Popp Warns: Men’s Football Shouldn’t Be Women’s Model

Popp: “The love of the game is gone” in men’s football, and it must not become the blueprint for the growth of the women’s game, says international star Alexandra Popp. The former Germany captain, set to join Borussia Dortmund this summer, has issued a heartfelt warning against the commercialization seen in men’s football, urging the women’s game to chart a different path.

Alexandra Popp Criticizes Modern Men’s Football

According to Alexandra Popp, men’s football has strayed far from its roots. “The love of the game is gone,” she told 11 Freunde, pointing to skyrocketing transfer fees and “exorbitant salaries” as signs of a lost passion. Popp, a stalwart for Wolfsburg and soon to play for third-tier Borussia Dortmund, cautions her peers: “We shouldn’t fall into that trap in women’s football.”

The 35-year-old poses a pointed question: “Do I absolutely have to become a multimillionaire through football?” She believes each player must ask themselves what role football should play in their lives, rather than focusing solely on financial gain.

Men’s Football is Not a Blueprint for Women’s Game

Popp is adamant that women’s football should resist simply following the male model. While professional standards are vital, she insists it’s not about replicating men’s high salaries or business-first mentality. “Girls in the top two leagues should earn enough to focus fully on football and give their all,” Popp says, “but we shouldn’t lose sight of why we play.”

DFB Squad and the Need for Change

Beyond finances, Popp has voiced concerns over the trajectory of the German women’s national team. She laments that the DFB squad has leaned too heavily on “traditional virtues” and failed to deliver “attractive, high-quality football” in recent years. For Popp, the solution lies in stronger collaboration between clubs and the German FA to intensify youth development. “If we promote youth more, the national team will play better football again,” she asserts.

Preserving Passion Over Profit

The commercialization of men’s football offers a cautionary tale for women’s leagues. Popp’s call is clear: protect the passion, integrity, and community that make women’s football special. While professional conditions are essential for players’ growth, the soul of the game must come first.

Popp’s Perspective Resonates Beyond Germany

Alexandra Popp’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among players and fans alike. As women’s football rises in popularity, there’s increasing scrutiny over how it should develop. Many agree with Popp that the women’s game should avoid pitfalls such as bloated salaries, excessive transfer spending, and the loss of grassroots connection that now characterize much of elite men’s football.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Women’s Football?

The women’s game stands at a crossroads. Investment is rising, exposure is growing, and the professionalization of top leagues is accelerating. The challenge, as Popp sees it, is to embrace this progress without replicating the mistakes of the men’s game. Instead, women’s football should focus on sustainability, community roots, and the love of football.

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Opinion: Learning from Men’s Mistakes

Popp’s comments are a timely reminder that growth does not have to mean copying the men’s model. Women’s football has a unique spirit worth preserving. As the sport advances, leaders should heed voices like Popp’s to ensure the game remains true to itself—prioritizing fair pay and professional conditions without losing the heart and soul that inspires both players and fans.