Anne-Katrine Berger: The German goalkeeper is living her dream of the World Cup despite cancer

Soccer goalkeeper Anne-Kathrin Berger hides cancer ahead of the upcoming World Cups in Australia and New Zealand (July 20-August 20). Now full focus on the World Cup. Now I’ll put that aside, it looks harder than it is. “Over the years it has become easier,” the 32-year-old said in an interview with RTL.

“I know I can’t take care of it now. Now I’ll take care of what’s in the here and now,” Berger looks ahead optimistically. This is only a matter of course. The Chelsea goalkeeper was diagnosed with an aggressive form of thyroid cancer in 2017 and had to undergo a serious six-hour operation.

German goalkeeper Anne-Kathine Berger is living her World Cup dream despite suffering from two cancers

After that, she was cancer-free for a few years before discovering a renewed suspicion of cancer during EM 2022, but didn’t announce it until much later. After the disease returned last summer, I underwent radioactive iodine therapy.

But Berger fought his way back to the goal. Just a month later, she celebrated her comeback in her club’s match against Manchester City – along with a standing ovation from the crowd that lasted for minutes.

With strong performances last season, Berger has ensured she can focus fully on her sport despite her difficult health situation. At the end of the season, the double of the English series champion became available again. Also thanks to Berger’s outstanding performance, who has always been a reliable support for the team.

Burger is having a strong season after being diagnosed with cancer again

Berger also receives private support from within his ranks from Jessica Carter. The 32-year-old was in a relationship with the England international for several years and had a great success with her.

Looking back at the World Cup, Berger feels 100 per cent fit — thoughts of a cancer diagnosis from last year just aren’t there: “Otherwise I wouldn’t be here,” she said. “Physically, I don’t feel anything at all. You have completed all pre-tournament tests. Results came back fine. You don’t have to worry for the next three or four months.”

The topic of cancer is and will remain a constant companion for Berger. “It is a long process over several years, in which of course something always happens, but it can also heal. That is why it is not clear whether everything is fine or not,” she said in January.

At the World Cup, Berger will at least initially have to play the role of a spectator. Merle Frohms is a group in the German goal. However, already at the beginning of the year, Berger emphasized how important this participation was for her: “Of course, the World Cup plays a big role for me, every player wants to be there, regardless of whether you play or not.” Berger will be there – after being diagnosed with cancer twice.