FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Olympic star Alyssa Naeher has been honored as the USWNT’s top player of 2024.
After playing a pivotal role in securing the U.S. women’s national team their Olympic gold medal last summer in Paris — marking the program’s fifth gold and first since 2012 — Naeher announced her retirement from international competition. On Saturday, the federation revealed her selection as the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year.
Naeher’s impressive career includes leading the Americans to a World Cup victory in 2019 and contributing as Hope Solo’s backup in 2015. She is now recognized as only the second goalkeeper in the 40-year history of the award, with Solo having won it in 2009.
“This is an incredible honor to cap off what has been a very special year with this team,” Naeher stated, reflecting on her final two matches against England and the Netherlands late last year.
She emphasized the unique energy of the team, stating, “This team is made up of a special group of players, coaches, and staff, and all year you could feel that energy, and that we had the opportunity to achieve something great. I was inspired all year long by my incredible teammates; the work we put in, the commitment to the team and our goals, and all of their love and support.”
Last month, Naeher was also named The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper of 2024, making her the 21st woman to receive U.S. Soccer’s prestigious accolade. She joins a select group of defensive players, including Julie Ertz and Naomi Girma, who have also won this honor.
During the Paris Olympics, Naeher demonstrated her skills by allowing only two goals and playing every minute of the six matches. She achieved clean sheets in all three knockout games, including a tense 1-0 victory over Brazil in the final at Parc des Princes. Her audacious save in the semifinal against Germany was a highlight, showcasing her exceptional talent. No other goalkeeper in women’s soccer history has recorded shutouts in both an Olympic and World Cup final.
In March, the 36-year-old from Connecticut became just the third USWNT goalkeeper to reach 100 international appearances, joining legends Hope Solo and Brianna Scurry. Throughout her career, Naeher has been praised for her calm demeanor and focused approach, providing a contrast to the drama that often surrounded Solo’s career. She responded to Scurry’s public doubts about her abilities before the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup by letting her performances speak for themselves, ultimately contributing to the team’s fourth world title that summer in France.
As she continues her professional career with the NWSL club Chicago Stars, Naeher has only conceded 11 goals in 18 matches for the national team in 2024, with just one loss.
This honor is well-deserved for a player whose influence has often been understated throughout her 11-year career with the U.S. team, yet she is undoubtedly one of the finest players in the history of the most successful international women’s soccer team.
Currently, the USWNT is training in South Florida in preparation for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup in February.
