Alyssa Naeher claims USWNT player of the year and ends career with historic legacy | OneFootball

Alyssa Naeher's already illustrious career came to an end in unforgettable fashion in 2024. Tabbed as the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, Naeher broke barriers in a sport where forwards and midfielders are usually the ones stealing headlines. The first goalkeeper to win the award since Hope Solo 40 years ago, she also made sure to go out on top, declaring her international retirement after two final memorable performances.

Naeher combined perfect technique with unmistakable leadership to make the goalkeeper position just as decisive as any other in soccer. Her numbers tell the tale: only 11 goals conceded in 18 games, at a remarkable 0.50 GAA. More than stats, she was the wall that sealed medals and a golden year for the USWNT.

Olympic impact

The Olympics in Paris 2024 became an ideal platform for her to show great performances. She played in every minute of the tournament, making sure that the U.S. went forward with close elimination matches, winning 1-0. The way she played against Germany was a movie moment: a save deep in injury time that is still deeply carved in people's minds.

If that wasn't enough, in the final against Brazil, Naeher became the first goalkeeper in history to keep a clean sheet in both an Olympic and World Cup final. This singular achievement alone would have crowned her career, but she went further, showing nerves of steel in two penalty shootouts during the year, both against Canada.

Impressive numbers and achievements

The 2024 season saw Alyssa Naeher notch individual milestones that have long cemented her status as one of the all-time greats in women's soccer history. She became the third USWNT goalkeeper to reach 100 appearances, leading the team through some crucial moments. The standout? Back-to-back saves in penalty shootouts-a rare feat even among the sport's best.

Against Canada in the semifinal of the Concacaf W Gold Cup, Naeher was an impassable barrier. She not only saved three kicks but scored her own, underlining that her skillset wasn't limited to stopping shots. The same resilience underlined the SheBelieves Cup, where she again excelled and secured another title with decisive saves.

Farewell and international legacy

The final act of Naeher in USWNT was yet another seal of her brilliant performances. In the 2-1 win over the Netherlands, Naeher contributed six crucial saves, clamping down an attacking Dutch talent and contributing to the closing of the year on a positive note for the U.S.

Her international retirement, which was announced days earlier, did not cloud her brilliant displays. With 155 caps and over 9,000 minutes played, Naeher leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire the next generation of young athletes who dream of guarding the net.

A new chapter with the Chicago Red Stars

Even as she retired from international soccer, Alyssa Naeher will continue her professional career with the Chicago Red Stars of the NWSL. Coming off the past year of leading the USWNT to some big wins, goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher brings all her experience to the club, which now has an even more determined player it can rely on.

With the frequent changes in the NWSL and the league's increasing competitiveness, Naeher will be a cornerstone for the Chicago Red Stars. Her leadership skills and on-field consistency will stand out in a league aiming to solidify itself as a global benchmark.

A recognition that reflects universal respect

The recognition was one that all coaches, players, and even fans overwhelmingly endorsed. At 40.8%, it put her head and shoulders above some notable mentions like Naomi Girma, considered one of the most promising defenders this generation has ever seen. And truly, an electorate of NWSL coaches and members of the U.S. Soccer Council emphasizes unanimous respect for her unparalleled contribution to the team's success.

The trophy has been the preserve of forwards and midfielders since Sharon Remer won the inaugural award in 1985. Naeher enters an elite class of goalkeepers who have redefined the position, proving a goalkeeper's influence can be just as decisive as any scored.