Overview

• German women's football was officially banned by the DFB until 1970, justified with explicitly sexist claims about femininity and health.
• Torsten Körner's new book 'Wir waren Heldinnen' highlights the challenges faced by pioneering players and the institutional barriers they overcame.
• The book draws on archival material and first-hand accounts, including stories of players like Christa Kleinhans and Lotte Specht, who faced hostility and violence.
• Despite exponential growth in participation and numerous international titles, sexism persists in German football, particularly on social media targeting figures like commentator Claudia Neumann.
• Today, over 200,000 women and girls play in German football clubs, reflecting significant progress since the ban was lifted.