Alyssa Naeher has solidified her legacy in U.S. soccer history with the ultimate recognition. The goalkeeper, who helped secure the U.S. Women’s National Team’s (USWNT) fifth Olympic gold medal last summer in Paris, has been named the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. This prestigious honor comes shortly after she announced her retirement from international play.
Naeher, 36, becomes just the second goalkeeper in USWNT history to win the award, joining Hope Solo, who claimed it in 2009. The accolade adds to a career already filled with accolades, including two World Cup titles (2015, 2019) and being named The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper of 2024.
“This is an incredible honor to cap off what has been a very special year with this team,” Naeher said. “I was inspired all year long by my incredible teammates—the work we put in, the commitment to the team, and all of their love and support.”
A Year to Remember
Naeher’s heroics in goal were pivotal for the USWNT at the Paris Olympics. She played every minute of the team’s six matches, conceding just two goals and keeping clean sheets in all three knockout games, including a dramatic 1-0 semifinal victory over Germany and a historic shutout against Brazil in the final at Parc des Princes.
Her performance earned her a place in the record books as the only goalkeeper in women’s soccer history to record shutouts in both an Olympic final and a World Cup final.
Legacy of Excellence
Naeher’s influence extended beyond her on-field achievements. Known for her calm demeanor and professionalism, she stood in stark contrast to the drama that sometimes surrounded her predecessors. When legendary goalkeeper Brianna Scurry publicly doubted Naeher’s abilities ahead of the 2019 World Cup, Naeher responded by leading the USWNT to their fourth world title.
In March 2024, Naeher became just the third USWNT goalkeeper to reach 100 international appearances, joining Solo and Scurry in an elite group of legends.
Continuing to Shine
Though retired from international competition, Naeher will continue to play professionally for the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL. In 2024, she conceded only 11 goals in 18 matches for the USWNT, losing just one game.
The honor of U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year fittingly caps Naeher’s remarkable international career, cementing her status as one of the greatest players in the history of the USWNT.
As the team prepares for February’s SheBelieves Cup in South Florida, Naeher’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of goalkeepers and players alike.
