Alexandra Popp made a spectacular debut for Borussia Dortmund, scoring twice in a 3-0 victory against Arminia Bielefeld on a remarkable day that saw 4,572 fans attend the third-tier women's match. This attendance is a significant increase, as last season's average was below half that number.

Popp, a former captain of the Germany national team with 67 international goals, has transformed the atmosphere at Dortmund since joining her childhood club. The surge in season ticket sales from 600 to 1,700 reflects her impact, as her jersey sales now surpass those of Serhou Guirassy, the men's team's top scorer.

In her own words, Popp described the atmosphere as "amazing" and noted the stark contrast to her previous Bundesliga experiences. Having joined Dortmund, which didn't even have a women's team until 2020, Popp aims to inspire and develop the club further.

Despite the gap in skill level, Popp faced a tough match against a resilient Arminia side, enduring significant physical challenges. She humorously shared her flexibility on the pitch, stating, "I have to play on the 10. But... I take my legs and I run back."

Popp's presence also changes dynamics for her younger teammates, who find themselves in a new spotlight. She reassured that they maintain a normal rapport, emphasizing the open communication within the team.

With ambitions set high, Popp and Dortmund aspire for promotion to the Bundesliga. She remarked, "That is the first, the championship," highlighting her goal of returning to the top division. With a three-year contract signed, Popp's journey has just begun, marking a significant chapter in both her career and the club's history.