Janne Krumme and Luzie Zähringer: Two revelations in the German U19 team

Although the German U19 national team ultimately fell short of winning its seventh UEFA Women's Under-19 European championship title, the entire tournament demonstrated that an exceptionally strong generation of talent is emerging in the country. 

Among the players who drew the most attention were goalkeeper Janne Krumme, who conceded just two goals in five matches and kept her team in the game for much of the final, and captain Luzie Zähringer. With her performances, Zähringer confirmed her reputation as one of the greatest defensive prospects in European football today and suggested that Germany may have found its future defensive leader.

Janne Krumme: Frankfurter Mauer 

From the very beginning, Janne wasn’t afraid to forge her own path. In 2023, when she decided to transfer from BSV Ostbevern to FSV Gütersloh after four years, she chose to exercise her right to dual registration and, for the entire following season, continued to play for Ostbevern’s boys’ team in addition to her new club’s youth women’s team.  

Her unique combination of experience from the youth girls' and boys' football ultimately earned her a spot on Gütersloh’s first team, with which she played in the second Frauen-Bundesliga during the 2024/2025 season. Although the season ultimately ended in relegation for the team from North Rhine-Westphalia, it opened the door for Janne. The race to sign the young goalkeeper was ultimately won by the famous Eintracht Frankfurt, which needed to quickly bolster its goalkeeping squad following the long-term injury to goalkeeper Sophia Winkler.

The Hessian powerhouse, whose contract with Janne is valid until June 30, 2027, sees the German youth national team player as a tremendous prospect for the future. Although she has mostly been playing for the reserve team so far, she trains with the first team and has backed up Lina Altenburg in some top-flight matches.

There is no doubt that Janne’s time in the highest competition will come sooner or later. She has excellent positioning in the penalty area, a keen awareness of the game, and is very skilled with her feet, all of which are qualities that fit the ideal profile of a modern goalkeeper. Janne’s dream of playing in the Bundesliga and the Champions League is thus gaining realistic outlines.

Luzie Zähringer: The Future of Bayern's Defense?

Courageous, confident and aggressive: That’s exactly how the German defensive pillar describes her playing style in her own words. After all, she has long been considered one of the greatest talents in German football in her age group. Although she spent her entire childhood in Stuttgart, she took her first football steps in nearby Waiblingen, where she played alongside boys for several seasons. Surprisingly, it wasn’t Stuttgart that first took notice of her, but rather the world-famous Bayern Munich, to which she transferred in 2024.

Like Krunne, Zähringer also spent most of her time with her new club on its reserve team in the second division, where she quickly became one of the key players. However, she has already made her debut in the Bundesliga, where coach José Barcala sent her into a total of four matches, which is a truly impressive achievement for a player of her age. For her performances in the Bavarian club's colours, she even earned the Fritz Walter Medal for the best German female player under 17 in 2025.

However, the role of a pivotal player on the second team, with occasional appearances at the top level, was not enough for an athlete of her caliber. Along with the extension of her contract with Bayern until the summer of 2029, it was announced that Luzie will spend next season on loan with the top-flight newcomer, none other than her beloved Stuttgart. 

„My brothers and my parents were delighted. Of course, as VfB fans, they encouraged me to go for it. It’s not just a special decision for me, it’s special for my family, too. I think my dad even shed a tear or two,“ Luzie has commented on the deal, which is perfectly suited to all parties involved. Bayern will ensure that its rising star gets enough playing time, Stuttgart will get a significant boost to its defense, Luzie will play regularly in the Bundesliga, and her parents will have their daughter a little closer to home again.