Alyssa Naeher, the formidable goalkeeper for the Chicago Red Stars, has been honored with the title of the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. This accolade comes on the heels of an extraordinary year where Naeher not only clinched an Olympic gold medal but also made the profound decision to retire from international soccer. Securing 40.8% of the weighted votes, Naeher triumphed over last year’s recipient, Naomi Girma, who garnered 32.2%. The voting body consisted of a diverse amalgamation of stakeholders in women’s soccer including national team coaches, players who earned caps in 2024, members of the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors, and selected media personnel. Importantly, fans contributed a weighted 15% of the total votes, emphasizing the community aspect of this prestigious award.
This win has placed Naeher in elite company as she becomes just the second goalkeeper to ever receive this award since its inception in 1985. The legendary Hope Solo was the first to achieve this feat back in 2009, while Abby Wambach holds the record for the most wins, having claimed the award six times. Naeher’s selection as the 21st different player to receive the U.S. Soccer honor reflects not just her individual brilliance, but the collective spirit and determination witnessed in the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) throughout the year. In a statement regarding her victory, Naeher expressed gratitude toward her teammates and staff, underlining the vital role collaboration played in their success.
A key contributor to the U.S. women’s soccer team’s Olympic success, Naeher played every single minute of the tournament and delivered several crucial saves to ensure her team’s advancement. Notably, her kick-save in overtime against Germany during the semifinals showcased her decisiveness and athleticism. These moments of brilliance compressed into a span of games culminated in an impressive tally; she allowed only a mere two goals during the tournament and achieved a shutout against Brazil in the gold medal match. This accomplishment makes Naeher the first goalkeeper in women’s soccer history to maintain clean sheets in both a World Cup Final and an Olympic Final—an impressive milestone that adds to her growing legacy.
Ending the 2024 season with an impressive record of 13 wins, 1 loss, and 3 draws, Naeher amasses a Goals Against Average (GAA) of just 0.50, having conceded only 11 goals throughout 18 starts. This stellar performance solidifies her reputation as one of the top goalkeepers in the game. With a total of 115 caps to her name, and a final career record of 89-15-6, Naeher joins an elite group of goalkeepers, being only the third in U.S. history to surpass the 100-cap mark—a feat that stands as a testament to her skill and dedication.
Despite retiring from international play, Naeher remains committed to her professional career with the Chicago Red Stars, where she will continue to showcase her talents in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Her decision to step away from the international stage comes with a sense of fulfillment; she has cemented her legacy as a pioneer and an embodiment of excellence in women’s soccer. As she transitions into this new chapter, her achievements will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for future generations of athletes who aspire to follow in her footsteps.
Alyssa Naeher’s recent accolade as the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year encapsulates not only her outstanding individual talents but also her contributions to the overarching success of the USWNT. Through her superb performances, unwavering dedication, and leadership, Naeher has set a benchmark in women’s soccer that will echo well beyond her playing days.