The United States has long been a powerhouse in women’s soccer. Producing a remarkable array of talent that has dominated the global stage. Narrowing down the top 25 players from this illustrious history is a daunting task. But, here we attempt to highlight the best of the best, listed in in no particular order.
The 25 Greatest U.S. Women’s Soccer Players of All Time
1. Michelle Akers
Michelle Akers stands as a towering figure in the annals of women’s soccer. Her lethal scoring ability, evidenced by her 107 goals, places her among the all-time great American scorers.
Akers played a pivotal role in the U.S. team’s triumphs, notably scoring 10 goals during the inaugural 1991 FIFA World Cup. And, also anchoring the squad to victory again in 1999. Named FIFA Female Player of the Century, Akers’ legacy as a trailblazer for the sport is indelible.
2. Shannon Boxx
Shannon Boxx’s decorated career exemplifies excellence and consistency. A stalwart midfielder, Boxx played a vital role in the U.S. team’s success. Featuring in four World Cups and clinching three Olympic gold medals.
Boxx’s contributions extended beyond the national team, as she showcased her talents in various professional leagues, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
3. Brandi Chastain
Brandi Chastain etched her name into soccer lore with a single iconic moment, her unforgettable shootout goal to clinch the 1999 World Cup. Yet, Chastain’s legacy extends far beyond that singular act. With a career spanning three World Cup appearances and two Olympic gold medals. A formidable defender and a symbol of female empowerment, Chastain’s impact transcends the sport itself.
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4. Crystal Dunn
Crystal Dunn epitomizes versatility and skill, excelling as both a defender and an attacker. Her journey from youth success to becoming a cornerstone of the U.S. national team is a testament to her talent and dedication. Dunn’s accolades include the NWSL Most Valuable Player and the Golden Boot Awards, solidifying her status as one of the best in the game.
5. Julie Ertz
Julie Ertz’s unwavering commitment and adaptability have made her a linchpin of the U.S. team’s midfield. With two World Cup triumphs and multiple individual accolades, including U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, Ertz’s impact on the pitch is undeniable. Her leadership and tenacity continue to inspire a new generation of players.
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6. Joy Fawcett
Joy Fawcett blazed a trail for women’s soccer in the United States, earning accolades as one of the game’s premier defenders. Her longevity and consistency, showcased in four World Cup appearances and 241 caps, underscore her remarkable career.
Fawcett’s influence extends beyond her on-field exploits, playing a pivotal role in the establishment of professional women’s soccer in the country.
7. Julie Foudy
Julie Foudy’s indomitable spirit and leadership qualities endeared her to fans and teammates alike. A mainstay in the U.S. team for over a decade, Foudy’s impact resonates through her 274 caps and numerous tournament triumphs.
Beyond her playing career, Foudy continues to champion the growth of women’s soccer, leaving an enduring legacy both on and off the pitch.
8. Mia Hamm
Mia Hamm’s name is synonymous with greatness in women’s soccer. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Hamm’s prolific scoring record and unparalleled playmaking ability set her apart.
With four World Cup appearances and multiple individual honors, including FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, Hamm’s legacy looms large over the sport.
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9. April Heinrichs
April Heinrichs blazed a trail as one of the pioneering figures of women’s soccer in the United States. As a player, Heinrichs led by example, captaining the 1991 World Cup-winning squad and leaving an indelible mark on the game. Her subsequent coaching career further solidified her legacy, shaping the future of women’s soccer in the country.
10. Lauren Holiday
Lauren Holiday’s resilience and determination have made her a symbol of inspiration both on and off the pitch. Overcoming adversity, Holiday’s contributions to the U.S. team, including two World Cup appearances and multiple Olympic gold medals, underscore her remarkable journey. A true role model, Holiday’s impact transcends the boundaries of the sport.
11. Rose Lavelle
Rose Lavelle burst onto the scene as one of the brightest stars of the U.S. Women’s National Team. With her electrifying playmaking ability and knack for scoring crucial goals, Lavelle quickly became a fan favorite. Her performance in the 2019 World Cup Final, where she scored the clinching goal, cemented her status as a rising star in the sport.
