Ann-Katrin Berger, Germany's goalkeeper, has a tattoo that reads "All we have is now," symbolizing her journey of recovery from cancer. After being diagnosed with thyroid cancer again during the Euro 2022 tournament, Berger has since fully recovered and returned to high-level performances. Recently, she played a pivotal role in Germany's victory over France in the Euro 2025 quarter-final, making critical saves and saving a penalty. Berger reflects on her journey with pride, focusing on the present and future rather than her past struggles with illness.
"All we have is now. Those five words are tattooed on the neck of Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger. Not only do the words themselves hold meaning to Berger, but they physically mark her journey of recovery from cancer, covering up scars from her treatment."
"Fast-forward three years and Berger has not only made a full recovery, but she is back performing at the highest level for her country. The 34-year-old was Germany's hero, making two decisive saves in a penalty shootout, as they defeated France in a chaotic quarter-final at Euro 2025 on Saturday."
"She saved Germany in multiple match-defining moments, including a diving one-handed save to deny a backwards header from her own player. Then came the shootout. She saved Amel Majri's opening spot-kick to put Germany ahead, scored a penalty herself, then made sure Sara Dabritz's miss was not costly by pulling off a diving save to keep Alice Sombath out."
"I am not really an emotional person," Berger said when asked to reflect on her journey from cancer diagnosis to this moment. "The time here just makes me proud to be here. Whatever happened in 2022 is in the past, I'm looking forward to the future and now I live my best life and I am in a semi-final."
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