Marina Hegering is a German professional footballer renowned for her leadership, defensive intelligence, and resilience. She plays as a centre-back for VfL Wolfsburg and is a former regular for the German national team.
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Born on May 17, 1990, in Bocholt, Germany, Hegering started her football journey at DJK SV Lowick, where she played for twelve years, including in boys’ youth teams. At 16, she moved to FCR 2001 Duisburg, making her Bundesliga debut in 2007 and quickly establishing herself as a promising defender
Club Career
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FCR 2001 Duisburg (2007–2011): Hegering made 43 league appearances, scored six goals, and won two DFB-Pokal titles and the UEFA Women’s Cup.
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Bayer Leverkusen (2011–2017): After overcoming a persistent heel injury, she played 49 league matches and scored five goals.
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SGS Essen (2017–2020): Hegering became a key player, reaching the DFB-Pokal final in 2020.
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Bayern Munich (2020–2022): She made 24 league appearances, scored seven goals, and helped the team win the Frauen-Bundesliga.
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VfL Wolfsburg (2022–present): Since 2022, Hegering has played over 29 Bundesliga matches and scored seven goals, wearing the number 31 shirt. She is under contract with Wolfsburg until 2026 and is set to join the club’s coaching staff after her playing career
International Career
Hegering represented Germany at all youth levels, winning the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2010. Despite chronic injuries delaying her senior debut until 2019, she went on to earn 41 caps and score five goals for the national team by 2024.
Her international highlights include:
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Debut in 2019 at age 28
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Quarterfinalist at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup
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UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 runner-up, named in the Team of the Tournament
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2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad member
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Olympic bronze medalist at Paris 2024
Hegering announced her retirement from international football after the 2024 Olympics, having participated in four major tournaments and becoming a respected leader in the squad.
Honours & Achievements
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Club:
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UEFA Women’s Cup winner (Duisburg)
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Multiple DFB-Pokal titles
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Frauen-Bundesliga champion (Bayern Munich)
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International:
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FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup winner (2010)
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UEFA Women’s Euro runner-up (2022)
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Olympic bronze medalist (2024)
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Individual:
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UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Team of the Tournament
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Fritz Walter Medal Gold (2009)
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Silbernes Lorbeerblatt (2024)
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Style of Play
Hegering is a commanding centre-back known for her tactical awareness, aerial ability, and leadership. She is equally effective in organizing the defense and contributing goals from set pieces.
Personal Life
Hegering holds a B+ coaching license and is set to transition into a coaching role at Wolfsburg after her playing career. She is admired for her perseverance, having overcome significant injuries to reach the top level of the game
FAQs About Marina Hegering
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What position does Marina Hegering play?
Centre-back (defender). -
Which clubs has she played for?
FCR 2001 Duisburg, Bayer Leverkusen, SGS Essen, Bayern Munich, and VfL Wolfsburg. -
How many caps for Germany?
41 senior caps, 5 goals (2019–2024). -
What are her biggest achievements?
UEFA Women’s Cup winner, Bundesliga champion, U-20 World Cup winner, Olympic bronze medalist, Euro 2022 runner-up. -
What is her future after playing?
She will join Wolfsburg’s coaching staff after her playing career ends
Conclusion
Marina Hegering’s journey from youth football in Bocholt to international tournaments and club success with Wolfsburg showcases her resilience, leadership, and quality as a defender. She remains a respected figure in German women’s football, both on and off the pitch.
