England Lionesses defender Jess Carter has proven that love conquers all, even in the competitive world of international football. The 26-year-old Chelsea star made a touching gesture to her partner Ann-Katrin Berger after the German goalkeeper's disappointing omission from her national squad for the Women's Euros.
A Supportive Partnership
Carter, who has been in a relationship with Berger since 2021, showed remarkable solidarity after Germany's head coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg left the Chelsea goalkeeper out of her 23-player squad. The couple, who play together at club level for Chelsea, have become one of women's football's most visible LGBTQ+ partnerships.
FA Chief Praises Carter's Character
Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham highlighted Carter's impressive journey during a recent speech at the Sports Journalists' Association awards. "Jess has shown incredible resilience throughout her career," Bullingham remarked. "Her support for Ann-Katrin demonstrates the strength of their relationship both on and off the pitch."
From Rejection to Redemption
Carter's own football journey makes her support for Berger particularly poignant. The defender was famously dropped from England's youth setup at age 17, only to fight her way back to become a key player in Sarina Wiegman's Euro 2022-winning squad. Her experience of professional setbacks gives her unique insight into Berger's current situation.
Germany's Goalkeeping Dilemma
Berger's exclusion comes despite her impressive form for Chelsea this season. The 32-year-old has been a consistent performer in the Women's Super League, leaving many pundits surprised by her omission. Germany instead opted for Wolfsburg's Merle Frohms as their first-choice goalkeeper, with Ann-Katrin Berger left to support from the sidelines.
Power Couple of Women's Football
The Carter-Berger relationship has become one of the most heartwarming stories in women's football. Their public support for each other through professional highs and lows has resonated with fans worldwide, proving that elite sport and personal relationships can successfully coexist at the highest level.
