Longtime United States Women’s National Team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher announced her retirement from international soccer on Monday.
Naeher is currently in London as the Americans prepare for games against England on Nov. 30 and the Netherlands on Dec. 3. It will mark the final matches of her 11-year senior international career.
Naeher, 36, became the starting goalie in 2017 and was in net for two Women’s World Cups (2015, 2019) and two Olympics (2021, 2024). The U.S. won the World Cup in 2019 and took gold in the 2024 Olympics.
In 2023, the USWNT underachieved at the World Cup and were ousted in the round of 16 by Sweden. But in the shootout, Naeher became the first goalkeeper to take and make a penalty kick in Women’s World Cup history.
“Having the opportunity to be a part of the USWNT for the past 15 years has been the greatest honor,” Naeher wrote on Instagram. “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 a part of and I am beyond proud of what we have achieved both on and off the field. The memories I have made over the years will last me a lifetime. I know one chapter is ending, but I am so excited to continue to see the growth of this team going forward and what more they can accomplish.”
Naeher will play for the Chicago Stars of the NWSL in 2025 — which will mark her ninth season with the club and 12th in the league.
Naeher ranks third in USWNT history with 88 wins and 68 shutouts. Hope Solo is the all-time leader with 153 and 102, respectively. Briana Scurry (135, 72) ranks second.
Naeher has an 88-6-14 record in international play.
–Field Level Media
