The world of women’s soccer celebrated a significant milestone as Alyssa Naeher was honored as the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. This accolade represents not only her individual achievements but also encapsulates the spirit of a remarkable year in which she secured an Olympic gold medal and called time on her illustrious international career.
The selection of Naeher for this prestigious award was a testament to her extraordinary performance and the respect she commands among her peers. Garnering 40.8% of the weighted vote, she outperformed last year’s recipient, Naomi Girma, who received 32.2%. This process involved a wide-ranging input from numerous stakeholders, including national team coaches, players with caps, members of the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors, the U.S. Soccer Athletes’ Council, and select media. Fan participation also played a crucial role, with their votes making up 15% of the total, reflecting a democratic approach toward recognizing outstanding talent.
At 36 years old, Alyssa Naeher achieved a remarkable feat by becoming only the second goalkeeper to win the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year award since its inception in 1985. This accolade places her alongside goalkeeping great Hope Solo, who won it in 2009. While other legends like Abby Wambach and Mia Hamm drew attention for multiple wins, Naeher’s victory is particularly significant considering the challenges goalkeepers face in an award landscape often favoring outfield players. Her win signals an appreciation for the hard work and skill that goalkeepers invest in what is sometimes seen as a thankless position on the field.
Honors and Achievements in 2024
Naeher’s recognition in 2024 extends beyond the Player of the Year award; she was also named The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper and made it into The Best FIFA Best Women’s 11. These honors reflect her consistency and excellence not only during the Olympic Games but throughout the year. Her contributions to the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) were instrumental in clinching the Olympic gold, showcasing her skill through critical saves and unmatched poise under pressure.
Naeher’s performance during the Tokyo Olympics stands as a highlight of her career. She played every minute of the tournament and anchored the USWNT’s defense, allowing only two goals throughout the competition. Most notably, her kick-save during the thrilling semifinal against Germany exemplified her quick reflexes and composure in high-stakes moments. Furthermore, her shutout against Brazil in the final established her as the first goalkeeper in women’s soccer to achieve clean sheets in both the World Cup and Olympic Finals, a historic accomplishment that solidifies her place in the sport’s history.
By the end of 2024, Naeher compiled an admirable record with 18 starts, contributing to a final tally of 1,170 minutes of play. Her record of 13 wins, just one loss, and three draws reflects a stellar performance and a goals-against average (GAA) of 0.50, underscoring her effectiveness as a last line of defense. Additionally, after announcing her retirement from international soccer, she concluded her national team career with 115 caps and an impressive overall record of 89 wins, 15 losses, and 6 draws.
The Future Awaits
Despite stepping away from international competition, Naeher remains committed to continuing her professional journey with the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Her transition signifies not only her adaptability but also her desire to contribute to the growth and development of women’s soccer at the club level. As she embarks on this new chapter, Alyssa Naeher leaves behind an indelible mark on the sport, one defined by excellence, resilience, and leadership. Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of soccer players, particularly aspiring goalkeepers who seek to follow in her footsteps.