Dzsenifer Marozsán: From Lyon to the desert – a brave change!

Dzsenifer Marozsán: From Lyon to the desert – a brave change!

On August 13, 2025, the move of Dzsenifer Marozsán, one of Germany's most famous footballers, will cause excitement in the sports world. The 33-year-old former international has decided to continue her career with Al-Qadsiah WFC in Saudi Arabia after playing for Olympique Lyon for nine years. She announced her move in a video with the words: "From the tip of Europe to the heart of Al-Khobar. I'm ready." FAZ reports about the exciting development.

Marozsán, who has an impressive 112 caps to her name and is the 2016 Olympic champion, will wear the number 66 at her new club. Her decision to leave the domestic league is not only remarkable from a sporting point of view, but also socially significant: Marozsán is the first German player to move to Saudi Arabia. This region has invested heavily in women's football in recent years, but this has not come without criticism, particularly with regard to the human rights situation and discrimination against women.

New challenges and old friends

At Al-Qadsiah, Marozsán will meet Sara Björk Gunnarsdottir, an old friend and former teammate from Lyon who moved from Juventus to Saudi Arabia a year ago. The club achieved third place last season in the new Saudi Women's Premier League, which was not launched until 2022. This gives Marozsán the chance to continue her career in an emerging environment that shows a lot of potential in the coming years.

Saudi Arabia has invested billions in the sport in recent years and plans to host the men's World Cup in 2034. But criticism of the human rights situation in the country remains in view of the numerous problems, especially for women. However, the country's sporting ambitions could spark change, albeit with mixed feelings.

Marozsán's move represents a significant step in her career while highlighting the growing internationalization of women's football. It remains to be seen whether this decision for the player will actually have a positive impact on the advancement of women in Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, it shows that the potential is there and that changes are possible even in an environment as controversial as Saudi Arabia.

For Marozsán, this change begins a new chapter that could be both sportingly and culturally challenging. As a pioneer, she will be able to play an important role not only on the pitch but also off it. The country is eagerly awaiting her first appearance, and fans agree: after so many years in Europe, she could take Al-Qadsiah WFC to a new level.