Alyssa Naeher, a key goalkeeper for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) since 2014 and the starting goalkeeper since 2017, will retire from international competition after the team’s upcoming friendlies against England and the Netherlands, the USWNT announced on Monday.
Reflecting on her career, Naeher expressed gratitude for her time with the national team. “Having the opportunity to be a part of the USWNT for the past 15 years has been the greatest honor,” she stated in a release from the USWNT. “When I began this journey, I never could have imagined where it would take me. I am so grateful for all the incredible teammates I have shared the field with; they have become lifelong friends. To my teammates, coaches, and staff, thank you for pushing and supporting me, making me a better person and player every day. A special thanks goes to my family, who have traveled the world with me and supported me every step of the way.”
Naeher has been one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in U.S. soccer history, boasting two World Cup titles (2015, 2019) and an Olympic gold medal (2024). She is unique in women’s soccer for recording shutouts in both a World Cup final and an Olympic gold medal match. Additionally, she has contributed to two CONCACAF Women’s Championship teams and the 2024 CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup team.
Naeher’s final international appearances will take place in friendlies against England on Saturday, November 30, and the Netherlands on Tuesday, December 3.
While she concludes her international career, Naeher plans to return to the Chicago Red Stars for her 10th season. She holds league records for saves and appearances by a goalkeeper and has helped the Stars secure NWSL runner-up finishes in 2019 and 2021. Naeher previously played for the Boston Breakers in both the WPS and NWSL, as well as a two-season stint with Turbine Potsdam in Germany.
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