The German national football team will wear black armbands in tribute to Doris Fitschen during their Nations League match against Italy on March 20, 2025. The German Football Association (DFB) announced that this honor will also include a moment of silence before the quarter-final second leg against Italy on March 23, 2025, in Dortmund.
Doris Fitschen, who played a significant role in shaping women's football in Germany, passed away on March 15, 2025, at the age of 56 after a long battle with cancer. Her impressive career spanned from 1986 to 2001 during which she earned 144 caps for the German national team, won four European Championship titles, and secured a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Fitschen was involved in enhancing the landscape of women's football in Germany after her playing days. She served as a manager for the women’s national team and was a strong advocate for the sport's development.
The matches on March 20 and March 23 will serve to acknowledge her contributions to the game, and fans are expected to join in remembering this notable figure during these events. The German team will debut the new DFB 125-year anniversary special jersey during the match against Italy in Milan, adding significance to the occasion.
The DFB emphasized Fitschen’s legacy, stating that she paved the way for future generations of female footballers in Germany. Her dedication to the sport was evident not only in her playing career but also in her post-retirement contributions. As the DFB prepares for the upcoming fixtures, the team’s display of mourning honors Fitschen's extensive impact.
Matches at various levels, including the women’s Bundesliga and the DFB Cup semi-final, are also set to feature moments of silence, honoring Fitschen’s enduring legacy. The U21 national team and men's national team will wear armbands during their respective matches following the Nations League game, reinforcing the widespread recognition of her significant contributions to German football.
In sum, Doris Fitschen's passing marks the end of an era for German women’s football, but her influence continues to resonate. The upcoming matches will serve not only as a commemoration of her life but as a reminder of the strides made in women’s football thanks to her remarkable journey.
