Frankfurt veteran with over 150 Bundesliga appearances 

Born in Obertshausen in southern Hesse, Pawollek initially played for the boys' youth teams of TV Hausen and SG Rosenhöhe where she was already making a name for herself as a German junior international. She won the European Championship title with the U17 national team in 2016. 

In the same year, Pawollek moved to Bundesliga club 1. FFC Frankfurt, where she immediately earned herself a place in the starting line-up. From 2019, she led the team as captain. Even after the merger with Eintracht, Pawollek remained a central pillar in midfield. Over nine years, she played 154 Bundesliga matches for Frankfurt, scoring 25 times. She also made eleven appearances in the Champions League and reached the DFB Pokal final with SGE in 2021. 

Pawollek, whose parents were born in Poland, has been playing for the Polish national team  sincer her  debut in 2022, making 21 appearances for the side currently ranked 28th in the FIFA world rankings. She was also nominated for the German senior national team in January 2019, but did not take up the option. 

Three facts about Tanja  

• Tanja was awarded the Fritz Walter Medal in bronze in 2016. This was followed by the Fritz Walter Medal in gold in 2018. 

• Pawollek already knows Cara Bösl, Tomke Schneider, Leonie Köster and Anna Aehling from her time in Frankfurt. 

• She is already very familiar with the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. Her Eintracht IIside won 2-1 there in October 2024 before, a month later, she scored the opening goal for the SGE first team in their 2-0 victory in the DFB Pokal round of 16. 

Reactions to the transfer 

“After many intense and formative years in Frankfurt, the time has come for me to start a new chapter. Union showed incredible passion and team spirit last season – that's exactly what appeals to me. I'm looking forward to attacking with the team in the Bundesliga and contributing to the further development of the club," said Pawollek, excited about the new challenge. 

“Tanja is an absolute leader with great quality and experience. The fact that she has chosen Union is a strong sign – for our path, for our project in the Bundesliga. Tanja will play a central role both on and off the pitch. We are very pleased that she has decided to take this next step with us with such conviction,’ said Jennifer Zietz, director of women's professional football at 1. FC Union Berlin.