Ena Mahmutovic challenges for Germany's starting goalkeeper spot

The competition for the starting goalkeeper position in the German women's national football team is intensifying. Ena Mahmutovic, the 22-year-old Bayern Munich starter, is emerging as a primary challenger to the current number one, Ann-Katrin Berger.

Berger, the 2024 and 2025 Player of the Year, is currently taking a break from DFB duties to focus on her club season with Gotham FC in the United States. Her absence will be felt during upcoming international matches against Australia and Japan. While national coach Christian Wück noted that Berger remains a step ahead of her competitors, the period leading up to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil offers significant opportunity for younger players like Mahmutovic to establish themselves.