USWNT legend set for emotional farewell in final matches

Alyssa Naeher has announced her retirement from international soccer. And with it comes the close of one of the more remarkable careers in the history of the sport. Talented, composed, and a leader, Naeher did more than raise the bar at goalkeeper-she left an indelible mark on the history of women's soccer in the United States.

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From her first call-up in 2014 to her final appearance in 2024, Naeher built a career filled with achievements that solidified her name among the legends of the sport. With two World Cups and an Olympic gold medal under her belt, she redefined what it means to be a top-level goalkeeper.

Her numbers are just as impressive as her performances on the field: 113 matches, 88 wins, 68 shutouts, and a goals-against average of 0.50. Few can rival her record, which places her among the pillars of the USWNT.

A Grand Farewell

Before hanging up her gloves, Naeher will have one final opportunity to don the USWNT jersey in friendlies against England on November 30 and the Netherlands on December 3. These European matches mark not only the end of an era but also a tribute to her monumental contribution to women's soccer.

These last games will indeed be an emotional moment for her, her teammates, and the fans to see the farewell of one of the best goalkeepers ever in U.S. history.

Brilliant Moments: Saves That Made History

Naeher's saves were more than just statistics; they were stories of will, courage, and precision under pressure. During the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinal against England, Naeher made a pivotal penalty save in the 83rd minute to seal a 2-1 victory and a place in the final. That defining moment wasn't just crucial in the USWNT's campaign but also symbolized her ability to deliver when it mattered most.

At the 2024 Olympics, she had four shutouts in a row, outdoing the performance of Hope Solo, one of the biggest names the position has seen. Her flawless consistency in the net and leadership in defense cemented her status as one of the best to ever play the game.

Unforgettable Achievements

The stats for Naeher are great, but it is her achievements that tell the whole story: two FIFA Women's World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019, starting goalkeeper in 2019 and allowing just three goals en route to the championship; an Olympic gold medal in 2024, with four shutouts, including one in the final; 68 shutouts, placing her third in USWNT history; and unmatched performances in penalty shootouts during the 2021 and 2024 Olympics.

Beyond the Numbers Born in Connecticut, Naeher once had aspirations of playing professional basketball before realizing her skills lay on the soccer pitch. She was a star goalkeeper at Penn State University and played an integral role on the U.S. team that won the U-20 FIFA Women's World Cup in 2008.

Her professional career was marked by regularity and success. In the NWSL, she shined with the Chicago Red Stars, breaking records and becoming a point of reference for the league. The Future of Alyssa Naeher Despite her retirement from international soccer, during the 2025 NWSL season, Naeher will keep playing with the Chicago Red Stars. This decision enables fans of women's soccer to keep watching her on the field in action.