Lisa Baum, an 18-year-old football prodigy from Germany, is preparing for a crucial cup semi-final against Werder Bremen, dedicating the game to her late brother. Known for her dynamic play, she engages in a personal ritual before matches to honor him. With aspirations to elevate HSV in the Bundesliga and attention from major clubs like FC Barcelona, Baum’s journey reflects her talent and emotional connection to the sport. The match at Volksparkstadion promises to be historic for women’s football.
Lisa Baum: A Rising Star in German Football
Lisa Baum, an exceptional football talent from Germany, is set to showcase her skills in the cup semi-finals against Werder Bremen this Sunday. At just 18 years old, she will step onto the pitch at the Volksparkstadion, where 57,000 fans are expected to cheer her on. This match holds a profound significance for Baum, as it represents not only a pivotal moment in her career but also a heartfelt tribute to her late brother, who is always with her in spirit.
A Personal Tribute and a Ritual on the Field
Upon entering Lisa’s room in the HSV shared apartment in Norderstedt, one is immediately drawn to the framed jersey of Brazilian superstar Neymar and a signed Bayern Munich shirt by Sydney Lohmann. However, it is the wall dedicated to her brother that truly captures her heart. Adorned with cherished memories, including a beloved childhood photo, Lisa states, “My absolute favorite picture. I just find it beautiful and like to look at it in the evenings.” This wall serves as a constant reminder of her brother, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 2022.
Before each match, Lisa engages in a personal ritual to keep her brother’s memory alive. She writes words of inspiration on a tape around her wrist, often choosing messages that reflect her feelings or thoughts about her brother. “I usually write down what I am feeling at that moment. It might be ‘courage’ or something related to my brother. Then I know he is with me,” she explains, emphasizing the emotional connection that fuels her passion for the game.
As she prepares for one of the most significant games of her career on Sunday at 3:30 PM, Lisa’s thoughts of her brother are even more vivid. “I know he would be proud of me if he could see this,” she shares.
This cup semi-final against Werder Bremen is a monumental occasion, with Lisa acknowledging the excitement of playing in front of such a massive crowd. “57,000 spectators is crazy,” she remarks, recognizing that the experience is akin to something she has only ever encountered in video games like FIFA. She admits, “I do believe my legs will shake when I run out.”
The upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Lisa and her HSV women’s second division team facing off against the Bundesliga squad from Bremen. The anticipation is palpable, as this event marks a historic moment in German women’s football.
With her dynamic style and technical prowess, Baum has caught the attention of scouts, and HSV women’s football coordinator Saskia Breuer notes her innate football instinct. “She is an absolute instinctive footballer. You can’t learn that. She just does it,” Breuer emphasizes, highlighting Lisa’s potential to become a standout player.
Born in Tanzania and moving to Germany in 2011, Lisa has already accomplished impressive feats, including playing every match for the German national team at the U20 World Cup in Colombia when she was just 17. Soon after, she signed a contract with Nike, further solidifying her status as a rising star in the sport.
With the guidance of her advisor, Lena Goeßling, a former star player for VfL Wolfsburg, Lisa is gaining attention from top clubs, including her favorite, FC Barcelona, as well as English powerhouses like Liverpool and Manchester City. However, her current focus remains on HSV, with aspirations to elevate the team’s status in the Bundesliga.
As the cup semi-final approaches, the excitement builds, and HSV coach Marwin Bolz sees this match as a significant milestone for women’s football. “That will push us,” Baum states, reflecting the unity and determination of her team.
The cup semi-final on March 23 at the Volksparkstadion is poised to set a record in German women’s club football, marking a crucial step towards a promising future in the Bundesliga.