Nia Künzer

It is one of the most enduring moments in German football history. Extra-time in the 2003 Women's World Cup final, Home Depot Center, Carson, USA. In the 98th minute, with the score at 1-1, Germany midfielder Renate Lingor knocks a free-kick into the Sweden penalty box. There, Nia Künzer climbs highest to power a header into the opposition net to make it 2-1. Golden Goal, the final act! The Germany women win the World Cup for the first time, 21 years after its inauguration, and the goalscorer makes herself immortal with her strike, which is later voted Goal of the Year.

To reduce Nia Künzer to this one goal, however, would not do justice to her successful career. She made her international bow aged just 17. In a ten-year spell with elite club 1. FFC Frankfurt, the prolific defender had a hand in seven league titles and just as many DFB Cup wins despite suffering serious setbacks. She tore a cruciate ligament four times but fought her way back every time. More injuries eventually forced her to retire from competitive football in 2008. She has since gone on to become a knowledgeable, confident and likeable television pundit, supporting the development of the women's game having previously done so much to shape it.