Ann-Katrin Berger: The German goalkeeper who beat cancer twice before the World Cup

Every world cup has a heroic story, but look no further than Germany and Chelsea goalkeeper Ann Katrin Berger, who beats thyroid cancer twice and aims for world cup success with Germany.

The Chelsea goalkeeper has endured extreme highs and the lowest of the lows in her footballing career, battling through treatment to win silverware of the highest order.

Not many players have represented their country at a world cup, and even fewer have played in one after winning a league and cup double, but only Berger can do all that and has beaten cancer twice.

The German international was first diagnosed with thyroid cancer in November 2017 while playing for Birmingham City.

Despite the huge setback, Berger stayed strong and remarkably returned to play football, earning PFA Team of the Year honors for the 2017-18 season after helping Birmingham to a fourth-place finish.

Her inspiring form for Birmingham earned her a move to Emma Hayes' Chelsea in January 2019, this time, fully recovered and ready to help Chelsea get back to the top of the WSL.

Since joining Chelsea in 2019, Berger has been a key component to the London club's success, winning four WSL titles in a row, two Women's League Cups, and three FA Cups.

Her fine form between the sticks for Chelsea earned Berger a call-up to the German National team for Euro 2022.

After experiencing the high of earning a call-up to the German team, Berger endured the news she hoped she would never hear again, getting thyroid cancer four years after recovering from the first time.

The German and Chelsea goalkeeper's yearly check-up was on July fifth, and she met up with the Euro's squad on July third.

The German goalkeeper learned something was wrong and finally told her teammates in the latter stages of the competition. She eventually told the rest of the world in August.

Miraculously, Berger rejoined her Chelsea teammates just a month after announcing she had cancer again, playing against Manchester City in the WSL.

Months after her return, Berger has been a mainstay in goal for Chelsea, becoming a two-penalty saving hero in the Champions League quarter-final and helping Chelsea to a league and cup double.

After another extraordinary season in London, Berger now has the opportunity to play at her first World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Her heroic story of finding silverware success through adversity is an inspiration to all, as she sets her sights on winning the greatest accolade in all sports.

Germany kicked off their campaign on Monday against Morocco with a 6-0 win and will later face Columbia and South Korea in Group H.