Alyssa NaeherGetty Images
Celia BalfJan 18, 2025A. NaeherUSAChicago StarsWOMEN'S FOOTBALL

USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher named 2024 U.S. Female Soccer Player of the Year after announcing her international retirement

Naeher wins award in her final run with the USWNT; was also named Best FIFA Women's Goalkeeper of the Year

Longtime USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher announced her retirement from international play at the end of 2024. On Saturday the most decorated keeper in the USWNT kit capped her career with another prestigious honor as she was named 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year.

Naeher, the only goalkeeper in U.S. history to record a shutout in a FIFA World Cup final and an Olympic gold medal match, becomes just the second goalkeeper to win the USWNT award.

In 2009, Hope Solo became the first goalkeeper to win the U.S. honor. Naeher also picked up the The Best FIFA Women's Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024 and was named to The FIFA Best Women's 11.

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    WHAT HAPPENED

    After her final season representing the U.S. on the international level, Naeher added player of the year to her long list of achievements. The winner is determined by votes from national team coaches, players from the last year, members of the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors, U.S. Soccer Athletes' Council, NWSL head coaches, media members, and administrators. Fans also are allowed to vote.

    After 11 years representing the USWNT, Naeher completed her career on an absolute high.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The U.S. Soccer Player of the Year has been a coveted honor since it was first awarded in 1985 to midfielder Sharon Remer. Naeher joins the list of U.S. Soccer legends such as Abby Wambach and Mia Hamm to win the award.

    In 2024, Naeher led the USWNT to gold at the Olympics. She allowed only two goals in the tournament and made crucial saves and stops to lead her team into the final. No one will ever forget her kick-save during overtime to help the U.S. side defeat Germany in the Olympic semifinal.

    On Nov. 25, Naeher announced her retirement from international soccer, but said she would still compete in the team's final games of 2024. This award is a full circle moment for one of the original believers of women's soccer, and professional women's soccer.

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    WHAT NAEHER SAID

    “This is an incredible honor, to cap off what has been a very special year with this team,” Naeher said. “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.”

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    WHAT'S NEXT?

    Although no longer with the USWNT, Naeher will continue playing with her NWSL side, the Chicago Red Stars.