A debut at the young age of 16, multiple Bundesliga titles, recognition as the Best Young Player at a World Cup, and now captaining Germany with over 50 caps at just 25 years old – at first glance, Giulia Gwinn seems to have had a effortlessly successful football career. However, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that prevented her from participating in the 2023 World Cup was her second such injury within less than a decade of being a professional. The rehabilitation was lengthy and challenging on both occasions. Yet, the resilience she displayed during her recovery was equally evident during her debut as the permanent team captain when she led her team to a 4-1 Nations League victory over Austria, contributing an assist. Her national team coach Christian Wück praised her saying that Giulia is an exemplary player, who demonstrates great mentality and personality both on and off the pitch. Despite her youth, injuries, and the changing dynamics of the national team following the departure of former captain Alexandra Popp, Gwinn remains focused and determined. She openly discusses uncomfortable topics when necessary and believes that younger players taking on responsibility both on and off the pitch is crucial for the team’s success. Her personal experiences with injuries have also led her to focus on mental health, physical fitness, and nutrition to gain an edge in her performance. Though she occupied some older players helped turn the game in their favor against Austria, the upcoming Euros provide little time for the new generation to come together and improve. Nevertheless, Gwinn is determined to make the most out of the remaining games before the Euros and prove her worth beyond just staying healthy.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/giulia-gwinn-germany-s-captain-for-a-new-era/a-71750291?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf