Experienced central defender with an eye for goal

The native Hamburger Steuerwald played at Bramfelder SV for 11 years before moving to VfL Wolfsburg's academy in 2014 at the age of 15. She made her debut for the club’s U20's side in the 2. Bundesliga at 16, and played a total of 51 second division matches (scoring nine times) for the Wölfinnen.

Steuerwald joined Bundesliga club SV Werder Bremen for the 2018/19 season, making her top flight debut on the opening matchday. The now 19 year old was on the pitch for the first eight games before a long-term injury interrupted her progress. Consequently, Steuerwald experienced Bremen's relegation only from the stands. In the following 2. Liga season, in which Bremen achieved direct promotion, she played six times.

Since 2020, Steuerwald has been playing for SC Freiburg where she had immediately established herself as a regular starter. Over the past five years, the defender has played 98 Bundesliga matches for SCF, scoring seven times. Together, they reached the DFB Pokal final in May 2023, but lost 4-1 to the club of her youth, Wolfsburg. After five years at the Sportclub, a new chapter begins for Steuerwald in the capital next season.

Three facts about Samantha

• In her five years at SC Freiburg, Steuerwald has only missed nine Bundesliga matches.

• Steuerwald started her career as a striker in Wolfsburg and Bremen; she was only converted to a defender in Freiburg.

• She hasn’t forgotten how to score goals: in all five of her seasons at SC Freiburg, Steuerwald scored at least once per season. She also found the net in her last match for the Sportclub.

The reactions to the transfer

“I’m incredibly excited about the new challenge at Union,” said Steuerwald on her move to Köpenick. “After five intense and educational years in Freiburg, it was clear to me that I wanted to make a fresh start. The discussions with the club were very respectful from the beginning and made me feel that I was exactly where I needed to be. Union have great ambitions and are pursuing a clear plan that excites me as a player. I want to contribute my experiences, take on responsibility, and build something together with the team. The anticipation for Berlin, the team, and the new challenge is huge.”

Jennifer Zietz, director of women's professional football at 1. FC Union Berlin, is also delighted with the transfer, saying: “In Samantha, we not only gain an extremely experienced Bundesliga player but also a true team player with leadership qualities. She has proven herself at the highest level over the years and brings great consistency to her game. Her versatility, will, and professional attitude fit perfectly with the path we want to take as a team and as a club. We are very happy that Samantha has chosen Union – she will play an important role in our team both sportingly and personally.”