Alyssa Naeher has etched her name into the annals of women’s soccer history by being named the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. This prestigious accolade concludes a phenomenal chapter in her career, highlighted by her outstanding performance in the Tokyo Olympics where she played a pivotal role in leading the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) to gold. More than just a victory, Naeher’s award signifies recognition of her skill, resilience, and commitment to the sport, echoing her status as a bastion of excellence among goalkeepers.
Naeher secured the award with 40.8% of the weighted votes, placing her ahead of Naomi Girma, the previous year’s recipient, who garnered 32.2%. The voting process, which combined insights from coaches, players, U.S. Soccer officials, and media professionals, reinforces the collaborative spirit inherent in team sports. This multifaceted voting process not only amplifies the democratic nature of such recognitions but ensures that the most deserving player receives her due credit based on a holistic evaluation of her performance throughout the year.
At the age of 36, Naeher becomes only the second goalkeeper ever to win this award since its inception in 1985, following Hope Solo’s victory in 2009. This places her among an elite subset of players who have shaped the narrative of women’s soccer. Notably, Abby Wambach holds the record for the most awards won, taking home the honor six times, while Mia Hamm follows closely with five. Naeher’s recognition among these legends speaks volumes about her dedication and significance to the sport, particularly in a role that often remains underappreciated.
Reflecting on her monumental year, Naeher stated, “This is an incredible honor, to cap off what has been a very special year with this team.” This acknowledgment of her teammates illustrates the camaraderie and unity that underpins team success. The relentless spirit and collaborative efforts of the USWNT served as a catalyst for her individual achievements, reinforcing the idea that no great victory is achieved in isolation.
Naeher’s contributions were indispensable during the 2024 Olympics, where she showcased her prowess by not only starting every match but also delivering numerous crucial saves. Her standout moment came during the semifinal against Germany, where a remarkable kick-save in overtime was pivotal for her team’s progression. Naeher allowed only two goals throughout the tournament, excelling to the extent that she recorded a shutout in the gold medal match against Brazil. This accomplishment is particularly significant as it positions her as the first goalkeeper to secure clean sheets in both a World Cup Final and an Olympic Final, an epitome of goalkeeping excellence.
Naeher’s statistics for the year highlight her consistent performance: she made 18 starts, played over 1,170 minutes, and ended the year with a stellar win-loss record of 13-1-3, alongside a low goals-against average (GAA) of 0.50. These numbers not only reflect her capabilities but also her crucial role in fortifying the U.S. defense, signifying her expertise at the highest level of competition.
In November 2024, following a storied career marked by 115 caps, Naeher announced her retirement from international play. Her career record of 89 wins, 15 losses, and 6 draws encapsulates her dominance on the field, as does her distinction of becoming just the third U.S. goalkeeper to reach the milestone of 100 caps. While the international stage will miss her presence, Naeher remains committed to her club career with the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), suggesting that her dedication to the sport continues unabated.
Alyssa Naeher’s journey—marked by resilience, teamwork, and unparalleled skill—has not only redefined expectations for goalkeepers but has also inspired a generation of athletes. As she embarks on the next chapter of her life in the NWSL, fans and aspiring players alike will undoubtedly continue to draw inspiration from her remarkable legacy.