Digital Cover | Jule Brand Opens Up About Fear, Growth & Finding Flow

For the second instalment of our Digital Cover series, we flip the script. From Harry Kane’s meticulous rise and relentless pursuit of goals to a new kind of electricity — one that’s fast, instinctive, and impossible to box in. Jule Brand is part of a new generation that doesn’t just play football, but redefines it.

This is the second time in what has been a relatively short career so far that we’ve had the pleasure of sitting down with the wonderful Jule Brand. At just 22, she already carries the creative spark of someone who’s made peace with discomfort — and turned it into fuel. Whether she’s flying down the wing for Germany or threading through defenders with the freedom of someone who trusts her gut, there’s an unfiltered energy to Brand that makes you sit up and watch. On and off the pitch, she’s thoughtful, bold, and unapologetically herself — a rare mix that’s as honest as it is inspiring.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Brand opens up about fear, growth, finding flow, and why mental freedom is her superpower. From the weight of expectation to the joy of spontaneity, this is Jule Brand in her own words — raw, real, and ready to lead the future.

Let’s start by looking back a bit. Are there any moments in your life – not necessarily football-related – that really shaped who you are today? Moments that made you the person you are?

I think there were always moments when I had to make tough decisions, especially ones that pushed me out of my comfort zone. Those were usually the hardest steps to take – things I was nervous about. But looking back, those are the moments that helped me grow the most and really shaped who I am.

And what kind of moments were those? When did you find it hard to make a final decision?

One example was when I moved out for the first time – moving further away from home. I really thought about staying in Hoffenheim because it was comfortable, I knew my surroundings. But I knew deep down that I needed a change. I was ready. And even though I was scared, I realized that stepping into the unknown was what would help me move forward. I’ve learned that when something scares me, it usually means it’s the right thing to do.

Have you always had that belief in yourself – that inner voice saying “I can do this”? Or did that confidence develop over time?

I guess I always knew that a lot was possible, but I also knew that my mindset had to be right. Back then, I was quite reserved and often chose the easy, comfortable path. But then I realized: if I want to grow – in football and as a person – I need to take those harder steps. That’s when the belief really kicked in. I knew I wanted it, and I knew I could do it.

When it comes to your playing style, would you say you’re more of a free-spirited player who plays instinctively? Or do you always have a clear plan in mind?

I definitely play my best when my mind is clear. When I’m not overthinking and I just go with my gut. That’s when things happen on the pitch and I don’t even know how they happened – it just flows. I need that mental freedom, no overloading with instructions. Just playing and having fun.

You touched on the mental side a bit – how do you manage to stay mentally strong and keep that lightness, especially when your career suddenly accelerates and pressure increases?

That was actually a challenge for me. In Hoffenheim, everything went pretty smoothly. I didn’t really overthink, I just trained, played, and it all worked. But then I had my first few games with the national team, got more media attention, people started calling me a “huge talent”… and suddenly the pressure was there. I wasn’t used to that, and I lost that lightness and freedom I need.

What helped was talking to other players – especially older, more experienced ones. Also, I stopped reading media stuff about me. I tried to refocus on why I play football in the first place – because I love it. That helped me clear my head again.

You bring a lot of energy, confidence and spontaneity on the pitch. Would you say that’s also who you are off the pitch?

Yeah, I think I’m pretty relaxed and easy-going off the pitch too – especially when I’m around people I feel comfortable with, like friends and family. I do think a lot and reflect, but I’ve also learned how to talk to myself, how to refocus when I need to. Just like on the pitch, I try to be in the moment and not overthink everything.

Looking at your generation of players – do you think the image and presence of female players has changed in recent years?

Definitely. Compared to ten years ago, the interest in women’s football has grown massively. People want to watch women’s football now, stadiums are filling up, and there’s more focus on us as individuals – especially through social media. There’s more visibility, and we’ve become role models for young girls. And that inspires more and more girls to start playing. Things have changed a lot, and women’s football is way more in the spotlight now.

Do you see yourself playing a role in shaping the future of women’s football?

Yeah, I think so. Especially for all of us who are part of the current national team – we’re in a position where we can really help shape what’s next. The last Euros already created a big momentum. I want to be part of that – I want to entertain, I want people to enjoy coming to the stadium, see a good match, go home happy, and still talk about it afterwards. I want to be one of the players people love watching. And I want to be a role model too – especially for young girls who dream of playing.

If you could change one rule in football for one day – what would you change or reinvent?

Oh wow. I think first, I’d get rid of VAR. Just play more freely again. And I love playing 8v8 – or even 5v5. It’s more tight, more creative, more fun. I’d love to have a game day like that.

And what about off the pitch? If you weren’t playing football professionally – where would you put your energy and drive? What other fields interest you?

That’s a tough one. I think football actually gave me my drive. Without it… I’m not sure where else I’d get that motivation, because honestly, I’m not super interested in much else – except maybe other sports. I get really competitive in sports. It bothers me when others are better than me, and that pushes me to improve. So maybe I’d find a similar passion in another sport. I’m still figuring that out.

What about areas like music, fashion or film? Are there other creative things that inspire you or give you energy when you need a break from football?

I love shopping and I’m really into fashion – especially stuff that’s not mainstream. I enjoy seeing new and different styles. Maybe if I had more time, I’d try creating my own collection or bring different ideas together. And I do love music – maybe I’d build my own cool Instagram account, with good music and a unique vibe. Something creative like that.

So would you describe yourself as a creative person?

I’d say I’m creative when I’m really into something. When I care, I get ideas – that’s when creativity comes out.

Last one: the Euros are just around the corner – what does that moment mean to you personally, especially since it’s happening so close to home?

It’s really special. I’m so excited, especially knowing that the stadiums are nearly sold out. I think the atmosphere is going to be incredible. And my family can be there too – they don’t have to travel far this time.

Tournaments are always the best times of the year for me – the memories, the energy within the team. And of course, we have our goal: we want to win the title. There’s a lot of anticipation, drive – I just can’t wait.

Jule Brand wears the adidas F50, which you can pick up at prodirectsport.com/soccer