Alyssa Naeher: From unassuming backup to one of the best goalkeepers in the world
The 'Uncle' will hang up her gloves on the international stage following the conclusion of the USWNT's next two friendlies.
Football
Alyssa Naeher is an early riser, whether it be on the day of a football game or a day of rest.
She has been known to enjoy quiet mornings with a pen in one hand. completing a crossword puzzle, and a coffee in the other.
It is that kind of unassuming nature that prompted the nickname ‘Uncle’ from her teammates, endeared by her relaxed persona.
On the pitch, however, she has led a career larger than life.
A leader between the sticks, one that oozes calmness and consistency, Naeher has written herself in the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) history books over the years.
Faced with the impossible task of taking the mantle from Hope Solo, and Briana Scurry who went before, she has firmly cemented her place in football folklore with what followed her debut.
From 2014 to 2024, becoming the USA’s starting ‘keeper in 2017, she has won everything she possibly could on the international stage.
As a result, the 36-year-old believes it’s now time to pass the baton and leave the future of the USWNT in the very capable hands of head coach Emma Hayes.
Following games against England and the Netherlands, one of the greatest American players in recent history will hang up her Stars and Stripes jersey for the final time.
Alyssa Naeher was honoured for reaching 100 appearances for the USWNT.
Alyssa Naeher: These memories will last a lifetime
There is nothing quite like representing your country on the international stage.
But to do that for over a decade, winning everything on offer, is something very few will ever achieve in their lifetime.
“Having the opportunity to be a part of the USWNT for the past 15 years has been the greatest honour,” Naeher said, following the announcement of her retirement.
“When I began this journey, I never could have imagined where it would take me, and now I find myself so grateful for all the incredible teammates that I have shared the field with, teammates that have turned into lifelong friends.
“This has been a special team to be part of and I am beyond proud of what we have achieved both on and off the field.
“The memories I have made will last me a lifetime – I know one chapter is ending, but I am excited to continue to see the growth of this team going forward and what more they can accomplish.”
The American no.1 joins a growing list of USA greats to call time on their international careers, with fans witnessing a real changing of the guard across the last year or so.
Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Kelley O’Hara – all, like Naeher, who paved the way in a USA jersey, now stepping aside so the next generation of stars can reap the rewards of their work.
“I’ve given everything I’ve had to this time… Coming off the Olympics, having the year that we had, entering a new cycle and stage for this team, it just felt like the right time,” she added.
“It’s the end of something and change is scary [but] I feel good about it and I feel at peace with it.”
Naeher celebrates with Naomi Girma after winning gold at Paris 2024.
How Alyssa Naeher became one of the best goalkeepers in the world
Hope Solo is largely considered one of the best goalkeepers to grace the game, let alone a USWNT jersey.
So when Naeher assumed the starring role in 2017, there was a lot to live up to.
She had been in the international set-up for three years by this point, racking up 10 appearances on her way to becoming No.1.
The two years before the 2019 World Cup would serve as perfect preparation, as - in her first major international tournament as a starter - she helped guide the USA to a second consecutive title.
Not only did she save a penalty kick in the last 10 minutes of their 2-1 semi-final win against England, but she also kept a clean sheet against the Netherlands in the final, which they won 2-0.
At Tokyo 2020, Naeher was between the sticks as Team USA salvaged an otherwise underwhelming tournament by winning bronze.
Three years later, she played a pivoted role in restoring the side to its former glories by winning gold at Paris 2024.
Another shutout in a major tournament showdown – keeping Brazil at bay in a 1-0 encounter – saw her become the only goalkeeper in women’s football history to earn a clean sheet in an Olympic and World Cup final.
It is almost impossible to believe that a legend of the game was spending her high school years shooting hoops, unaware that she would rewrite history books on the field as opposed to the court.
Naeher bows out on a high, with 113 appearances (pending a possible further two in upcoming friendlies), 110 of which she started, on the end of 88 wins and kept 68 clean sheets.
Alyssa Naeher: All awards and honours with the USWNT
United States U-20
- FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup (2008)
United States
- FIFA Women’s World Cup (2015; 2019)
- Olympic gold (2024)
- Olympic bronze (2021)
- CONCACAF Women’s Championship (2018; 2022)
- CONCACAF W Gold Cup (2024)
- SheBelieves Cup (2016; 2018; 2020; 2021; 2022; 2023; 2024)
- Tournament of Nations (2018)
Individual
- FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup – Golden Glove (2008)
- CONCACAF Goalkeeper of the Year (2018)
- CONCACAF W Gold Cup – Golden Glove (2024)