VfL Wolfsburg Faces Uncertain Future After DFB-Pokal Defeat
VfL Wolfsburg's future is uncertain after their 0-4 loss to Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal final, marking a potential shift in dominance in women's football.
“At the moment, FC Bayern is simply the benchmark in German women’s football, and that must be acknowledged without envy,” stated VfL Wolfsburg's coach, Stephan Lerch, during the press conference following the DFB-Pokal final, where his team suffered a 0-4 defeat. Not too long ago, the term “changing of the guard” was met with resistance in Wolfsburg, as it signified the end of their dominance, now seemingly replaced by Bayern Munich. This shift in power appears to be taking shape.
It is important to note that it is not a new phenomenon for a single club to stand out in (West) German women's football. However, the identity of that club has changed over the decades. Historically, there have been transitional periods marked by intense competition, where a dominant team faced new challengers. This cycle can be traced from SSG 09 Bergisch Gladbach to TSV Siegen, FSV Frankfurt, 1. FFC Frankfurt, Turbine Potsdam, VfL Wolfsburg, and now FC Bayern Munich.
The Question of Football Romanticism
The recent role reversal between Wolfsburg and Bayern sparked a media discussion, particularly before the DFB-Pokal final, with the Süddeutsche Zeitung asking, “Double or football romanticism?” The Wolfsburger Allgemeine Zeitung playfully deepened the association of VfL with tradition and romance. This notion might bemuse many male football fans, especially considering that the women’s division of VfL was established in 2003 through the acquisition of WSV Wolfsburg, while Bayern's women’s section has been around since 1970.
As more clubs enter the top two leagues, the definitions of tradition and football romanticism will likely be challenged, especially when some women’s teams are still in their infancy. This raises the question of whether any of the former dominant clubs in women's football will reclaim their former glory. So far, no team has successfully returned to the top, with Frankfurt's current structure being the only slight exception, as they have yet to win a title.
Traditionally, the successful eras in women's football have not mirrored those in the men's game. The current situation, where Bayern Munich leads in both sectors, is unprecedented, even though the men's team from Wolfsburg has had its share of titles. This dynamic has made the women’s competitions more intriguing for fans who do not support Bayern Munich, as they seek variety rather than the same outcomes repeatedly.
Alexandra Popp's Farewell Season
There is a palpable fatigue among fans regarding the prolonged title reigns of a single club in women's football. In Cologne, known for its neutral spectators, the atmosphere is festive, attracting diverse groups regardless of the teams competing in the final. This year, Wolfsburg found itself in the underdog position, a role that many fans had previously assigned to their opponents.
The impending departure of Alexandra Popp added to this sentiment, with many wishing for her to secure a title in what could be her last chance. Popp's future with Borussia Dortmund remains uncertain, as she transitions after 14 years with Wolfsburg.
“Everyone saw that I broke down in tears,” Popp reflected. “The disappointment was immense, but it was also emotional because this could be my last cup final. I have developed so much here, both personally and professionally, and I am incredibly grateful to the club.”
Coach Lerch acknowledged Popp's exceptional qualities and the significant void her departure will create: “Her character and personality are unique, and she has profoundly influenced women's football, not just in Wolfsburg but beyond.”
Uncertain Future for Wolfsburg
As Wolfsburg grapples with the loss of its former dominance and prepares for significant personnel changes, the path forward remains unclear. Lerch noted that Wolfsburg faces a “competitive disadvantage compared to other clubs,” emphasizing the need for compelling arguments to retain players and remain competitive.
The future leadership of the club is still in question, as the successor to Ralf Kellermann, who has shaped Wolfsburg's dominance for over two decades, has yet to be determined. There is also no new sports management in place. Recent reports indicated that an interview with Kellermann was not authorized by the club, despite it containing only positive remarks about VfL.
When asked if he feared losing the second position in the league, Lerch responded, “Not fear, but we have a lot to do.” He pointed to the need for improvements in staff and infrastructure, which had been promised by the recently dismissed managing director, Peter Christiansen, but were not executed.
The departures of Popp and Kellermann to Dortmund could lead Wolfsburg into the regional leagues, or at best, the second division. For Popp, moving to BVB fulfills a childhood dream, indicating a desire for change and perhaps reflecting their perspectives on Wolfsburg's future. Those invested in promoting women’s football in Germany would welcome Dortmund's swift ascent to the top league, potentially positioning them as a serious competitor to Bayern's dominance.
About Alexandra Popp's performance in the DFB-Pokal final 2026 was written by Lisa Seiler on 11Frauen.
