Lisa Baum makes record transfer debut for DFB women's team in Karlsruhe

The 19‑year‑old attacking player Lisa Baum made her international debut for the DFB women on Friday evening in Karlsruhe – only 45 seconds after kickoff the audience got the first taste of her technique, after Arsenal had paid a record transfer fee of 600,000 euros.

Path from HSV via Leipzig to the international record

Baum began her professional career at HSV, where her then coach Marwin Bolz already recognized her as an exceptional talent at U14 age. They later worked together in the U17 team, and Bolz said at the time that he was sure she would one day play in the Champions League.

In 2025 she returned to the Bundesliga after 13 years as a key performer, before moving to RB Leipzig in the summer. There she recorded eleven direct goal involvements and became the bright spot of an uneven season.

Arsenal's record payment and the national team coach's expectations

In the summer of 2025 Arsenal knocked on the door and, according to media reports, paid a transfer fee of 600,000 euros – making Baum the most expensive German female footballer in history. The English club gave her an immediate regular spot, and her debut for the national team followed shortly thereafter.

National team coach Christian Wück, known for his sober analyses, remarked after the match: “In the early stages she showed how valuable she can be for us. It was a good start, she can certainly continue.”

Debut in Karlsruhe: Technique, pace and future visions

During the match Baum received the ball on the right wing, dribbled briefly and played a precise one‑two pass to Linda Dallmann in the penalty area. Although it did not create a scoring chance, Baum immediately displayed her dribbling, pace and ease – qualities she once described as “the world” herself.

Bolz praised her dribbling as “irresistible” and emphasized that she seemingly overcomes opponents effortlessly. Baum reported that as a child she played football with toilet‑paper rolls and always tried to outplay the opponent.

The path Baum has taken to her debut is characterized by bold decisions, a historic transfer and a twist of fate, according to the summary of her career so far.