Lena Oberdorf, the talented midfielder for the German national team and FC Bayern, has reflected on what she describes as her most challenging year, 2024. Following the emotional rollercoaster of dealing with injuries, transfer controversies, and social media backlashes, Oberdorf’s path has been anything but easy. "I believe it was my most difficult year," the 23-year-old said candidly, as she navigated the mental and emotional ramifications of her experiences.
Oberdorf’s troubles began after she suffered a serious cruciate ligament rupture during training on July 16, 2023, which sidelined her for months and cut short her hopes of competing at the Olympic Games in France. Initially, she grappled with despair, thinking, "At first, you think, now everything is over, no games played and out for such a long time". For any athlete, injuries can be devastating, but for someone like Oberdorf, who had just made headlines with her transfer from VfL Wolfsburg to Bayern Munich, it felt particularly crushing.
Adding to her struggles was the public reaction to her high-profile move to Bayern—a transfer reported to involve significant financial stakes, estimated at around 400,000 euros. The move didn’t sit well with all fans, leading to what Oberdorf described as "pure chaos" around her due to harsh comments and online hate over her decision. "Why must footballers endure hate comments and even death threats?" she questioned, highlighting the ugly side of sports fandom. "Whoever says this is part of the business is completely wrong; this is never acceptable for anyone."
While coming to terms with her injury and the negativity surrounding her transfer, Oberdorf has engaged with mental trainers to help her refocus and cope with the pressures of professional football. "I have been rediscovering myself, especially because football has completely crumbled away," she shared, which emphasizes the need for self-reflection outside of her career. During this period, she took the time to engage with hobbies she had previously set aside, such as music and socializing, which allowed her to grow personally.
Reflecting on her time at Wolfsburg, where she previously thrived, Oberdorf admitted, "I was simply grinding; it didn't feel fun on the pitch anymore." Constant demands from clubs and sponsors had turned her love for football somewhat robotic, reducing the joy she once found on the field. It wasn’t until her injury sidelined her and the daily grind diminished, allowing her the space to discover what she truly wanted, both as an athlete and as a person.
Despite the adversity she has faced, Oberdorf is determined to return to the pitch with renewed vigor. "My dream scenario is to make it to the European Championship and play several games before then," she expressed, hoping to reclaim her role on the national team. The 2025 UEFA Women’s Championship is set to take place from July 2-27, and Oberdorf is already eyeing the tournament as her potential comeback stage.
With her candid reflections and resilience, Lena Oberdorf embodies the spirit of many athletes who face the highs and lows of competitive sports. The upcoming year holds promise for this talented midfielder, and whether she steps onto the field at the European Championship or does so at various other engagements leading up to it, fans are hopeful to see her return to form.
