Stars leave the Women's Bundesliga – Money lures talent abroad

More than a dozen German top players earn their money abroad, causing the women's Bundesliga to lose more and more stars. The situation is described by national striker Laura Freigang as a “sell‑out”, because the lack of money makes the league unattractive.

Laura Freigang, a 28‑year‑old national player, has been playing for Frankfurt since 2018 and says it plainly: “We need more money,” she says without beating around the bush. Her statement underscores the growing problem that more and more players are answering the call of foreign clubs.

Especially the English Super League entices with financially strong offers. Lisa Baum, who has been active for FC Arsenal since this season, emphasizes: “We have in London almost the same conditions as the men.” She is therefore one of several who praise the attractive conditions abroad.

The USA as well as top clubs in France and Spain also present lucrative contracts that attract German talents. For Freigang, it is clear: Money lures the best players, and where the best play, the best football is created, which in turn boosts interest.

New League Association FBL Attempts Counter‑measures

The league association FBL e.V., recently split off from the DFB, marks a historic moment for the women's Bundesliga. VfL director Vanessa Bernauer emphasizes that “the real work” is only beginning now, while the league operates independently.

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

FBL president Katharina Kiel explained at the DFB congress that the goal is to make women's football more internationally competitive, to develop it sportingly and economically. A new TV contract, currently being negotiated, is intended to bring significantly more money into the league.

Clubs Invest and Look Ahead to Euro 2029

The clubs have announced that they will invest massively in the coming years to increase attractiveness. At the same time, Kiel stresses the league association’s responsibility, especially with regard to the home Euro 2029, which is seen as a great opportunity for German women's football.

National team coach Christian Wück points out that legionnaires bring advantages and disadvantages, because they are not always used regularly. He hopes that the Bundesliga will regain its former strength and that more players will stay in Germany.

Emigration of National Players Increases

Currently there are rumors about the departure of the national left‑winger of FC Bayern, who has already scored six goals and provided five assists in eight league matches. Despite an offer from FC Barcelona, Klara Bühl has chosen to stay in the Bundesliga, making her an exception.

In the Euro 2025 squad there are still six legionnaires, while by now a good dozen German top players are active abroad. The most recent moves include Carlotta Wamser to Manchester City, Nicole Anyomi to London City Lionesses, Vivien Endemann to FC Liverpool, Selina Cerci and Lisa Baum to FC Arsenal – a total of eleven players in England.

Elisa Senß has chosen Real Madrid and will join Sara Däbritz and Merle Frohms there, so three German players now stand with the “Royal” side. Freigang warns that without further investment, more stars like Klara Bühl will be hard to retain.