Laura Freigang: Eintracht Striker and Passionate Photographer

Laura Freigang: Eintracht Striker and Passionate Photographer

Laura Freigang has emerged as a key player in German women’s football, showcasing her skills with Eintracht Frankfurt. Reflecting on her journey from youth football to becoming the league’s top scorer, she highlights the team’s transformation since merging with Eintracht. With ambitions to secure a title, Freigang balances her passion for the sport with her love for photography, all while preparing for a promising Bundesliga season under the sun in the Algarve.

Laura Freigang: A Rising Star in Women’s Football

Laura Freigang made her entrance into Frankfurt during the days when the club was still known as FFC and the coaching staff were not yet full-time professionals. As she honed her skills at Brentanobad, Freigang blossomed into one of the prominent figures in German women’s football. While training in the picturesque Algarve, the talented striker reflects on her journey and shares her aspirations with Eintracht.

A Passion for Photography and Football

Standing on the training ground in Lagos under a radiant blue sky, Laura Freigang clutches a digital camera. “This isn’t really my style; I prefer analog,” she chuckles, passing the camera to an Eintracht colleague. The stunning Algarve scenery, with its dramatic cliffs and shimmering sea, is something she would love to capture with her preferred analog camera. However, time is of the essence as this short training camp is dedicated to intense preparation for the upcoming Bundesliga season.

Freigang mentions the atmosphere among the newly crowned autumn champions, describing it as a blend of school trip excitement and focused determination. This positive energy sets a solid foundation for their Bundesliga journey, which begins shortly, with Eintracht leading the league for the first time.

Freigang has played a pivotal role in Eintracht’s current success, having netted eleven goals in just twelve matches, earning her the title of the league’s top scorer. “It’s a testament to my personal growth. It feels rewarding to see the results of hard work,” she explains, acknowledging that such recognition isn’t always guaranteed in professional sports.

Over the last few years, Freigang has evolved significantly. No longer just a player, she has become a key representative of both Eintracht Frankfurt and German women’s football. Reflecting on her past, she recalls how, as a youth player, she and her father researched clubs online, discovering FFC’s roster. “I thought, wow, that’s going to be tough!” she laughs, unaware that she would soon join that very team.

When Freigang arrived at Brentanobad in 2018 after her initial professional stint at TSV Mainz and a study abroad at Pennsylvania State University, the environment was vastly different. Back then, the sports department had only two full-time staff members, and coach Niko Arnautis was not full-time either. Since the merger with Eintracht in 2020, FFC has seen remarkable professionalization. Freigang notes, “Today, we have entirely different resources and opportunities.” The team now trains almost constantly in a specially converted facility, benefiting from the support of multiple coaches, analysts, and medical staff. “This transformation is wonderful to witness and was necessary for long-term success,” she adds.

Freigang has clear ambitions for her future with Eintracht. When asked about her goals, she confidently states, “We aim to win a title.” With the team’s strong start as autumn champions, she muses about the potential for success this season, while also emphasizing the importance of staying grounded. “A little dreaming is always welcome,” she adds with a smile.

Where better to envision a triumphant second half of the season than under the warm Portuguese sun, after a rigorous week of training? As she prepares to refine her skills on the field and perhaps capture a shot or two with her beloved analog camera, Laura Freigang is ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead.