How Alyssa Naeher became an American hero. Everything you need to know about her illustrious career

Olympic Champions and two times World Cup winner Alyssa Naeher is stepping down from international football this year and will be remembered as one of the true greats of American sport when she finally hangs up her boots professionally. Fondly referred to as ‘Uncle’ by her teammates due to her calm and laid-back nature off the field, the ‘keeper is a leader amongst leaders in the USWNT dressing room.

It was no mean feat for Naeher to fill the boots of the retired Hope Solo and Brianna Scurry who had established themselves as mainstays in the USWNT set-up. That being said, it was a task that Naeher was determined to accomplish nonetheless.

The 36-year-old’s international debut came in a 7-0 victory over Argentina back in 2014 and was quickly established as a solid member of the USWNT roster. It wouldn’t be until 2017 that Naeher was the outright first choice in goal for her country. 

World Cup success became habitual for Naeher

The three-time Olympian played as backup to Solo during the USWNT’s World Cup campaign in 2015, Naeher’s first of two World Cup trophies. Naeher played every minute of the 2019 World Cup in France, only conceding three goals while earning four clean sheets.

In the USWNT’s opening game of the 2019 World Cup against Thailand, it was the first time in 20 years that a player that was not Solo or Scurry had started in goal at a major competition for the USWNT. Naeher and her teammates would go on to win the World Cup final in a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands.

2019 would sadly be the last World Cup success for Naeher as the 2023 campaign saw the USWNT lose on penalties to a tenacious Sweden team. It marked the first time in their competitive history that they had been knocked out of a World Cup before the semi-final stage.

Domestic trophies harder to come by for Naeher

Naeher is the all-time saves record holder in the NWSL as well as having played more games in the league than any other ‘keeper in history. Despite having never won the NWSL Championship, the experienced shot-stopper did find success in Germany with Turbine Potsdam earlier in her career.

The Connecticut native spent two successful years with the German outfit, in her first season at the club she won the Frauen Bundesliga in 2012. Naeher would soon return to the comforts of her native USA though, signing for Boston Breakers for the inaugural NWSL season.

Naeher has spent an impressive nine years in Chicago since joining the Red Stars in 2015 and will stay with the club throughout the 2025 season as the team transitions into the Chicago Stars. 

Naeher bows out of the UWSNT with Olympic gold

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris can be viewed as a career highlight for Naeher. The established ‘keeper showed her experience throughout the tournament. Ending the tournament with a gold medal as the USWNT cruised to gold, adding to her Olympic bronze from 2020.

Naeher became the first and only goalkeeper in history to have recorded a clean sheet in both a World Cup final and an Olympic final, as the USWNT beat Brazil by one goal to nil.

Some fans of the USWNT may have expected the Olympic final to be Naeher’s last game for her country, approaching her late 30’s and with new manager Emma Hayes entering the scene it seemed like a natural step for Naeher to step aside and focus on club football.

Retirement looms for Naeher

The time has arrived now though as Naeher announced recently that the next two international fixtures would be her last. The final games for this legend of the game will fall against England on the Netherlands. 

MORE: Who will replace Alyssa Naeher for the USWNT?

The stalwart of the international scene spoke candidly on the emotions she had upon confirming her international retirement. “This has been a special team to be a part of and I am beyond proud of what we have achieved both on and off the field. The memories I have made over the years will last me a lifetime. I know one chapter is ending, but I am so excited to continue to see the growth of this team going forward and what more they can accomplish.”