The 28-year-old joins the Club after committing to a one-and-a-half-year deal, which keeps her at the Joie Stadium until the summer of 2026.
The German defender joins Manchester City from FC Rosengard where she spent three seasons in Sweden, winning a domestic double in her domestic debut before another league title in 2024.
Knaak was central to that latest title win, claiming the Damallsvenskan’s Defender of the Year award as Rosengard lost just once all season, conceding nine times in 26 games in the process. She also finished with 12 league goals to her name, bettered by just five other players across the entire division.
Knaak said: “It feels exciting to be here. I think the WSL is the best league in the world right now. When I heard about the interest, I didn’t have to think about it because it’s such a big, big opportunity which I wanted to take.
“It was helpful for me that I already know Therese. I really trust her and her abilities, so it gives me a good feeling. The Club has the highest ambitions and goals, and this also matches my own ambitions.
“I’m very proud and I feel honoured to be part of this big Club. I can’t wait to get started.”
Manchester City Women Director of Football, Therese Sjogran added: “Rebecca played some of the best football of her career to date last season – culminating in her being named the Damallsvenskan defender of the year - and I’m pleased to bring such a seasoned professional to the Club.
“She gives her all on and off the pitch, which will help us challenge for trophies. I’m looking forward to seeing Rebecca make her mark.”
BACKLINE ENFORCER
Rebecca Knaak arrives at Manchester City with a wealth of experience in competing for major trophies and with the knowhow in handling the immense pressure that brings.
During the German defender’s time at former employers Rosengard between 2022 and 2024, she was instrumental in two Damallsvenskan title triumphs and a success in the 2021/22 Svenska Cupen.
In her maiden campaign, she made 14 appearances in all competitions as the Swedish outfit won the domestic double.
Individual and collective disappointment succeeded the following year as she was limited to four league outings in 2023 through injury with Rosengard finishing an uncharacteristic seventh in the division.
But Knaak and the club used that frustration to fuel another remarkable title winning season last term – with City’s newest recruit playing a vital role in both boxes.
Often utilised on the left side of a back three, she played 19 of the 26 league assignments as Rosengard conceded just nine goals across the campaign – the best defensive record in the division.
Alongside her stellar defensive work, she also scored an impressive 12 goals, showcasing her dominant aerial ability at set plays in the process.
From humble beginnings in the scenic medieval German town of Adenau, she showed her dedication to playing at football’s elite level from a young age, moving to Bad Neuenahr as a teenager before sealing a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen.
During the fledgling stages of her career, Knaak’s leadership abilities were clear for all to see and it wasn’t long before she was called up to represent Germany’s youth system.
A member of their Under-15s at 14, she progressed into their Under-20s and was included in the squad selected for the 2014 FIFA Under-20s Women’s World Cup where she helped her nation triumph as Germany beat Nigeria in the final.
After four seasons at Bayer Leverkusen, she joined Freiburg in 2017 where she spent another four years before leaving her homeland for the first time when signing for Rosengard in Sweden.
Now in England, Knaak is ready to write the next chapter in her career and will be relishing the opportunity to test herself and rise to the challenge of the Barclays Women’s Super League.
She joins a classy contingent of defenders and will provide another excellent option for Gareth Taylor as we compete on four fronts during the second half of the 2024/25 season.
HONOURS
FC Rosengard
Damallsvenskan: 2022, 2024
Svenska Cupen: 2021/22
Germany Under-20s
FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup: 2014
Individual
Damallsvenskan Defender of the Year: 2024
