The United States Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) has long been a powerhouse in the world of women’s soccer, achieving unparalleled success on the international stage. Over the years, the USWNT has produced a plethora of talented players who have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring generations of athletes and fans alike. In this article, we’ll explore the careers of the top 25 USWNT players of all time, celebrating their achievements, contributions, and enduring legacy.
24 Best US Women’s National Team Players of All Time
1. Mia Hamm
No list of the greatest USWNT players would be complete without Mia Hamm. Widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, Hamm’s impact on the sport transcends borders. With her unparalleled skill, vision, and goal-scoring ability, she led the USWNT to two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles and two Olympic gold medals. Her 158 international goals stood as a world record until 2013 and remain the most by any American player, male or female.
2. Abby Wambach
Abby Wambach’s dominance in the air and her knack for scoring crucial goals made her a force to be reckoned with on the field. With 184 international goals, she is the leading goal scorer in USWNT history. Wambach’s illustrious career includes two Olympic gold medals and a FIFA Women’s World Cup title in 2015, where she played a pivotal role in securing victory for the United States.
3. Kristine Lilly
Kristine Lilly’s longevity and consistency make her one of the most iconic figures in USWNT history. With a record 354 international appearances, Lilly’s career spanned over two decades, during which she won two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles and two Olympic gold medals. Known for her tireless work rate and versatility, Lilly remains an inspiration to players of all generations.
4. Carli Lloyd
Carli Lloyd’s ability to rise to the occasion in big moments earned her a reputation as one of the most clutch players in USWNT history. With her unforgettable hat-trick in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup final, Lloyd led the United States to victory and earned herself the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. Her knack for scoring important goals and her leadership on the field make her a legend of the game.
5. Julie Foudy
Julie Foudy’s leadership and vision as a midfielder were instrumental to the success of the USWNT during the 1990s and early 2000s. With her exceptional passing ability and defensive prowess, Foudy played a crucial role in the team’s victories at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991 and 1999, as well as the Olympic gold medals in 1996 and 2004.
6. Michelle Akers
Michelle Akers revolutionized the women’s game with her athleticism, skill, and goal-scoring ability. As one of the pioneers of women’s soccer in the United States, Akers played an integral role in the USWNT’s inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup victory in 1991, where she was awarded the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer. Her impact on the sport continues to resonate to this day.
7. Brandi Chastain
Brandi Chastain etched her name into soccer history with her iconic penalty kick in the final of the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, securing victory for the United States and igniting a surge in interest in women’s soccer across the country. Known for her defensive prowess and versatility, Chastain was a mainstay in the USWNT’s backline during its golden era.
8. Hope Solo
Hope Solo’s dominance between the posts made her one of the most formidable goalkeepers in the history of women’s soccer. With her exceptional shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box, Solo backstopped the USWNT to numerous victories, including two Olympic gold medals and a FIFA Women’s World Cup title in 2015.
9. Alex Morgan
Alex Morgan’s speed, agility, and goal-scoring prowess have made her one of the most dynamic forwards in the world. With her memorable performances in the 2012 London Olympics and the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Morgan solidified her status as one of the top players in USWNT history. Her impact on the game both on and off the field continues to inspire a new generation of soccer players.
10. Tiffeny Milbrett
Tiffeny Milbrett’s ability to find the back of the net in critical moments made her a key figure in the success of the USWNT during the 1990s and early 2000s. With her speed, agility, and clinical finishing, Milbrett scored crucial goals in major tournaments, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest American forwards of all time.
11. Christie Rampone
Christie Rampone’s longevity and leadership on the field made her one of the most respected figures in USWNT history. As one of the team’s most capped players, Rampone represented her country in four FIFA Women’s World Cups and four Olympic Games, earning gold medals in 2004, 2008, and 2012. Her steady presence in the backline and her ability to marshal the defense were instrumental to the team’s success.
12. Megan Rapinoe
Megan Rapinoe’s creativity, flair, and ability to deliver in clutch moments have made her one of the most exciting players to watch in women’s soccer. With her memorable performances in the 2012 London Olympics and the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Rapinoe established herself as a leader on and off the field, advocating for social justice and equality in the sport.
