German TV presenter and sports journalist Esther Sedlaczek has made a notable resurgence in 2025, returning to the camera after giving birth to her third child. Her comeback underlines her continued influence in German sports media — and she’s not just returning, she’s also taking on glamorous hosting roles, including the „Blauer Panther – TV & Streaming Award“. This article dives into her career, recent developments, and what her return means for both fans and the media landscape.
Who Is Esther Sedlaczek? A Brief Profile
- Date of Birth & Early Life: Born on November 24, 1985, in East Berlin.
- Family: She is the eldest daughter of actor Sven Martinek and has six half-siblings. Wikipedia
- Education:
- Finished Abitur in 2005.
- Spent a year in Sri Lanka teaching English.
- Studied Fashion Journalism & Media Communication at AMD Academy, Berlin (2007–2009).
- Also studied Politics & Administrative Sciences at the Fernuniversität Hagen.
- Trained as a moderator at a Berlin institute (Z.I.V.).
Her Path in Media: From Sky to ARD
Early Career & Breakthrough
- After internships at Superillu and RTL, Sedlaczek secured a role at Sky Sport in 2010, out of a large casting.
- At Sky, she covered major events: Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and even golf and beach volleyball.
- She co-hosted „Mein Stadion“ (Bundesliga preview show) with Ulli Potofski.
Transition to ARD & Big Events
- In August 2021, she became a presenter for the Sportschau Bundesliga on ARD.
- She reported on UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches.
- Played a role in FIFA 21 (video game) as a field reporter — the first German female in that position.
- During Euro 2021, she co-hosted Sportschau Club with Micky Beisenherz.
- In August 2022, she was a moderator at the European Championships in Munich.
- Since then, she also hosts the quiz-show „Quizduell“ on ARD. Wikipedia
2025: The Big Comeback & New Highlights
Return After Maternity Leave
- After welcoming her third child in July 2025, Sedlaczek officially returned to television. Nau+1
- Her first appearance post-maternity leave was on September 4, 2025, covering a Germany national football team match (World Cup qualifier). SWYRL+1
- She credited ARD for being supportive and flexible during her break. Nau
Hosting the „Blauer Panther – TV & Streaming Award“
- On October 22, 2025, she will host the prestigious Blauer Panther – TV & Streaming Award at BMW Welt in Munich. Kulturigo
- She expressed her excitement and honor about moderating this show, calling it “innovative” and promising “a night full of surprises.” Kulturigo
Challenges & Controversies
Handling Online Hate
- Sedlaczek has openly discussed dealing with hate comments on social media. During major tournaments (Euro, World Cup), she has even uninstalled Instagram temporarily to avoid negativity. 24 Hours Worlds
- She has admitted that earlier in her career, hurtful messages affected her deeply; today, she tries to maintain boundaries and stays “authentic.” 24 Hours Worlds
Threats & Public Backlash
- In a striking incident, she revealed that she once received death threats after a live-on-air slip: calling FC Bayern “Bauern” (a derogatory term) during a broadcast. BILD
- She commented later that the experience left a mark, but also strengthened her resolve to stay true to herself. BILD
Other Projects & Roles
Podcast Engagement
- Sedlaczek joined the popular football podcast „Copa TS“ as a team member, alongside Tommi Schmitt and Robin Gosens. BILD
- This marks a diversification beyond TV, showing her versatility and adaptability in new media. BILD
Documentary Journalism
- Earlier in her career, she worked with A+E Networks on a documentary about cults and faith (“Total Control – Im Bann der Seelenfänger”). kress.de
Impact & Recognition
Awards & Honors
- In 2024, she was named Journalist of the Year – Sport by Medium Magazin. Wikipedia
- Her role as a prominent female face in sports broadcasting strengthens representation in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Role Model for Work-Life Balance
- With three children and a demanding broadcast schedule, Sedlaczek has become an example of balancing personal and professional life — particularly for women in media.
- Her decision to pause Instagram during high-pressure events speaks to the mental and emotional demands of public life.
Why Her Return Matters
- For Viewers: Her comeback adds a familiar, trusted voice to major sporting events.
- For Media Industry: Reinforces that talent and experience are valued — even with career breaks.
- For Women & Parents: Sends a strong signal about maternity, flexibility, and female leadership in broadcast journalism.
- For Awards & Culture: Her role in hosting Blauer Panther links her to Germany’s evolving television and streaming landscape.
Future Prospects & What’s Next
- Long-Term ARD Role: Given her return and popularity, she is likely to remain central in ARD’s sports coverage for major events (e.g., future Euros, World Cups).
- More Hosting Gigs: With the Blauer Panther role, she may get further opportunities in gala shows and entertainment.
- Expanded Podcasting: Her voice on Copa TS could lead to even more presence in digital audio media.
- Advocacy: Her openness about online hate may translate into advocacy for mental health and digital civility in media.
Conclusion
Esther Sedlaczek’s 2025 journey is a powerful story of resilience, balance, and growth. Returning after her third child, she continues to redefine her career — not just as a sports journalist, but as a versatile broadcaster deeply rooted in German television. Her new hosting role at the Blauer Panther Award, her candidness about online hate, and her commitment to family all point to why she remains a highly respected and relatable figure. For viewers, colleagues, and rising journalists, her path is both inspiring and instructive.
