No 'better time' to play in England, says Lohmann

Sydney Lohmann played in three of Germany's five games at Euro 2025

Germany midfielder Sydney Lohmann says she "can't imagine a better time than now" to play in England - on the back of the Lionesses' Euro 2025 triumph.

The 25-year-old joined Manchester City on a three-year-deal from Bayern Munich in July, after eight seasons in the Frauen-Bundesliga.

Having played her whole career in her homeland, Lohmann said it was the perfect time to move abroad.

And she has been thrilled by the support for the women's game in England, with interest high after the Lionesses lifted a second successive Euros title in Switzerland.

"I can't imagine a better time than now," Lohmann told BBC Sport. "This country is crazy about football, and in Manchester there is a different vibe. When you speak about football, it doesn't matter if it is women's or men's they are so excited about it."

She was tempted by City, despite their disappointing 2024-25 campaign that saw them miss out on European competition.

City finished fourth in the Women's Super League last season, outside the Champions League places and 17 points behind winners Chelsea.

It led to Gareth Taylor's departure as manager in March, with Nick Cushing put in temporary charge until Andree Jeglertz, who coached Denmark at the Euros, was appointed permanently this summer.

Lohmann said she has followed City closely for two years and her new team-mates had the quality to do much better.

"They were under performing, you could see all the potential, they were better than the results were saying," she added. "I was interested in the playing style.

"I can feel the hunger, no-one was satisfied with last season."

'Both quite emotional' - on being sworn at by Scott

Jill Scott and Sydney Lohmann clashed just before half-time in extra time of the Euro 2022 final at Wembley

While Lohmann is new to the WSL, she is familiar to English audiences as an unwitting participant in one of the most iconic moments in women's football.

During the Euro 2022 final, England midfielder Jill Scott went viral after TV cameras captured her leaping from the turf after a tackle and angrily swearing in a German opponent's face.

Scott, a former City player who has since gained popularity as a pundit and reality TV star, has even got a tattoo referencing what she said at the time in a match her side won 2-1 for a landmark first Euros success.

The player she swore at was Lohmann, who was unaware of her role until being told by Lionesses and former Bayern team-mate Georgia Stanway.

Three years on, Lohmann was able to laugh at the moment, which was referenced by City in the videos announcing her arrival and featured a self-depreciating cameo by Scott.

"It's funny, I did not realise what a big thing it has been," added Lohmann. "I just remember it as a really intense moment in the game. We were both quite emotional - I actually like situations like that - and I have heard Jill is a lovely person."

'There will always be some idiots'

Lohmann's Germany lost to in extra time to Spain at Euro 2025

Lohmann also played for her country at Euro 2025, where she helped Germany reach the semi-finals before being defeated by Spain after extra time.

It was a tournament marred by players being targeted for abuse. England defender Jess Carter revealed she had suffered racism online during the tournament, while Spain forward Salma Paralluelo was also abused after missing in the penalty shootout of the final loss to the Lionesses.

Lohmann, who has a significant online fanbase with 127,000 Instagram followers, said she was also targeted with abuse after Germany's Euros exit.

While she had "never received that many notifications or comments", she had been able to deal with the unsavoury comments through the support of team-mates and coaches.

"To see and read that stuff right after the game when you are sensitive to that… of course you shouldn't experience that, but I know where to put it and in what context," said Lohmann. "There will always be some idiots.

"There needs to be more things done, it is good English players have raised their voices to put pressure on. It is important not to let people say whatever they want."

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