13. Joy Fawcett
Joy Fawcett’s defensive prowess and versatility made her a mainstay in the USWNT’s backline for over a decade. With her exceptional speed, tactical awareness, and ability to shut down opposing attackers, Fawcett played a crucial role in the team’s success at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games, earning gold medals in 1996 and 2004.
14. Shannon Boxx
Shannon Boxx’s tenacity, skill, and leadership in midfield made her a vital cog in the USWNT’s engine room. With her ability to control the tempo of the game and break up opposition attacks, Boxx played a crucial role in the team’s victories at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games, earning gold medals in 2004, 2008, and 2012.
15. Tobin Heath
Tobin Heath’s creativity, flair, and technical ability have made her one of the most electrifying players in women’s soccer. With her dazzling dribbling skills and ability to unlock defenses with pinpoint passes, Heath has been a key contributor to the USWNT’s success in major tournaments, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games.
16. Shannon MacMillan
Shannon MacMillan’s contributions to the USWNT cannot be overlooked. A versatile forward with a knack for finding the back of the net, MacMillan played a crucial role in the team’s success during the late 1990s and early 2000s. She was a key member of the squad that won the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1999 and played a pivotal role in securing Olympic gold in 1996.
17. Heather O’Reilly
Heather O’Reilly’s speed, work rate, and relentless energy made her a valuable asset to the USWNT throughout her career. Known for her versatility and ability to play on either flank, O’Reilly played a crucial role in the team’s success at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games, earning gold medals in 2004, 2008, and 2012.
18. Amy Rodriguez
Amy Rodriguez’s speed, agility, and goal-scoring ability made her a formidable striker for the USWNT. With her ability to stretch opposing defenses and capitalize on scoring opportunities, Rodriguez played a crucial role in the team’s victories at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games, earning gold medals in 2008 and 2012.
19. Christen Press
Christen Press’s technical ability, vision, and goal-scoring prowess have made her one of the most dynamic forwards in women’s soccer. With her ability to create scoring opportunities out of nothing and finish with precision, Press has been a key contributor to the USWNT’s success in major tournaments, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games.
20. Aly Wagner
Aly Wagner’s skill, vision, and playmaking ability made her one of the most influential midfielders in USWNT history. With her ability to control the flow of the game and pick out passes with precision, Wagner played a crucial role in the team’s success at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games, earning gold medals in 2004 and 2008.
21. Ali Krieger
Ali Krieger’s defensive prowess, leadership, and versatility have made her a stalwart in the USWNT’s backline for over a decade. With her ability to shut down opposing attackers and provide a steady presence in defense, Krieger played a crucial role in the team’s victories at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games, earning gold medals in 2008 and 2012.
22. Lori Chalupny
Lori Chalupny’s tenacity, skill, and versatility made her a valuable asset to the USWNT throughout her career. A natural midfielder, Chalupny was known for her ability to dictate the tempo of the game and provide a spark in the attack. She played a crucial role in the team’s success at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games, earning gold medals in 2008 and 2012.
23. Amy Wambach
Amy Wambach’s contributions to the USWNT cannot be overlooked. A versatile forward with a knack for finding the back of the net, Wambach played a crucial role in the team’s success during the late 1990s and early 2000s. She was a key member of the squad that won the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1999 and played a pivotal role in securing Olympic gold in 2004.
24. Angela Hucles
Angela Hucles’s skill, vision, and leadership in midfield made her a valuable asset to the USWNT throughout her career. Known for her ability to control the flow of the game and create scoring opportunities, Hucles played a crucial role in the team’s success at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games, earning gold medals in 2004 and 2008.
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Conclusion
The US Women’s National Team has been blessed with an abundance of talent throughout its storied history, and the players mentioned above represent just a fraction of the incredible athletes who have donned the red, white, and blue. From trailblazers who paved the way for future generations to modern-day superstars who continue to inspire, these women have left an indelible mark on the sport of soccer and have cemented their place as legends of the game. As the USWNT continues to compete on the global stage, their legacy will undoubtedly endure, shaping the future of women’s soccer for generations to come.
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