Alyssa Naeher named U.S. Soccer Player of the Year

Field Level Media|published: Sat 18th January, 11:32 2025

Aug 6, 2023; Melbourne, AUS; United States goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher (1) reacts in the penalty kick shootout during a Round of 16 match in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jenna Watson-Imagn Images

Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was named the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year on Saturday.

Naeher just completed her final season of international competition with the U.S. Women's National Team.

She is just the second netminder to win in the award's 40-year history, following Hope Solo in 2009.

"This is an incredible honor, to cap off what has been a very special year with this team," Naeher said. "This team is made up of a special group of players, coaches and staff and all year you could feel that energy and that we had the opportunity to achieve something great. I was inspired all year long by my incredible teammates; the work we put in, the commitment to the team and our goals, and all of their love and support."

Naeher, 36, who plays professionally for the NWSL's Chicago Red Stars, was also named the 2024 FIFA Women's Goalkeeper of the Year for 2024.

Naeher finished 2024 with a record of 13 wins, one loss and three draws, allowing just 11 goals in 18 starts.

She played every minute at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, allowing just two goals en route to the gold medal.

With her shutout of Brazil in the gold-medal match, Naeher became the first goalkeeper in women's soccer history to post clean sheets in FIFA World Cup (2019) and Olympic finals.

Naeher tallied 40.8 percent of the fan portion of the votes for the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year award, followed by defender Naomi Girma at 32.2 percent.

--Field Level Media