Defender Felicitas Rauch has left VfL Wolfsburg with immediate effect to join American team North Carolina Courage, who play in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Both sides agreed on a termination of the 27-year-old’s contract with VfL, which was due to run until 2025.
Key player from the start
Rauch moved to Wolfsburg from 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam in summer 2019 and was a first-team regular from the off. In total she made 80 appearances in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga, 16 in the DFB Cup and 30 in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. The Germany international won two Bundesliga titles with the She-Wolves and the cup four times.
“VfL has felt like home”
“The club has felt like home from day one,” reflected Rauch. “As well as numerous footballing highlights, fulfilled dreams and unforgettable successes, I’ve also taken great people into my heart during my time at VfL. I’d like to thank them for four and a half wonderful and exciting years at VfL. Thanks to my team, to the coaches, the team behind the team and the staff. A special thanks also goes to the fans!”
“Losing a great character”
“Feli came to us with the wish to terminate the contract in order to continue her career in the American professional league,” explained Ralf Kellermann, director of women’s football at VfL Wolfsburg. “We didn’t take the decision to comply with this request lightly, since we’re losing a long-standing key player as well as a great character. In addition to the fact that we wanted to make this career dream possible for her, the financial element also favoured this move. We would like to thank Feli for her great service in the VfL jersey and wish her all the best for her involvement in one of the best women’s football leagues in the world.”