Germany Hit by Huge Euro 2025 Blow as Captain Giulia Gwinn Ruled Out with Knee Injury

Giulia Gwinn Injury Leaves Germany Reeling Ahead of Crucial Euro 2025 Fixtures

Germany’s hopes of a deep run at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 have been dealt a devastating blow as captain Giulia Gwinn has officially been ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to a serious knee injury. The news broke shortly after the national team secured a 2-0 victory over Poland in their group stage opener, a match overshadowed by Gwinn’s painful exit in the first half.

What Happened?

The 26-year-old right-back suffered the injury in the 40th minute of the match during a critical defensive moment. In an attempt to deny Poland’s star forward Ewa Pajor a clear shot on goal, Gwinn executed a sliding block that proved costly. The challenge was successful in neutralizing the threat, but she immediately clutched her left knee and signaled for help.

The reaction from the German bench was immediate and full of concern. Medical staff assisted Gwinn off the pitch, and the visibly distraught defender was later seen in tears as she made her way down the tunnel. She was replaced by Carlotta Wamser, and Janina Minge took over the captain’s armband for the rest of the match.

Giulia Gwinn Germany 2025

The Bigger Picture: Gwinn’s Absence and Its Implications

On Saturday, the German Football Association (DFB) confirmed the worst fears. Following a series of scans and medical assessments, Gwinn was diagnosed with a medial ligament injury in her left knee. The estimated recovery time rules her out for the remainder of Euro 2025, and she will likely be sidelined for several weeks or longer.

Adding to the disappointment is UEFA’s regulation that teams can only replace injured outfield players up to 24 hours before their first match of the tournament. With that window now closed, Germany will have to navigate the remainder of the competition with a reduced squad of 22 players.

What Christian Wuck Said

Speaking to reporters after the announcement, head coach Christian Wuck expressed his sadness for Gwinn but emphasized the importance of squad depth in major tournaments:

“It’s heartbreaking for Giulia, and for us as a team. But this is why you bring 23 players to a tournament, not just 11. Everyone has to be ready to contribute.”

He added that the leadership vacuum left by Gwinn will need to be filled by committee, with experienced players like Minge, Sara Dabritz, and Marina Hegering expected to step up.

Did You Know?

This isn’t the first time Giulia Gwinn has faced a major knee injury. In 2023, she missed the FIFA Women’s World Cup after suffering a torn ACL, also in her left knee. That injury required surgery and months of rehabilitation. Her return to form in the lead-up to Euro 2025 had been hailed as one of the feel-good stories of the German camp—only for misfortune to strike once again.

The recurrence of knee issues will raise long-term concerns about her durability and recovery path. While medial ligament injuries are generally less severe than ACL tears, the emotional and physical toll of repeated injuries on the same joint cannot be underestimated.

Giulia Gwinn Germany 2025

What’s Next for Germany at Euro 2025?

Despite the emotional weight of losing their captain, Germany handled their first match with resilience and professionalism. Goals from Alexandra Popp and Lina Magull ensured a 2-0 win over Poland and put the three-time Euro champions in a strong position within Group B.

Their next test comes against a strong Denmark side on Tuesday, followed by a high-stakes match against Sweden on July 12. With the group stage tightening, every point will be crucial. The remaining defenders, including Wamser and Felicitas Rauch, will need to maintain high standards to compensate for Gwinn’s absence.

Off the pitch, team psychologists and medical staff are likely to play a big role in helping the squad regroup. Gwinn’s leadership extended beyond tactics and technique; she was the emotional core of the team. That intangible will now need to be recreated through collective responsibility.

Gwinn’s Legacy Still Resonates

Even though her Euro 2025 campaign has ended prematurely, Giulia Gwinn’s impact on this squad cannot be overstated. Her journey from youth standout to national team captain has inspired countless fans and teammates alike. Her professionalism, courage, and passion continue to set a standard for the next generation of German footballers.

Expect to see her remain close to the squad during the rest of the tournament, offering advice, morale, and experience from the sidelines. That kind of presence, even without the boots on, could make all the difference in the matches to come.

Final Thoughts

Football is cruel sometimes. For a player like Gwinn, who had already overcome so much, this latest injury feels particularly unfair. But tournaments are also about how teams respond to adversity. Germany has the pedigree and the depth to carry on without their captain, and if they do, you can be sure that every step they take will be in honor of the one player who won’t be on the pitch but whose spirit will be with them every minute of the way.