Alyssa Naeher: USWNT Star’s Historic Career Year
There was no surprise when FIFA announced Alyssa Naeher as the best goalkeeper in the world at the 2024 The Best awards. It was a well-deserved recognition after a flawless season filled with precision, composure, and an almost superhuman ability to decide games. At 36, Naeher not only shined between the posts but also added another chapter to the U.S. women’s soccer history in gold.
Alyssa Naeher’s unforgettable season marked a journey that led the USWNT back to the pinnacle of the world, specifically during the Paris Olympics. She played every minute of the competition and conceded just two goals, delivering saves that will be remembered, especially in the knockout rounds. When the stakes were high, Naeher rose to the occasion, securing three consecutive 1-0 victories during the Olympic knockout stage, two of which went to extra time. In the final against Brazil, her heroic performance secured the team’s first Olympic gold in 12 years, with Alyssa becoming the first goalkeeper in history to keep a clean sheet in both a World Cup final and an Olympic final.
Beyond the Olympics in Brilliance
Alyssa Naeher’s dominance was not limited to the Olympics. During the Concacaf W Gold Cup, she once again proved her reliability by saving three penalties and converting one herself in the semifinal against Canada. Her exceptional performance earned her the Golden Glove award and a spot in the tournament’s Best XI. Months later, in the final of the SheBelieves Cup against Canada, she repeated her heroics by stopping three more penalties in a tense seven-round shootout.
A legend’s farewell
In late November, Alyssa Naeher announced her retirement from international soccer, leaving behind a legacy that will be hard to match. Her impressive statistics, including 13 wins, just one loss, and three draws in 18 matches during her final year, solidified her reputation as one of the finest goalkeepers in USWNT history. Naeher’s retirement marked the end of an era, with her remarkable career leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
The First American to Win The Best
Alyssa Naeher’s historic win as the best goalkeeper at the 2024 The Best awards not only celebrated her individual brilliance but also highlighted her role as a reflection of a generation that kept the U.S. at the forefront of female soccer. As the first American goalkeeper to receive this prestigious honor, Naeher’s technical prowess, leadership, and decisive moments throughout the season solidified her status as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of USWNT. Her retirement from international soccer marked the end of a remarkable journey, leaving behind an unmatched legacy that will be remembered for years to come.