A shared Wolfsburg past with goalkeeping coach Vetterlein

Nelly Smolarczyk started her football career in her Bavarian hometown with SV Amendingen, SpVgg Kaufbeuren, FC Kempten, and TSV Schwaben Augsburg, before moving to FC Bayern München's U-17s in 2021 at the age of 14. She stayed there for two years while also making her first appearances for German national youth sides. for whom she has made eleven appearances for the U-16s, U-17s, and U-19s.

She joined the youth team of VfL Wolfsburg in the summer of 2023 and made her second division debut for their U-20s team on the second matchday of the season at the age of 16, also still representing the U-17 side. In 2024/25, she became first-choice goalkeeper for the U-20s in the Regionalliga Nord and was significantly involved in their direct promotion back to the 2. Bundesliga, conceding only 19 goals in 21 matches. During her time in Wolfsburg, she worked closely with goalkeeper coach Alisa Vetterlein, who has been with Union since 2025.

Smolarczyk made 15 appearances in the second division for Wolfsburg's U-20s last season while also celebrating her Bundesliga debut. On matchday 23, the goalkeeper played during the 3-1 loss against Eintracht Frankfurt. Additionally, she was substituted in for Stina Johannes in the 69th minute on the last matchday, marking her second appearance in the top flight.

Three facts about Nelly

• The self-proclaimed 'clumsy perfectionist' holds both German and Polish citizenship.

• Smolarczyk is expected to play this summer with the German U-19s team at the Bosnia and Herzegovina EUROs.

• Alisa Vetterlein was not only Smolarczyk's goalkeeper coach but also personally convinced the then 16-year-old to move from FC Bayern München to VfL Wolfsburg.

Reactions to the Transfer

“Union have developed into an excellent place to be in German women’s football over the past years," said Smolarczyk on the signing of her deal at Union. "Moreover, I already know Ali as a coach and found working with her very rewarding. Therefore, I am very much looking forward to this new chapter.”

“Nelly is a young, talented goalkeeper who has already had her first taste of Bundesliga football this season. Previously, she gained a lot of experience for her age with the U20 team of VfL and in the youth teams of the DFB. It is our goal to support her in her further development,” said Jennifer Zietz, Union's Director of Women’s Professional Football.