Alyssa Naeher, the star goalkeeper for the U.S. women's national soccer team (USWNT), recently announced her retirement, drawing attention not only to her own remarkable career but also to the new era beginning for the team. With significant achievements including two World Cup titles and an Olympic gold medal, Naeher's departure marks the end of an impactful chapter for both her and the national team.
At the age of 36, Naeher has played for the USWNT since making her senior debut back in 2014. Throughout her time with the team, she became known for her exceptional skills and commanding presence on the field. Notably, Naeher played every minute of the USWNT’s victorious gold medal run during the 2024 Paris Olympics, sealing her status as one of the greats. Her impressive resume includes 113 caps, 88 wins, and 68 shutouts—only trailing legends Hope Solo and Briana Scurry in the team's history.
“It’s been the greatest honor to be part of the U.S. women’s national team,” Naeher reflected as she prepares to hang up her national team boots after upcoming matches against England and the Netherlands. Her retirement isn't just about the end of competitive play; it's about the legacy she's leaving behind. Known for her resilience and dependability, Naeher hopes to inspire future generations of goalkeepers.
Naeher's foundation began at Penn State University, under coach Erica Dambach, who played a pivotal role during Naeher's formative years. Dambach encouraged her early involvement with the U.S. youth national team, which solidified her passion for soccer. Reflecting on her time at Penn State, Naeher remembered feeling well-prepared as she moved up the ranks. “Being part of the youth system playing under Erica at 17, really helped guide where I wanted to go,” she said, emphasizing the importance of mentorship.
Throughout her professional career, Naeher displayed remarkable consistency. She joined the league back when it was Women’s Professional Soccer, playing for the Boston Breakers under Tony DiCicco, another influential figure. DiCicco, who previously coached the USWNT from 1995 to 1999, treated young talents with the same respect and expectations as the seasoned athletes, expediting their growth as players.
“Everything came with incremental steps,” Naeher explained during her last press conference. She highlighted the commitment required to succeed at the national level, along with the psychological and physical toll the rigorous schedule takes on players. After returning from the Olympics and reflecting on her peak performance and the team’s direction, she recognized the importance of stepping aside for the next generation of talent.
The USWNT's transition is now underway, led by Emma Hayes, who has been at the helm since this year. Hayes steps in with promises of nurturing new talent and pushing the current squad to new heights. Naeher's retirement reinforces the need for up-and-coming players, like Mandy Haught and Phallon Tullis-Joyce, to showcase their skills and step up as team leaders.
“The beauty of goalkeeping is it’s not really a one-size-fits-all kind of position,” Naeher noted. She understands the new goalkeepers will face unique challenges as they strive to understand their strengths and refine their skills. With her departure, she expresses excitement for the fresh faces who will carry the legacy of USWNT forward.
Looking back over her successes, Naeher emphasized the importance of teamwork throughout her career. “I hope to be remembered as a good teammate, as someone who could be relied upon on the field and who supported those around me,” she shared, proving her dedication to her fellow players and the broader mission of the team.
During her final matches, fans are encouraged to celebrate Naeher's contributions, especially with over 80,000 tickets sold for the highly anticipated friendly against England at Wembley Stadium. This match, alongside the game against the Netherlands, serves as both a milestone and farewell for Naeher, paving the way for the future of the USWNT.
While Naeher's career with the national team concludes, she plans to continue playing for the Chicago Red Stars, where she will have the opportunity to mentor younger teammates and continue her contributions to women’s soccer.
“I've been part of something much bigger than just soccer,” Naeher concluded. “I’m proud of what we've accomplished, and I look forward to supporting the team from the sidelines as they move forward without me.” It is clear, as Naeher embarks on the next chapter of her life, her impact on the sport will endure, inspiring those who step onto the pitch after her.
