German Women's Cup
The German Women's Cup (Frauen DFB-Pokal) is the premier national knockout competition organized by the German Football Association (DFB). Featuring top clubs from the Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, and regional leagues, it offers underdogs a shot at glory and the winner a spot in the UEFA Women's Champions League. Known for its drama and upsets, it showcases the depth of German women's football.
History and foundation
Launched in the 1980–81 season as a standalone women's tournament alongside the men's DFB-Pokal, it was first won by Bergisch Gladbach, who ruled the 1980s. The 1990s saw successes for FFC Frankfurt and Turbine Potsdam. Since the 2000s, VfL Wolfsburg has dominated with 16 titles by 2024, including an unmatched streak of eight consecutive wins (2013–2020). Highlights include the 2019/20 final where Wolfsburg thrashed Bayern 5-2, with Ewa Pajor starring. Reforms in the 2010s expanded it to 64 teams.
Tournament format
Single-elimination format with 64 teams: Bundesliga sides, 2. Bundesliga clubs, and regional cup winners. Early rounds (1/64 to quarterfinals) are one-off ties hosted by lower seeds. Semifinals and final on neutral venues, often Berlin's Olympiastadion. Runs from August to May final. Winner claims €100,000 and Champions League qualification.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match hover at 3.2, spiking in preliminary rounds. All-time top scorers: Petra Deike (46 goals), Birgit Prinz (44). Modern stars like Alexandra Popp (over 30 cup goals), Pernille Harder (Bayern), and Sydney Lohmann shine. Past icons include Nadine Angerer (goalkeeping legend) and Inka Grings. Emerging talents like Lena Oberdorf, whose 2022 final strike ended Wolfsburg's run for Bayern.