Kathrin Hendrich: From Wolfsburg to the Chicago Stars – A new dream!

Kathrin Hendrich: From Wolfsburg to the Chicago Stars – A new dream!

An exciting move for German international Kathrin Hendrich: The 33-year-old defender has packed her bags and is moving from VfL Wolfsburg to Chicago Stars FC in the American National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). How mainpost.de reported, Hendrich signed a two-year contract with the option of an additional year. This marks the beginning of an exciting new challenge in the USA for the former 1. FFC Frankfurt and FC Bayern player.

After five successful years in Wolfsburg, during which she won the 2022 championship and a total of four DFB Cups, this step is a significant change for Hendrich. Last season she played 16 times despite a thigh injury and brought valuable experience to the Stars' defense line, which is currently at the bottom of the NWSL table with 24 goals conceded after eleven match days kicker.de reported. Richard Feuz, the club's general manager, is convinced of Hendrich's abilities and sees her as a valuable addition to his team.

Achievements and highlights

Kathrin Hendrich can look back on an impressive career. In addition to her club championships, she has also celebrated international success: She won the Olympic gold medal with the German national team in 2016, won silver at the European Championships in 2022 and won bronze at the 2024 Olympic Games. She is currently part of the 25-member extended squad of the national team, from which the final 23-member squad for the European Championships in Switzerland will be announced on Thursday. This underlines her importance and the high level of recognition she enjoys in German women's football.

Hendrich is excited about the challenge ahead: “I’m looking forward to playing for the Chicago Stars and getting to know my new teammates,” she said. This positive attitude will certainly help to adapt to a team that has struggled this season. In the first half of the season, the team failed to win in seven games, which increased the pressure on the new players. But Hendrich not only brings experience, but also the necessary talent to stabilize the defense.

Further developments in women's football

Hendrich's move supports the trend of more and more German players moving to the NWSL. This is also underlined by the resignation of Almuth Schult, a former national goalkeeper, who also celebrated great success with VfL Wolfsburg and won Olympic gold in 2016 worldfootball.de confirmed. Her career recently ended, opening up a new space for talented players.

Overall, Kathrin Hendrich's transfer will not only have an impact on her personal career, but also on the dynamics of the NWSL. We can look forward to her new role in Chicago!