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Julie Ertz: An Unparalleled Legacy in Women’s Soccer

By Arthur Fernandes

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 6: Julie Ertz of USA during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Winner Group G and Runner Up Group E at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 6, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 6: Julie Ertz of USA during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Winner Group G and Runner Up Group E at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 6, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images) /
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Julie Ertz is an unwavering competitor and a standout champion in the world of women’s soccer. Her remarkable 10-year career with the USWNT (United States Women’s National Soccer Team) is coming to a close, marking the end of an era that will be remembered for a long time. Ertz is not only a talented player but also an inspiring leader and an icon of the sport.

One of Julie Ertz’s most impressive achievements is her triple crown in the World Cup. In addition to her victorious appearances in the FIFA Women’s World Cups of 2015 and 2019, she also captained the United States to victory in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2012. It’s not surprising that she was awarded the Bronze Ball as the third-best overall player in the tournament, a rare feat for a central defender. This reflects not only her technical skill but also her ability to lead and inspire her team.

Ertz is also one of the few players to receive the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year award more than once. She joins a list of legends of U.S. women’s soccer, including Abby Wambach, Mia Hamm, Michelle Akers, and others, as one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport. Her awards in 2017 and 2019 are testimonies to her consistency and excellence on the field.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 6: Lina Hurtig #8 of Sweden battles with Alyssa Naeher #1 and Julie Ertz #8 of USA during a game between Sweden and USWNT at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 6, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Richard Callis/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 6: Lina Hurtig #8 of Sweden battles with Alyssa Naeher #1 and Julie Ertz #8 of USA during a game between Sweden and USWNT at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 6, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Richard Callis/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

One of the most memorable moments of Julie Ertz’s career was her performance in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. At 23 years old and with only 12 international caps before the tournament, she stood out as an elite player, playing every minute of all seven games as a defender for the U.S. She not only showcased her skill but also her maturity and leadership in a high-level tournament.

Ertz’s return to the field after becoming a mother in 2022 is an example of determination and passion for the sport. She joined a select group of players who have managed to balance motherhood and their sports careers, showing that women can achieve anything they set their minds to.

Regarding statistics, Julie Ertz has not only scored 20 goals in her career for the USWNT but also has an overall win percentage of 88.9% with the team. This percentage ranks her among the best players in the history of the USWNT with 100 or more caps. Her impact on the field goes far beyond the numbers, but they certainly confirm her excellence.

Julie Ertz leaves an unparalleled legacy in women’s soccer. She is an example of perseverance, leadership, and sporting excellence. Her brilliant career will be remembered as a milestone in the history of the sport, and her competitive spirit will continue to inspire future generations of soccer players in the United States and around the world.

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