With 25 points, the 25-year-old Tyrolean, who was also awarded in 2019, set a new record, and her lead was greater than ever before. Bayern legionnaire Sarah Zadrazil, who was the premiere winner in 2018, shared second place with Frankfurt’s Barbara Dunst (9 points each). Billa’s success came as little surprise as she had two coups last season by winning the top scorer’s crown in the German league and being voted Germany’s footballer of the year. In the current season, the striker impressively demonstrated her goal-gettingter qualities at club level and in the ÖFB national team.
“The award was a personal highlight back then and it is the same now. That rounds off the last year perfectly,” said Billa. She was no longer surprised by her triumph, the numbers in 2021 were impressive. She scored 9 of her 23 goals on the way to becoming the shooter queen in the spring, and in the current season she is also back in the top field with seven goals in fourth place. There were also four goals in the Champions League and eleven – nine in the World Cup qualification – in the ÖFB team dress.
“She is a player who can shine in the box with her final strength, therefore extremely important for our team,” emphasized Hoffenheim coach Gabor Gallai. But not only the goals of the ÖFB striker are important. “She is not necessarily the mouthpiece of the team, but she makes a lot of important decisions on the pitch. That’s why you can see her as a leader.”
She is also in the national team, she has closed the big gap after the end of the career of record scorer Nina Burger. With 37 hits, not much is missing from her predecessor’s record (48). “I don’t think about that at all, the main goal is to be on the pitch with joy and fun,” Billa is always happy to emphasize. In 2021 that was evident. Also much to the delight of Irene Fuhrmann. “She is one of those players who lead the way, are role models and inspire the young generation,” said the ÖFB team boss.
She is not only important because of her goals. “She is extremely ambitious and an absolute driver.” This is another reason why many doors are open to her in the future. “I am convinced that it has not yet reached the end of the flagpole. If it becomes even more efficient, it cannot be stopped,” says Fuhrmann. European top clubs knocked on the knock already in the summer, but Billa decided to stay in Hoffenheim, where she has been under contract since an extension at the beginning of the year until summer 2023.
“It was nice to hear and see all of these offers, but in the end I still listened to my gut instinct and so far it has not disappointed me,” said Billa. The financial is not in the foreground with her. Regardless of that, she can envision a transfer. “We’ll see what will happen,” says the Tyrolean, keeping everything open. Especially the EM in summer offers a perfect stage.
There she could again ensure plenty of media presence, as was the case in the summer. “It was of course very cool to be named in the same breath as Robert Lewandowski and to be on the cover of the largest German sports newspaper with him and the best coaches. That was really cool,” said Billa. Nothing has changed in their down-to-earth attitude. And she also repeatedly emphasizes the importance of the teammates: “The fact that I was presented with the cannon is not just down to me. It always involves a whole team.”
She is not left on her own either as a jumper in kindergarten, a part-time job that she continues to pursue with passion. “I am a person who really enjoys going to work, who values children very much and likes to be around, because they exude so much joie de vivre that you can often learn from as an adult.” The balance to sport is good for her, even if it fell short in the intense autumn. “Next year, when the double burden is no longer so high, the children will see me more often,” announced the ÖFB ace.
Billa spends Christmas, which the Corona issue “has not left without a trace”, including a two-week vacation with the family in Tyrol. With a cozy get-together, good food and various games, the “greatest Christmas wish” is already fulfilled without gifts. “Just enjoy having the family with you.”
Source: Nachrichten
