interview
Babett Peter is Olympic champion, world champion, European champion, Champions League winner, German champion and cup winner. In 2007, the 34-year-old was awarded the Silver Laurel Leaf and the Fritz Walter Medal in gold. Most recently she was captain of Real Madrid. After the end of her career, the defense specialist follows the first major tournament as a spectator. Before the German group match against Spain, she answered questions from the sports show.
Ms. Peter, have you already bought the new Mickey Mouse for your son?
Babette Peter: Neither the Barbie at the home World Cup nor the Mickey Mouse with Alexandra Popp are now the gadgets that I absolutely need. But I think it’s nice that our sport has such a large public that such things are staged at all. And I’m sure there are many who collect such things or play with them.
The footballers are currently in the focus of public interest. In recent years, however, it was usually over very quickly after the big tournaments. Will it be different this time?
Peter: I do believe it will be different. Of course, the Euro is an international highlight, and attention will decrease afterwards. But even the reform of the Champions League has changed something. Things are also moving in the leagues. I would like to see more lasting awareness of our sport, and I think we’re on the right track. But the sporting performance in England is also important for every country in order to take away the euphoria that is now prevailing.
You have played in Spain for the past three years. How did you perceive the development there?
Peter: I saw at Real Madrid how a newly promoted team from the first division became a quarter-finalist in the Champions League. This development is representative of Spanish football. Maybe not quite as fast, but a lot is happening. From the coming season, the first league will officially be a professional league. Six to seven clubs are now playing a good role.
But as in every country, clubs also fall behind. The last rounds in the Champions League were fantastic. 70 percent of football in Spain is still semi-professional. That’s a big contrast.
What does it mean to you to captain Los Blancos in the historic Clásico in front of over 90,000 spectators in Barcelona?
Peter: No matter how many titles you have won and you can be anyone: a game like this is just something special. I also knew beforehand that it would be my last Champions League game. So I really enjoyed every moment and soaked it all up. (Editor’s note: Real lost the quarter-final first leg 3-1 at home – and then lost 5-2 in Barcelona.)
As captain, Babett Peter has been one of the most influential people at Real Madrid in recent years.
The whole time in Spain – even without a trophy – was an incredible experience for me, which above all shaped me as a person. Because we weren’t particularly successful at the beginning, I really learned to appreciate winning games. The fact that we then made it into the Champions League and survived the group stage were great successes. We really built something.
There is always talk that German football has lost importance in a European comparison. How far has Germany fallen behind?
Peter: I don’t know why the situation is viewed so critically. In Spain people always talk about “the strong Germans”, so the impression of Germany is much better. Nevertheless, it would of course be good if criticism, which is sometimes exaggerated, is taken seriously. We also want to get ahead. Sure, Germany has always been the pioneer. Now others are following suit. But they’re just catching up.
What are the chances of the Bundesliga progressing?
Peter: That The example of Eintracht Frankfurt shows that things are moving. But this is also the case in other locations. And maybe it is also the more sustainable development there, when something completely new is built from below. I don’t believe in making women’s teams compulsory for the men’s Bundesliga. However, I would be happy if even more big men’s clubs understood what a great opportunity there is in taking on social responsibility and being noticed.
Back to the European Championship: Before the tournament, Spain was one of the top favorites for the European Championship title – how serious are the injuries to Putellas and Hermoso?
Peter: First of all, it is of course incredibly tragic for the two of them. But the fact that these two faces of women’s football, these two exceptional players, cannot be there is a shame for everyone following the tournament. Spain are missing their record goalscorer and the world footballer, which is not easy to compensate for. But I’ve talked a lot to some players, they really want to show it to Europe now. And of course they have many other top players in their team.
Who do the Germans have to pay particular attention to now?
Peter: The midfield is really strong. Aitana Bonmatí is very intelligent and the best player I’ve ever played against. Patricia Guijarro is the team’s strategist and keeps the offensive line free. She is totally underrated. Mariona Caldentey also hinted at what she can do in the first game. In addition, Irene Paredes and Mapi León form a very stable central defender duo. Everyone has a lot of experience, but they’re only in their mid-20s. They’ll be a lot of fun for the fans.
Did Germany’s first appearance surprise you?
Peter: Yes, I have to say that. It was a performance full of energy. You could see that the players had big plans. It was an important game, maybe even the most important. In 2017 and 2019 the start was really cramped. Now the team has confidence. But you also have to classify the game correctly. Denmark certainly didn’t have their best day and can play football much better.
Who is going to be the favorite in the direct duel?
Peter: I would say that Spain are still favorites. Despite the absences and the first ten minutes, the team started the tournament well with a 4-1 win against Finland. The team is homogeneous, so a lot is right. But Germany has come closer. Two great nations meet. I’m very excited to see who will prevail.
After retiring from the German national team after the 2019 World Cup, you followed the first major tournament as a spectator. How do you like the new role?
Peter: When I see the great pitch and the stadiums, I would of course like to play. I’ve been kicking myself for too long for that. But after 20 years of football, I’m just looking forward to the next chapter in my life. I’m not wistful. If I compare my first tournament to Euro 2022, it’s a significant development. And I will stay true to football.
In 2016, Babette Peter won Olympic gold with the German national team in Rio.
You first follow your partner, who has signed a contract as an assistant coach in Kansas City, to the USA. You have more time for your son and for your studies. What’s next for you afterwards?
Peter: I’m in the last semester of my master’s degree in sports business – and after that I want to bring the energy that I’ve always left on the pitch to another level. Whether that happens at a club or association, I don’t know yet. But I had a lot of fun helping to build something in Madrid. I put a lot of heart and soul into it.
The interview was conducted by Florian Neuhauss (London)