In an extraordinary culmination to her illustrious career, Chicago Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher has been honored as the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. This recognition comes as a fitting end to a year that not only saw her become an Olympic champion but also prompted her retirement from the international scene. With an impressive 40.8% share of the weighted votes, Naeher surpassed last year’s victor, Naomi Girma of the San Diego Wave, who garnered 32.2%. The voting for this prestigious accolade involved an extensive panel, including national team coaches, players, U.S. Soccer board members, and select media, alongside the ever-important fan input, which accounted for 15% of the votes. Naeher’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as she is only the second goalkeeper to win this accolade since its establishment in 1985, joining the ranks of the legendary Hope Solo.
Naeher’s journey to the top was highlighted by her pivotal role in the United States Women’s National Team’s (USWNT) success during the Olympics. Playing every match of the tournament, she showcased her skills as a formidable last line of defense, allowing only two goals throughout the event. Her remarkable kick-save in the overtime semifinal against Germany not only demonstrated her quick reflexes but also underscored the pressure athletes face on such grand stages. With a shutout performance against Brazil in the gold medal match, Naeher etched her name in soccer history by becoming the first female goalkeeper to achieve clean sheets in both a World Cup Final and an Olympic Final, solidifying her position as an icon not just within her team but in global women’s soccer.
Receiving the Player of the Year honor, Naeher expressed profound gratitude toward her teammates and coaching staff, acknowledging the collective effort that led to their Olympic triumph. “This is an incredible honor, to cap off what has been a very special year with this team,” she remarked, reflecting on the energy and commitment that characterized the building of this successful squad. Such a camaraderie is essential in sports, especially at elite levels, as it often influences both performance on the field and relationships off it. Naeher’s appreciation for her teammates emphasizes that success in sports is rarely the result of individual endeavor but rather the product of collaborative effort and mutual support.
As Naeher transitioned into her retirement from international competition, she concluded her career with a commendable record of 115 caps and a stunning 89-15-6 W-L-D. In 2024, she joined the elite group of U.S. goalkeepers, becoming only the third to reach the 100 cap milestone. Her statistical achievements provide a testament to her consistency and skill, exemplified by her 13 wins, one loss, and three draws in 2024 alone. With a mere 0.50 goals against average (GAA) and only 11 goals allowed, Naeher’s technical prowess and ability to perform under pressure have set new standards for future generations of goalkeepers.
Though she has retired from the international arena, Alyssa Naeher remains dedicated to her professional career with the Chicago Red Stars, ensuring her influence on the sport continues. Her ongoing participation in the NWSL allows her to share her vast knowledge and experience with younger players, and her continuing presence in the league promises to inspire many aspiring female athletes. As she transitions into this new phase of her career, Naeher’s legacy as a pioneering goalkeeper will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on women’s soccer, highlighting the potential for excellence in both performance and character within the sport.
Alyssa Naeher’s journey is a celebration of talent, perseverance, and teamwork, demonstrating that individual accolades are merely reflections of collective efforts and shared dreams. As she inspires the next generation, her story will continue to resonate within the soccer community and beyond.