The women's team of 1. FC Union Berlin are losing one of their most recognisable faces in Elisa Schindler. The 25-year-old is leaving the club for which she has played almost her entire life to pursue a new challenge.

The path of a true Union original 

Born in Berlin, "Ernie" joined the club in 2006 and remained loyal to it for the next 18 years. After the defender came through all the youth teams, Schindler was part of the senior women's squad from the 2015/16 season, finally making her competitive debut in May 2016. In her first season, the club were promoted to the 2. Liga won the Berlin Pokal. In the following season, Schindler also made four appearances in the second division as well as the DFB Pokal match against VfL Wolfsburg in front of 1,500 spectators at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. The centre-back also won the Berlin Cup twice more, in 2019 and 2024.

Schindler, one of the team's leaders, has played 66 senior games for 1. FC Union Berlin, but her performances were curtailed by injury this season, particularly in the first half, meaning the 25-year-old was restricted to only five games for Union. She played her last match in the second leg of the successful promotion play-off against SV Henstedt-Ulzburg.

Views on the farewell

"It's difficult for me to find the right words and, above all, to say something that can do justice to 18 years," said Schindler on the difficult decision to leave the club. "Union is my home. Not only did I grow up here, but I also received all the support I needed to become a professional footballer. I am incredibly grateful to the club and everyone who has accompanied me along the way."

"Elisa has been here at the club for a very long time, so of course it's not easy to say goodbye," said Jennifer Zietz, Union's director of professional women's football, meanwhile. "In honest discussions, we told her that her chances of playing in the upcoming second division season are not getting any better. She has realised this and has therefore decided to try something new. In the end, we are all sad to see Elisa go, but she will always find an open door here. Union will always be her club."