People Also Ask
- Who is Esther Sedlaczek?
A German television presenter and sports journalist, known for her work on ARD Sportschau. Wikipedia - When was Esther Sedlaczek born?
She was born on November 24, 1985. Wikipedia - Where is Esther Sedlaczek from?
She was born in East Berlin. Wikipedia - Which networks does she work for?
She has worked for Sky Sport and ARD. Wikipedia+1 - What did she study?
She studied fashion journalism & media communication, and later politics & administrative science. Wikipedia - Did she teach English?
Yes, she spent a year in Sri Lanka teaching English. Wikipedia - When did she join Sky Sport?
Around 2010, after winning a casting. Wikipedia - What major football events has she covered?
Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League, Europa League. Wikipedia - When did she start working on ARD?
In August 2021 she became a Sportschau moderator. Wikipedia - Has she done any work outside of sports?
Yes, including entertainment shows and a documentary with A+E. kress.de - What is “Die große Maus-Show”?
A children’s quiz/show on ARD, which she hosts. SWYRL - Why did she pause hosting “Die große Maus-Show”?
She went on maternity leave for her third child. SWYRL+1 - Who is replacing her on “Maus-Show” during her leave?
Florian Silbereisen is her temporary replacement. SWYRL - When did she return to TV after maternity leave?
She returned on September 4, 2025. SWYRL+1 - What was her first assignment after returning?
She covered a Germany national team match (World Cup qualifier). Nau - Is she expecting more children?
She gave birth to her third child in July 2025. Nau - Will she host any major events in 2025?
Yes, she will host the Blauer Panther – TV & Streaming Award on October 22, 2025. Kulturigo - What did she say about hosting the “Blauer Panther”?
She expressed honor and excitement, calling it an “innovative” show. Kulturigo - Has Esther Sedlaczek received any awards?
In 2024, she was named Journalist of the Year – Sport by Medium Magazin. Wikipedia - Did she ever face hate on social media?
Yes, she has received negative comments and even threats. BILD - How did she deal with social media hate?
She temporarily deleted Instagram during major tournaments. 24 Hours Worlds - Has she ever received death threats?
Yes, after a broadcasting mistake in which she called FC Bayern “Bauern.” BILD - Is she married?
Yes, she is married to a Munich-based businessman. Wikipedia - How many children does she have?
She has three children as of 2025. Nau - Where does she live?
She lives with her family in Munich (and commutes for work). Wikipedia - What was her very first TV job?
After internships, she landed a reporter role at Sky Sport. Wikipedia - Has she worked in radio or podcasting?
Yes, she joined the football podcast “Copa TS”. BILD - Which podcast is she on?
Copa TS, with Tommi Schmitt and Robin Gosens. BILD - What documentary did she work on?
A report on cults / religious fanaticism (“Total Control”). kress.de - Does she support any football club?
Yes, she is a fan of Hertha BSC. Wikipedia - How long was she at Sky?
From about 2010 until her move to ARD in 2021. Wikipedia - Which major sports tournaments has she covered?
Euro, World Cup, Bundesliga, Champions League. Wikipedia - Was she part of FIFA 21?
Yes, as a field reporter. Wikipedia - What distinguishes her interview style?
She is known for being engaging, thoughtful, and authentic — balancing entertainment and substance. SWYRL - Has she written any books?
No verified information about published books. - Has she worked for international media?
Her career is primarily in German media; no major non-German media contract reported. - What are her future career goals?
Likely to continue hosting major sports events and gala shows; possibly more in podcasting. - Does she mentor younger journalists?
No public info, though her career path serves as an inspiration for young female journalists. - How does she balance family and career?
She has publicly thanked ARD for flexibility, and times her TV work around family. Nau - What is her social media presence?
She uses social media but sometimes distances herself to avoid negativity. 24 Hours Worlds - What values does she promote publicly?
Authenticity, resilience, and balancing personal life with a high-profile career. 24 Hours Worlds+1 - Is she active in philanthropy?
Not widely reported, but her early life included teaching in Sri Lanka, showing a heart for service. Wikipedia - What language skills does she have?
She taught English in Sri Lanka; likely fluent in German and English. Wikipedia - Does she travel for work?
Yes — she often commutes between Munich and Cologne for ARD duties. Wikipedia - What kind of preparation does she do for major events?
While not public in detail, her journalism training suggests she prepares deeply for interviews and broadcasts. - Has she faced criticism for her on-screen role?
Yes, from social media; but she manages it publicly and professionally. BILD - Will she continue on “Die große Maus-Show” after 2025?
She resumed some duties after maternity, but long-term schedule isn’t fully public. - Does she influence other media personalities?
Yes, as a respected female voice in German sports media, she’s a role model. - Does she have siblings?
Yes, six half-siblings. Wikipedia - What impact has her career had on German TV?
Sedlaczek has helped elevate female representation in sports broadcasting, blending journalistic credibility with mainstream appeal.
