The biggest moments in sports are often crafted by its biggest stars, but sometimes the moment has to be just right to forge the star. Germany captain Alexandra Popp can relate to both.
If the Women’s European Championship had taken place when it was originally scheduled—summer of 2021—Popp would have missed it for a third straight time due to injury. In 2013, an ankle injury kept her out, and four years later, it was a meniscus problem. Last summer, another knee injury could have ended her career. Instead, after the tournament was postponed by a year, Popp, a two-time Champions League winner, has established herself as the clear star of this summer’s competition, both in terms of the narrative and the gameplay. She has scored in every match in England, and her two goals Wednesday gave Germany a 2–1 win over France in their riveting semifinal, setting up a 2009 final rematch vs. the host Lionesses Sunday at Wembley Stadium.
This was supposed to be a Euros that shined a light on the continent’s biggest names, Instead, the tournament began with an ominous start when reigning Ballon d’Or Féminin winner Alexia Putellas tore her ACL on the eve of the opener. Then, inaugural Ballon d’Or Féminin Ada Hegerberg, on her long-anticipated return to a major international tournament, went goalless as Norway crashed out.
