Bettina Wiegmann

The first honorary captain of the women's national team had the privilege of retiring at the peak of a magnificent playing career. For her last appearance came in the 2003 World Cup final, when the Germany women won the title for the first time. As captain, she lifted the trophy before bidding farewell after 154 caps and 15 years of club football at the highest level.

The 1997 Footballer of the Year belonged to the generation of elite players who gave impetus to the women's game for little financial reward. Not until 2001, two years before she retired, did she follow the call of the newly founded first professional women's league in the US. After one season with the Boston Breakers, she returned to her parent club, FFC Brauweiler Pulheim, having enjoyed a history of success there from 1988. By the time of her World Cup triumph, Wiegmann had already won the European Championship on four occasions, the DFB Cup three times, the German league title once and an Olympic bronze medal. Despite her status as an exceptional player and a career record worthy of the limelight, she remained rather reserved. Nevertheless, Wiegmann commanded a great presence on the pitch and was the undisputed leader of her team.