World's Best Female Player 2014 – IFFHS

Nadine Kessler is one of the major figures in European women's football. Born on April 4, 1988, in Landstuhl, Germany, the former German international midfielder established herself as one of the most influential players of her generation thanks to her tactical intelligence, passing quality, and leadership on the field.

In 2014, Nadine Kessler reached the pinnacle of world football by winning the title of World's Best Female Player awarded by the IFFHS (International Federation of Football History & Statistics). This prestigious distinction completed an exceptional year during which she also won the FIFA Women's Ballon d'Or and the title of UEFA Women's Player of the Year, achieving a historic triple of individual awards.

A Brilliant Career in German Football

Nadine Kessler began her football career at a very young age, initially playing in men's teams before joining the women's team of 1. FC Saarbrücken in the German second division at the age of 16. During this period, she quickly distinguished herself with her attacking qualities, scoring 37 goals in 52 matches, contributing to the club's promotion to Bundesliga 2.

In 2009, she joined the prestigious club 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam, with whom she won two German championships as well as the UEFA Women's Champions League in 2010. At just 21 years old, she was already establishing herself as one of the most promising players in European football.

A Historic Period with VfL Wolfsburg

In 2011, Nadine Kessler joined VfL Wolfsburg, a club with which she definitively entered the history of women's football. In just three seasons, she helped build one of the most dominant teams in Europe.

With Wolfsburg, she notably won two Bundesliga titles, two German Cups, and above all, two consecutive UEFA Women's Champions League titles in 2013 and 2014. As captain of the team during the 2013-2014 season, she played a central role in the club's victory against Olympique Lyonnais in the Champions League final.

Her exceptional performances that year earned her the title of best female player in the world by FIFA, UEFA, and IFFHS, confirming her status as a leader in international women's football.

An International Career and a Commitment to the Future of Women's Football

With the German national team, Nadine Kessler won the UEFA Women's European Championship in 2013 and participated in several major international competitions. Between 2010 and 2016, she made 29 appearances and scored 10 goals for the German national team.

Unfortunately, a serious injury prematurely ended her playing career in 2016, at the age of 28. After her retirement from playing, Nadine Kessler continued her involvement in football by joining UEFA, where she became responsible for the development of women's football.

In this role, she played a major part in implementing the UEFA Women's Football Strategy, aimed at supporting the growth and professionalization of women's football internationally.

Available Products

Discover the official IFFHS LEGEND editions dedicated to Nadine Kessler, celebrating one of the great figures of global women's football.