Ann-Katrin Berger has had the highest of highs throughout her career, despite being dealt some difficult hands her personal life. In 2022, the goalkeeper announced that after four years in remission, cancer had returned in her thyroid. Following her statement, her fans and teammates rallied with her as she beat it for the second time. Despite the devastating setback, she returned to the WSL a month later and continues to influence those around her.

After five memorable years, Ann-Katrin Berger will forever be a Chelsea legend and hero and as she gest stuck into her new challenge in the NWSL with Gotham FC.

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