In an impressive display of talent and determination, Alyssa Naeher has been awarded the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, solidifying her status as a cornerstone of women’s soccer in the United States. This accolade wraps up a remarkable year in which she not only added an Olympic gold medal to her achievements but also made the significant decision to retire from international competition.
Naeher’s victory, which saw her garner 40.8% of the weighted votes, is a testament to her influence and performance on the field. In her wake was Naomi Girma, the previous year’s winner, who managed 32.2% of the votes. The voting process for this prestigious award is multifaceted, involving various stakeholders in American soccer, including National Team coaches, players, and the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors, alongside participation from fans whose votes carry a 15% weight in the total. This diverse voting base adds a layer of legitimacy to the honor, ensuring that those who understand the nuances of the game participate in choosing the player they deem most deserving.
At 36 years old, Naeher has made history by becoming only the second goalkeeper to ever receive this award, a position previously dominated by field players like Abby Wambach, who holds the record with six wins. While the likes of Mia Hamm have also secured this accolade multiple times, Naeher’s recognition highlights the critical role that goalkeepers play in the success of a team, often serving as the last line of defense. Her performances have echoed the legacy left behind by Hope Solo, the first goalkeeper to earn this prestigious recognition back in 2009.
In addition to being named U.S. Soccer’s Player of the Year, Naeher was also recognized internationally, winning The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year and being inducted into The Best FIFA Best Women’s 11—a testament to her elite skills on a global stage. With 2024 marking her entry into a distinguished group of only 21 players to earn the U.S. Soccer award, her achievements underscore her vital contributions to the sport.
Naeher’s performance during the Olympics was nothing short of stellar. She played an integral role throughout the tournament, contributing to the U.S. Women’s National Team’s (USWNT) success by playing every minute and executing crucial saves. Notably, her reactionary kick-save during a high-pressure semifinal matchup against Germany highlighted her ability to perform under intense scrutiny.
In total, Naeher allowed only two goals throughout the Olympic Games, an astounding statistic that exhibits her prowess in goal. Furthermore, by maintaining a clean sheet against Brazil in the gold medal match, she became the first female goalkeeper to achieve the feat of not conceding any goals in both a World Cup Final and an Olympic Final—a remarkable milestone in women’s soccer history.
Ending her national team career with 115 caps—a yardstick of dedication and excellence—Naeher concluded an impressive record of 89 wins to only 15 losses, alongside six draws. Her contributions in goal were instrumental to the USWNT’s success over the years, particularly in high-stakes competitions. Although she officially announced her retirement from international play in November of the previous year, she remains committed to her club career with the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Alyssa Naeher’s journey illustrates the heights of achievement possible in women’s sports and sets a benchmark for aspiring female athletes. With a legacy cemented through countless memorable performances and newfound accolades, her influence will be felt both on and off the field as she transitions into the next chapter of her soccer career.
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