Two-time cancer survivor Ann-Katrin Berger puts in all-time great performance to propel Germany to Euro 2025 semifinals

In terms of challenges that two-time cancer survivor Ann-Katrin Berger has overcome, making a string of saves in Germany’s Euro 2025 quarterfinal victory over France on Saturday night is relatively low down on the list. That’s not to say it wasn’t a huge night for the goalkeeper.

In terms of challenges that two-time cancer survivor Ann-Katrin Berger has overcome, making a string of saves in Germany’s Euro 2025 quarterfinal victory over France on Saturday night is relatively low down on the list. That’s not to say it wasn’t a huge night for the goalkeeper and her country – she put in one of the tournament’s all-time great goalkeeping performances as Germany beat France 6-5 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Berger made nine saves in open play, more than any other player has managed in a knockout stage match at the European Women’s Championship since 2013, per the BBC. Her 102nd-minute save to prevent an own goal by teammate Janina Minge was the pick of the bunch, as she acrobatically dived backwards and clawed away the captain’s looping header when it looked destined for the back of the net. But the 34-year-old did not stop there. In the penalty shootout, she kept out the very first spot kick from France’s Amel Majri, scored her team’s fourth penalty, and then dived to her left to keep out Alice Sombath’s effort – France’s seventh penalty attempt – and win the game for Germany. In apparent disbelief, Berger simply sank to her knees, her arms outstretched and a huge grin on her face, and watched as her jubilant teammates sprinted towards her to celebrate.