In a historic moment for U.S Women’s National Team history, goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher has been named the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, making her just the second goalkeeper to receive this prestigious award in its 40-year history. The only other goalkeeper to win was Hope Solo in 2009. The award has mostly been dominated by attacking midfielders or forwards, making Naeher’s win even more special.
Naeher’s exceptional year also saw her being voted The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for 2024 and being selected to The Best FIFA Best Women’s 11. Her contributions to the team have not gone unnoticed, as she becomes the 21st different player to win the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year award.
Reflecting on her achievement, Naeher expressed gratitude for her teammates, coaches, and staff who have supported her throughout the year. She retired from international play on a high note after playing her final games in November against England and the Netherlands.
One of the highlights of Naeher’s year was her outstanding performance at the 2024 Olympics, where she played every minute, allowed only two goals, and made crucial saves in all the knockout round games en route to winning the gold medal. She made history by keeping clean sheets in both a World Cup Final and an Olympic Final.
Her remarkable save in the Olympic semifinal against Germany will be remembered as one of the most iconic moments in U.S. soccer history. Naeher also played a pivotal role in the team’s success in penalty shootouts, making key saves and converting kicks herself.
Ending the year with 18 starts, 1,170 minutes played, and a stellar record, Naeher will continue her professional club career with the Chicago Stars in the upcoming NWSL season. Fans played a significant role in determining the award, with Naeher receiving 40.8% of the weighted vote.
The U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year award has a rich history, with players like Abby Wambach and Mia Hamm winning multiple times. Naeher now joins this elite group of players who have left a lasting impact on the sport.
