Feli Rauch Bio
Felicitas Rauch, known professionally as Feli Rauch, is a German professional footballer born on 30 April 1996 in Hann. Münden, Germany. Standing 1.70 meters tall, she plays primarily as a defender, with versatility across the midfield, full-back, and winger positions. Rauch currently plays for the North Carolina Courage of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and represents the Germany national team.
Throughout her career, Rauch has competed at the highest levels of European and international football. She previously played for Frauen-Bundesliga clubs Turbine Potsdam and VfL Wolfsburg. In 2024, she earned a bronze medal with Germany at the Paris Summer Olympics.
Early Life and Background
Felicitas Rauch was born on 30 April 1996 in Hann. Münden, a town in Lower Saxony, Germany. She grew up in Peine-Dungelbeck, where she was introduced to football by her brother. In 1999, at the age of three, she joined TSV Dungelbeck, marking the beginning of her lifelong relationship with the sport.
From 2002 to 2010, Rauch played for VfB Peine, where she competed consistently in boys’ teams, an experience that helped shape her competitive edge and technical development. In 2010, she relocated to Berlin with her family, which paved the way for her transition into the elite development system of Turbine Potsdam’s youth academy.
Path to Soccer
Rauch joined the youth department of Turbine Potsdam in 2010 and quickly rose through the ranks. In 2012, she became German runner-up with Potsdam’s B-Juniors after a 3–2 final defeat against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. During the same period, she was integrated into the squad for the club’s second-division team for the 2012/13 season.
Her development path included stints with multiple German youth national teams. Rauch debuted for the Germany U-16 team in 2012 and subsequently represented the U-17, U-19, and U-20 squads. In 2014, she was part of the Germany U-20 squad that won the U-20 World Cup in Canada, defeating Nigeria 1–0 in overtime. That same year, she helped Turbine Potsdam II win the 2nd Bundesliga North championship, leading to her promotion to the first team.
Feli Rauch Career
Early Career (2012–2014)
Feli Rauch began her senior career with Turbine Potsdam II in the 2012/13 season, gaining valuable experience in the German second division. Her performances were instrumental in helping the team secure the 2nd Bundesliga North championship in 2013/14, a result that earned her a promotion to Turbine Potsdam’s first team.
On 21 September 2014, Rauch made her Bundesliga debut, coming on as a substitute in the 81st minute for Nataša Andonova during a 2–1 win against 1. FFC Frankfurt. This appearance marked her arrival in the top flight of German women’s football and set the stage for a sustained presence in the Frauen-Bundesliga.
Turbine Potsdam Breakthrough (2014–2019)
Rauch spent five seasons with Turbine Potsdam’s first team, establishing herself as a reliable defender in the Frauen-Bundesliga. Her development during this period was marked by consistent appearances and growing tactical responsibility within the squad.
On 21 February 2019, Rauch announced her departure from Potsdam after nine years with the club. Her exit marked the end of a formative chapter and set the stage for her move to one of Germany’s most dominant clubs.
VfL Wolfsburg Era (2019–2023)
In 2019, Feli Rauch signed a contract with VfL Wolfsburg, one of the most successful clubs in European women’s football. She quickly became a fixture in the squad, contributing to Wolfsburg’s campaigns in both the Bundesliga and the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
In May 2022, Rauch extended her contract with Wolfsburg through June 2025, signaling her importance to the club’s long-term plans. She also represented Germany at the Euro 2022 under national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, playing in five matches as Germany reached the final, where they lost to England.
North Carolina Courage Era (2024–Present)
On 17 January 2024, Rauch was acquired by the North Carolina Courage for a fee, serving as a replacement for Emily Fox at left back. The move marked her transition to the NWSL and a new chapter in her professional career in North America.
She debuted in the starting lineup on opening matchday against the Houston Dash on 16 March 2024. Later that season, on 8 September, she scored her first NWSL goal in a 4–1 away win over the San Diego Wave, a milestone that highlighted her growing impact with her new club.
Driving Style and Strengths
Not applicable for a footballer.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Feli Rauch’s most significant career moments are her 2014 U-20 World Cup triumph with Germany and her bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Her Euro 2022 runner-up finish and her first senior international goal, scored on 3 September 2019 against Ukraine in an 8–0 European Championship qualifier, also stand out as defining achievements in her career.
Feli Rauch Career Wins
Feli Rauch has collected honors at both club and international levels. Her trophy cabinet includes the 2014 U-20 World Cup title with Germany, club titles during her time with VfL Wolfsburg, and an Olympic bronze medal from the 2024 Paris Games.
International Highlights
Rauch won the U-20 World Cup in 2014 in Canada, playing all six tournament games and scoring or contributing to Germany’s 1–0 overtime victory over Nigeria in the final. At the senior level, she was part of the Germany squad that finished as runners-up at Euro 2022 in England, appearing in five matches during the tournament.
At the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, Rauch was originally named as an alternate but was called up to replace Sarai Linder due to illness during the group stage. She started the remaining five games, helping Germany secure a bronze medal.
Other Wins and Performances
Rauch contributed to VfL Wolfsburg’s domestic success during her time at the club from 2019 to 2023, including appearances in Bundesliga and Champions League campaigns. Her 2013/14 2nd Bundesliga North championship with Turbine Potsdam II also marked an early career highlight.
Feli Rauch Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Not applicable for a footballer.
Personal Life
In 2023, Feli Rauch publicly came out as a lesbian. Beyond this personal disclosure, Rauch has kept much of her private life out of the public eye, focusing publicly on her football career and her commitments with the North Carolina Courage and the Germany national team.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Feli Rauch is expected to continue her role with the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL. After a debut season that featured her first NWSL goal and steady contributions at left back, she will aim to build on her integration into the squad and contribute to the team’s competitive aspirations.
On the international stage, Rauch remains a key option for Germany following her bronze-medal performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her versatility across the backline and midfield provides her national team coaches with tactical flexibility as Germany prepares for upcoming qualifiers and tournament commitments in 2025.
With her contract situation and form trending positively, Rauch enters 2025 with momentum. Her combination of Bundesliga pedigree, Champions League experience, and recent NWSL adaptation positions her well for a productive campaign at both club and international levels.