Kathrin Hendrich has returned to German football as the 34-year-old joins Frauen Bundesliga side 1. FC Köln. The iconic defender, who has over 90 appearances for Germany , has signed from NWSL side Chicago Stars ahead of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season.
Chicago Stars lose Hendrich as they sit bottom of the NWSL with just four wins out of seventeen this season. FC Köln, however, finished the 2025/26 Bundesliga season in a respectable 7th place and will be looking to progress their standing in the new season.
Speaking to the media upon Hendrich's signing, Nicole Bender-Rummler, Director of Women's Football at FC Köln stated: "It's an exciting time for the club."
Bender-Rummler continued, "With Kathrin Hendrich, we have signed a current German A-national player for the first time in our club's history. Her sporting qualities are undisputed, and with her great experience she will help our team enormously on and off the pitch."
Hendrich has won seven major trophies over her career amongst a haul of other victories. Most notably perhaps is her gold medal in the 2016 Brazil Olympics with Germany. The tactical defender also won the UEFA Women's Champions League in 2015 with Frankfurt.
Throughout her 17-year career Hendrich has represented just five senior clubs, a testament to her loyalty. Hendrich has found success at Bayer Leverkusen , Bayern Munich , VfL Wolfsburg and more recently her difficult season at Chicago.
Despite being born in Belgium , Hendrich has gone on to represent Germany over 90 times. Winning the Olympic Games for her country and even managed 5 goals as a defender.
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