Kathrin Hendrich Bio
Kathrin Julia Hendrich (born 6 April 1992) is a German-Belgium professional footballer who plays for Chicago Stars FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the German national team. A versatile defender, she can play as a centre-back, full-back, or sweeper. Known for her strong defensive skills and tactical awareness, Hendrich has established herself as a key player in both club and international competitions.
Early Life and Background
Kathrin Hendrich was born in Eupen, Belgium, to a Belgian mother and a German father. She began her football journey at the age of seven, starting with FC Eupen 1963, where she honed her skills for four years. In the summer of 2003, she transitioned to FC Teutonia Weiden, further developing her abilities and passion for the sport. Her early exposure to football laid the foundation for her future career as a professional player.
Path to Soccer
Hendrich’s professional career began in 2009 when she joined Bayer 04 Leverkusen. During her time at Leverkusen, she made her debut in the Bundesliga and quickly became known for her defensive prowess. After five successful years with the club, she moved to 1. FFC Frankfurt in 2014, where she won the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2015. Her subsequent moves to Bayern Munich and VfL Wolfsburg further solidified her reputation as a top defender in women’s soccer.
Kathrin Hendrich Career
Early Career (2009–2014)
Hendrich’s first notable work came with Bayer 04 Leverkusen, where she played from 2009 to 2014. She made her Bundesliga debut on 15 August 2010 and scored her first goal for the club on 25 September 2011. Her contributions helped the team achieve promotion to the Bundesliga, marking a significant milestone in her early career.
Breakthrough (2014–Present)
In 2014, Hendrich moved to 1. FFC Frankfurt, where she achieved significant success, including winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Her performance at Frankfurt led to her signing with Bayern Munich in 2018, where she continued to excel, scoring her first goal for the club in December 2018. In 2020, she joined VfL Wolfsburg, where she won multiple titles, including the league championship and the DFB-Pokal. Hendrich’s strong performances earned her a reputation as one of the league’s best centre-backs, particularly during the 2022–23 season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Kathrin Hendrich has been recognized for her contributions on the field, including her participation in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, where she played a crucial role in helping Germany reach the final. Her transition to Chicago Stars FC in 2025 marks another exciting chapter in her career, as she continues to compete at a high level.
Kathrin Hendrich Award Nominations
Over her career, Kathrin Hendrich has received various nominations for her performances in domestic and international competitions, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport.
Kathrin Hendrich Awards Won
Hendrich has won several awards throughout her career, including the UEFA Women’s Champions League title with 1. FFC Frankfurt and multiple league titles with VfL Wolfsburg, highlighting her impact in women’s soccer.
Kathrin Hendrich Family
Kathrin Hendrich is currently in a relationship with Sebastian Griesbeck. While details about her family background are limited, her personal life reflects a supportive partnership.
Personal Life
Hendrich’s personal life is characterized by her relationship with Sebastian Griesbeck. As a professional athlete, she balances her commitments on the field with her personal life, maintaining a focus on her career while enjoying her time off the pitch.