12. Kristine Lilly
Kristine Lilly’s remarkable longevity and consistency make her a true legend of the game. With a record-breaking 354 caps for the U.S. national team, Lilly’s influence spanned over two decades. A dynamic midfielder known for her vision and technical prowess, Lilly played a pivotal role in the team’s success, including multiple World Cup triumphs.
13. Carli Lloyd
Carli Lloyd’s impact on the women’s game is unparalleled. With her clutch performances in major tournaments, including her iconic hat-trick in the 2015 World Cup Final, Lloyd solidified her status as one of the greatest players of her generation. Her remarkable scoring record and numerous individual accolades underscore her dominance on the world stage.
14. Kate Markgraf
Kate Markgraf’s defensive prowess and leadership qualities made her a cornerstone of the U.S. national team for over a decade. With her tenacity and tactical acumen, Markgraf anchored the defense during some of the team’s most memorable triumphs, including two Olympic gold medals and a World Cup victory.
15. Tiffeny Milbrett
Tiffeny Milbrett’s dynamic attacking play and goal-scoring prowess made her a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. With her ability to find the back of the net consistently, Milbrett played a crucial role in the team’s success, including multiple World Cup and Olympic appearances.
16. Alex Morgan
Alex Morgan’s speed, agility, and goal-scoring ability have made her one of the most feared strikers in the world. With her knack for finding the back of the net in crucial moments, Morgan has been a key contributor to the team’s success, including multiple Olympic gold medals and a World Cup victory.
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17. Alyssa Naeher
Alyssa Naeher’s reliability and shot-stopping ability have solidified her as one of the top goalkeepers in the world. With her calm demeanor and ability to come up with crucial saves, Naeher has been a key figure in the team’s success, including back-to-back World Cup victories.
18. Heather O’Reilly
Heather O’Reilly’s versatility and tireless work ethic made her a valuable asset to the U.S. national team for over a decade. With her ability to create scoring opportunities and track back defensively, O’Reilly played a crucial role in the team’s success, including multiple Olympic gold medals and World Cup appearances.
19. Carla Overbeck
Carla Overbeck’s leadership and defensive prowess made her a stalwart of the U.S. national team for over a decade. With her ability to shut down opposing attackers and organize the defense, Overbeck played a crucial role in the team’s success, including multiple Olympic gold medals and World Cup appearances.
20. Christie Pearce Rampone
Christie Pearce Rampone’s longevity and consistency made her a legend of the game. With her leadership and defensive prowess, Rampone anchored the U.S. national team’s defense for over two decades, leading the team to multiple Olympic gold medals and World Cup victories.
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21. Megan Rapinoe
Megan Rapinoe’s flair and creativity on the field have made her one of the most exciting players to watch. With her ability to change the game with her skill and vision, Rapinoe has been a key contributor to the team’s success, including multiple Olympic gold medals and a World Cup victory.
22. Becky Sauerbrunn
Becky Sauerbrunn’s leadership and defensive excellence have solidified her as one of the top defenders in the world. With her ability to read the game and make crucial tackles, Sauerbrunn has been a key figure in the team’s success, including back-to-back World Cup victories.
23. Briana Scurry
Briana Scurry’s trailblazing career and pioneering spirit have made her a legend of the game. With her shot-stopping ability and leadership on the field, Scurry was a key figure in the team’s success, including multiple Olympic gold medals and a World Cup victory.
24. Hope Solo
Hope Solo‘s dominance between the posts and commanding presence in goal made her one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. With her remarkable shot-stopping ability and leadership on the field, Solo was instrumental in the team’s success, including multiple Olympic gold medals and a World Cup victory.
25. Abby Wambach
Abby Wambach‘s unparalleled aerial ability and goal-scoring prowess made her a true legend of the game. With her knack for finding the back of the net in crucial moments, Wambach was a key figure in the team’s success, including multiple Olympic gold medals and a World Cup victory.