A dream put on hold, but not for long

Marie Müller was days away from living out one of her lifelong dreams. Injury has put her dream on hold - but it won't be for too long.

Photographer: Kelsey Baker

Every footballer dreams of representing their country on the national team. For Marie Müller, she dreamt of making her debut for Germany and playing on the biggest stages. It’s a dream she’s had since the first time kicking a ball.

“I’m waiting for this moment” said Müller. “It's a really big dream."

After a breakout first season with the Portland Thorns, all she needed was a chance. Müller finished in the top 15 in the NWSL in several key defensive statistics: tackles (7th), interceptions (3rd), blocks (15th).

"It's only a matter of time before she gets called on on the international stage because she's too good not to be,” said Portland Thorns head coach, Rob Gale.

The Germany Women’s National Team unfortunately suffered some injuries before their UEFA Women’s Nations League matches against the Netherlands and Austria. And so, it finally happened for Müller. Instead of the U23 call-ups she had been receiving previously, senior team head coach Christian Wück finally reached out to her. The call she’d been waiting her whole life for, finally came.