Women's football at the German Football Museum

The national team and their success on the pitch were the driving force behind the rapid growth of women's football in Germany. Hosting and winning the European Championship in 1989, their first major title, provided the decisive impetus for the women's game to establish itself on a high level and gain increasing social acceptance. Visible reminders of this successful development are gathered in an impressive display case on the upper exhibition floor. Two World Cup and eight European Championship trophies plus one Olympic gold medal and four bronzes.

No secret is made of the difficult beginnings, however. Women's football was banned by the German Football Association from 1955 to 1970, after all, and then had to fight hard for recognition once the ban was lifted. From a contemporary point of view, the stance taken by the sceptics produced some bizarre gaffes at times, but it does provide content for the exhibition that gives pause for thought and may raise a smile.  One major daily paper, for example, once ran the headline: "If my wife plays football, divorce!"