Alex Popp unveils her TOPPS stickers for UEFA Women’s Euro 2025™ | OneFootball

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On Saturday evening, the UEFA Women's Champions League came to a close with a bang: Arsenal WFC returned to the European football throne after more than 15 years. After an intense season, the players are now taking a short break before the next big highlight, the UEFA Women's EURO 2025™ in Switzerland.

For former German national player Alexandra Popp, Spain and England are among the top favorites in this tournament - but she also sees Germany, France, and Sweden with chances in the title race. In an interview, she talks about her expectations for the tournament, players with potential - and how the official UEFA Women's EURO 2025™ sticker album from Topps makes women's football more visible.

How do you rate the chances of the German national team at the UEFA Women's EURO 2025™ in Switzerland?

That's really hard to say. Anything can happen - from an early exit to winning the title. The quality in the team is definitely there, many players already know big tournaments from the European Championship in England. However, the last games have also shown that the necessary security is not yet there. I hope, of course, that they will go far and win the title.

How do you rate Group C?

It won't be easy. Poland is currently experiencing a real upswing and is participating in the European Championship for the first time. Denmark is a very unpleasant opponent, with whom we already had our experiences in 2022. And Sweden belongs to the dark horses for me. They often fly under the radar, but they almost always go far.

Aside from Sweden, which nations do you count among the favorites?

Spain and England are right at the top. Germany, of course, too. I'm curious about France, they've never made it to the top at major tournaments so far. And there will certainly be surprise teams, that's the case with every tournament.

What factors play a major role outside of the pitch that can influence a tournament?

Of course, it has to be right on the pitch, but the environment is also important. What's the mood like in the team? How do you live on site? You need a good balance, opportunities to withdraw, but also the opportunity to go out and have a coffee. That can do a lot with a team - in a positive as well as in a negative way.

What is particularly important to you personally?

For me, it was always crucial that family and friends were there. That gives strength. In the end, the team is decisive. You won't get far alone in a tournament. Only when the team dynamic is right can you be successful.

Some players will grow into leadership roles this year. What advice do you give them?

The most important thing is: stay true to yourself. You don't have to suddenly be someone else just because you have more responsibility. Continue to develop your style in a normal and authentic way. That's the most important thing, and don't put too much pressure on yourself. Even as a leader, you remain part of a team, you must never forget that.

Which player could stand out in particular this year?

Players like Klara (Bühl, editor's note), who already caused a stir at the last European Championship. She can decide a game with a single action. But also young, carefree players could surprise. Especially those who are playing their first tournament. There are always surprises. At the last World Cup, it was Salma Paralluelo, who suddenly everyone knew. There will certainly be young players again who hardly anyone had on their radar and who will then suddenly impress everyone. I'm very excited to see what will happen at this European Championship.

The stars of tomorrow can already be collected in the UEFA Women's EURO 2025™ sticker album. Did you used to collect stickers yourself?

Yes, especially during tournament times. I also had players like Andreas Möller in the album.

And how is it to see your own collector's card now?

It's a crazy feeling and intense. Many fans send me their stickers to sign, which shows me once again that I'm now in a sticker book myself. That makes me proud.

Can such stickers, among other things, also help to focus more on women's football?

I think it's extremely important to make women's football more visible - for example, through sticker albums that you can currently see in supermarkets. This way, many people find out that the European Championship is taking place in Switzerland. Even if not everyone buys the stickers, this attention alone can lead to people turning on the TV in the summer, seeing a good game, and developing new sympathy for women's football.