Eintracht Frankfurt’s women’s team is writing a compelling comeback story in German football, channeling the spirit of the once-dominant 1. FFC Frankfurt. Between 1999 and 2008, the old club collected seven Frauen-Bundesliga titles and added four European trophies, establishing a dynasty that defined the era. When Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich later seized control, Frankfurt’s light dimmed, but the 2020 merger into the main Eintracht Frankfurt club set the stage for a rebirth that is now gathering pace.
This season has provided the clearest evidence yet of genuine progress. A standout 3-1 victory over second-placed Wolfsburg last month showcased a team no longer content to merely compete with the elite—they can dominate them. Victory at home to Union Berlin in Sunday’s final league fixture would confirm a third-place finish, securing another opportunity to crack the Champions League qualification barrier. For a club that has stumbled at that hurdle in each of the past two campaigns, the stakes could not be higher.
Central to this upward curve is the appointment of Babett Peter as sporting director in January. A World Cup winner, European champion and Olympic gold medalist with 118 Germany caps, Peter embodies the winning pedigree Eintracht craves. She stepped away from the pitch to shape the club’s future, and her vision is rooted in sustainability rather than overnight transformation. 'It’s an attractive club that wants to grow, wants to develop the women’s side, which is something I really appreciate,' she told The Guardian. 'There are things we do really well, things we need to improve, but the reason I’m here is to work on those things.'
Peter’s approach is methodical. She acknowledges the gap to financial heavyweights Bayern Munich and insists the club must be 'smart with investment.' Instead of chasing immediate parity, Eintracht is focused on closing the distance to teams within reach. The inaugural Europa Cup campaign, where they reached the semi-finals before falling to eventual winners Häcken, served as both a lesson and a launchpad. Peter believes that if the processes are right, results will follow—a philosophy that is beginning to bear fruit.
A key piece of that process was the signing of Swedish defender Amanda Ilestedt on a three-year deal from Arsenal. The 2023 World Cup star, who scored four goals from center-back in the tournament, chose Frankfurt over more glamorous options, citing the club’s ambition and family considerations. 'I really felt this was an interesting place for me as a player,' Ilestedt explained. 'They really wanted to build something.' Her performance in the Wolfsburg win, where she helped throttle a side she had faced many times, underlined her value. 'I don’t know if I can remember a game where the team I was in was as dominant as we were,' she added.
While building for the future, Eintracht must also contend with departures. Swiss international Géraldine Reuteler, a dynamic attacking midfielder with nine goals and eight assists this season, is on the verge of joining Arsenal on a free transfer. Her exit, confirmed alongside three other players, represents a loss of creativity and experience. However, it also highlights the club’s ability to develop talent that attracts the attention of Europe’s top sides—a double-edged sword that Peter must navigate as she reshapes the squad.
The Champions League remains the ultimate target. Frankfurt’s recent qualifying exits have been painful, but this season’s domestic consistency suggests a breakthrough is possible. Reaching the league phase would not only validate the project but also provide the financial and competitive platform to attract and retain top talent. Peter’s experience as a player—she starred for Wolfsburg, Real Madrid and the old Frankfurt—gives her a unique perspective on what is needed. 'It helps in almost every situation, whether dealing with the players, the agents or the coaches,' she noted. 'You see things from a different angle.'
Ilestedt’s move also reflects a broader trend: players increasingly weighing family life and long-term stability when making career choices. The 32-year-old made the decision alongside her fiancé and daughter, finding in Frankfurt a club that offered both sporting ambition and a holistic environment. This human dimension is something Peter, a veteran of locker rooms across the continent, instinctively understands and factors into recruitment.
As Eintracht prepares for the decisive Union Berlin match, the mood is one of guarded optimism. The glory days of 1. FFC Frankfurt may still be a few steps away, but the foundations are visibly stronger. With a clear vision, a respected leader in Peter, and a blend of experience and emerging talent, the club is moving closer to restoring its place among Germany’s—and Europe’s—elite. The process may be gradual, but the direction is unmistakably forward.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.