Over the past few years, women’s football has undergone a remarkable transformation. Media attention has increased significantly, spectator numbers are constantly rising, and matches are now being played in larger stadiums. “This has made a huge difference for players,” Stina said. 

Most importantly, the sport has become more and more professional, with better conditions for athletes, more sophisticated training schedules, and continued investment in infrastructure.  

PUMA has been part of this development from an early stage, introducing football boots with a specific fit for women as one of the first players in the industry. Continuously updated based on direct feedback from female athletes, PUMA’s Women’s Fit 2.0 is available across all silos – ULTRA, FUTURE and KING – helping to raise performance standards for female players. 

Sarai pointed out that women typically have narrower feet than men, making it crucial to wear footwear designed specifically for their needs.

Rebecca emphasized the importance of a tailored fit not only for comfort but also for injury prevention. She explained that PUMA continuously refines the boots, adapting them to help reduce the risk of injuries. 

Comfort is another central theme among the players. Sarai added: “We spend so much time in these boots. Feeling comfortable in them is absolutely essential.”

“PUMA gives us a reliable tool to perform at the highest level,” Ann-Katrin concluded. Their experiences underscore how innovations like women’s specific football boots are more than just equipment – they’re indispensable for peak performance.

Career advice and pre-match rituals  

When asked what advice they would offer to young girls who aspire to become professional footballers, Ann-Katrin emphasized that first and foremost, girls should have fun playing the game. She encouraged young players to experiment, challenge their limits, and truly discover themselves as athletes. 

Stina advised girls to be courageous and not to shy away from forging their own paths. Sarai added that, in her experience, playing with boys for as long as possible proved invaluable, as it taught her many lessons. 

When it comes to preparing for training sessions or matches, many players have their own unique routine they never skip. While Stina sometimes turns to meditation to center herself before a match, Rebecca said she prefers to do  activation exercises. Having a strict routine in the twenty minutes leading up to a match provides the players with a sense of consistency and focus. 

Experienced goalkeeper Ann-Katrin said she takes an entirely different approach, choosing to distract herself a little so she doesn’t overthink the upcoming match, which helps her stay relaxed and avoid unnecessary pressure. 

World Cup 2027 as a driver of professionalisation 

When asked about her hopes for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, Rebecca explained that the greatest opportunity for the sport lies in becoming more professional on a wider scale. While the top tier of women’s football has seen significant progress and is well positioned, she said she believes there are still substantial gaps in the lower levels. 

Following the conversation with CATch UP, the players had a proud moment when they saw Ann-Katrin Berger’s signed goalkeeper gloves from the unforgettable bronze medal match at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where her outstanding performance made her the hero of the game and later earned her the title of Germany’s Footballer of the Year.

As they continue their journey towards the next big tournament, we wish our PUMA athletes all the best. With anticipation building for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil, we will support them enthusiastically every step of the way.