As U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher reflects on her career and the upcoming Women’s World Cup in 2027, she considers the challenges of competing at age 36. With a World Cup title and an Olympic gold medal secured this year in France, Naeher has decided to retire from the national team, citing the mental, physical, and emotional demands of a new cycle.
“I’ve given everything I’ve had to this team. I don’t do anything halfway,” Naeher said. “If you can give 100%, then keep going. But I felt like this was the right time to step away, especially after the Olympics and with the team entering a new stage.”
Naeher is the latest veteran to announce her retirement as the team shifts to a new generation under coach Emma Hayes. Other recent retirements include World Cup champions Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Kelley O’Hara, and Ali Krieger. Naeher will remain with the team for two upcoming matches: against England at Wembley Stadium on Saturday and against the Netherlands in The Hague on Tuesday.
Excited about the future of U.S. goalkeeping, Naeher highlighted the importance of understanding one’s strengths in the position. The current roster includes Mandy Haught of the Utah Royals and Phallon Tullis-Joyce of Manchester United, along with recent call-ups Casey Murphy and Jane Campbell.
“The beauty of goalkeeping is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all position,” she explained. “Young goalkeepers need to take the time to understand their strengths and elevate them to an elite level.”
Speaking from London on Wednesday, Naeher announced her retirement on social media earlier in the week. She made her senior national team debut in 2014 and served as a backup to Hope Solo during the 2015 World Cup, which the U.S. won. After the 2016 Rio Olympics, she became the starting goalkeeper and helped the team secure another World Cup title in 2019.
Naeher also earned a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 before winning gold in Paris this year, where she made a crucial one-handed save in stoppage time to secure a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the final.
Throughout her career, Naeher has played 113 games, starting 110, with 88 wins and 68 shutouts, including four shutouts during the recent Olympic tournament in France.
While retiring from international play, Naeher plans to continue her club career with the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League for one more year.
“I hope to be remembered as a good teammate and a reliable competitor,” she said. “It’s been a special team to be part of, and I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished over the years.”
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