Celia Sasic was glowing at the Ballon d’Or Gala in Zürich, before surprising the audience with some wonderful news: the 27-year-old is expecting a baby. The World Cup Golden Boot and Champions League winner came second place to US world champion Carli Lloyd in the award for FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year 2015.
In an exclusive DFB.de interview, the 111-times Germany international talks about the FIFA gala, the atmosphere at the ceremony and her hopes for 2016.
DFB.de: Ms Sasic, you gave everyone a real surprise yesterday. Congratulations on your pregnancy!
Celia Sasic: Thank you!
DFB.de: Had you planned to make the announcement at the ceremony?
Sasic: Those who looked close enough would have guessed. There comes a point when it’s no longer easy to hide. My stomach is growing a fair bit! (laughs) And I saw no reason to hide it.
DFB.de: How was the reaction?
Sasic: Before then I was asked about it a lot less. But at the event many people came to me to congratulate me. Even complete strangers and other players all wished me well and it was very nice. It was really lovely of them.
DFB.de: What feelings do you take back to Germany with you?
Sasic: For me it was clear from the outset that I was going there to enjoy it all and soak it all up. Everything else was secondary for me. For me it was obvious that Carli Lloyd was going to win, so I could travel to Zürich completely relaxed and enjoy the evening with my family. It was definitely worth it.
DFB.de: What were your thoughts on the whole event?
Sasic: It was a very open, casual and familiar atmosphere. Everyone could chat to each other and have fun without there being any unpleasantness. That was really nice to see, that everyone was so happy in each other’s company.
DFB.de: Were you surprised at all?
Sasic: For me there were actually no surprises. Only in the goal category would I have expected a different result. It was just wonderful, a really cool evening. Everyone was completely laid back, from the moderators to the players.
DFB.de: How did you feel up on the stage? Millions of people worldwide followed the event…
Sasic: Luckily you don’t see the millions watching! (laughs) So much happens on the day and there are so many people involved. But the people around you make it very easy. Of course you are a little excited, you’re standing on stage with the biggest stars in football.
DFB.de: You announced your retirement in July, were then voted Women’s European Footballer of the Year and of course you were shortlists for Women’s World Player of the Year, had you anticipated any of this in advance?
Sasic: Not really. Especially with regards to the Ballon d’Or. That was still six months away, you don’t consider yourself a candidate. That’s why I was so happy, as I never expected to have the chance to experience it all once again.
DFB.de: What do these awards mean to you, especially considering your career has now come to an end?
Sasic: It’s always nice to come away with something that you can look back on and remember later on.
DFB.de: What are your hopes for 2016?
Sasic: I just hope to stay healthy and happy. I am crazily excited for the new challenge. That was always my wish. Now it’s here. I believe it will be just as tough as any training session or match, but I accept the challenge of it gladly!
created by mmc/jm
Celia Sasic was glowing at the Ballon d’Or Gala in Zürich, before surprising the audience with some wonderful news: the 27-year-old is expecting a baby. The World Cup Golden Boot and Champions League winner came second place to US world champion Carli Lloyd in the award for FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year 2015.
In an exclusive DFB.de interview, the 111-times Germany international talks about the FIFA gala, the atmosphere at the ceremony and her hopes for 2016.
DFB.de: Ms Sasic, you gave everyone a real surprise yesterday. Congratulations on your pregnancy!
Celia Sasic: Thank you!
DFB.de: Had you planned to make the announcement at the ceremony?
Sasic: Those who looked close enough would have guessed. There comes a point when it’s no longer easy to hide. My stomach is growing a fair bit! (laughs) And I saw no reason to hide it.
DFB.de: How was the reaction?
Sasic: Before then I was asked about it a lot less. But at the event many people came to me to congratulate me. Even complete strangers and other players all wished me well and it was very nice. It was really lovely of them.
DFB.de: What feelings do you take back to Germany with you?
Sasic: For me it was clear from the outset that I was going there to enjoy it all and soak it all up. Everything else was secondary for me. For me it was obvious that Carli Lloyd was going to win, so I could travel to Zürich completely relaxed and enjoy the evening with my family. It was definitely worth it.
DFB.de: What were your thoughts on the whole event?
Sasic: It was a very open, casual and familiar atmosphere. Everyone could chat to each other and have fun without there being any unpleasantness. That was really nice to see, that everyone was so happy in each other’s company.
DFB.de: Were you surprised at all?
Sasic: For me there were actually no surprises. Only in the goal category would I have expected a different result. It was just wonderful, a really cool evening. Everyone was completely laid back, from the moderators to the players.
DFB.de: How did you feel up on the stage? Millions of people worldwide followed the event…
Sasic: Luckily you don’t see the millions watching! (laughs) So much happens on the day and there are so many people involved. But the people around you make it very easy. Of course you are a little excited, you’re standing on stage with the biggest stars in football.
DFB.de: You announced your retirement in July, were then voted Women’s European Footballer of the Year and of course you were shortlists for Women’s World Player of the Year, had you anticipated any of this in advance?
Sasic: Not really. Especially with regards to the Ballon d’Or. That was still six months away, you don’t consider yourself a candidate. That’s why I was so happy, as I never expected to have the chance to experience it all once again.
DFB.de: What do these awards mean to you, especially considering your career has now come to an end?
Sasic: It’s always nice to come away with something that you can look back on and remember later on.
DFB.de: What are your hopes for 2016?
Sasic: I just hope to stay healthy and happy. I am crazily excited for the new challenge. That was always my wish. Now it’s here. I believe it will be just as tough as any training session or match, but I accept the challenge of it gladly!
