The United States boasts the most successful women's soccer team in the world, having won the World Cup four times. Additionally, they have clinched gold in women's soccer at the Olympics four times as well. Furthermore, the team has secured 7 CONCACAF Gold Cups and 10 Algarve Cups. Alongside Germany, they are the only two national teams to have ever topped the FIFA Women's World Rankings. To uncover the roots of the USA's women's soccer prowess, we need to look back, but not too far. It all began in the 1970s when soccer started gaining popularity in the land of the stars and stripes. In this article, let's join Wintips admin in reviewing the "Top 10 best US women's soccer players" in history.
Top 10 best US women's soccer players
1. Alex Morgan
One of the greatest goal scorers in the history of women's football, not just in the United States, is Morgan. She began her career with the national team in 2008 for the U20 team. Two years later, her tenure with the senior team began, and that's a story still being written.
As of the World Cup 2023, Morgan's 121 goals, 49 assists, and 207 appearances for the national team all rank in the top 10 in the history of US women's football. A two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion, Morgan has participated in two World Cups, won three CONCACAF W championships, one FIFA U-20 World Cup, and one Olympic title.
2. Megan Rapinoe - Best US women's soccer players
With retirement looming after the World Cup 2023, Rapinoe is unlikely to fade into the sunset quietly. Perhaps the most recognizable female footballer on the planet, Rapinoe is also one of the most divisive figures in the sport. On the field, her career is truly deserving of celebration.
Heading into the '23 World Cup, Rapinoe is ranked among the all-time leaders for the United States with 63 international goals and sits third with 73 assists in 199 national team appearances. The 38-year-old has been a member of two World Cup-winning teams and one runner-up team, as well as owning Olympic gold and the 2019 Ballon d'Or.
3. Shannon Boxx
Boxx is one of the most accomplished players in the history of the USWNT. The former Notre Dame star was a member of four World Cup squads (2003, '07, '11, '15), and the latter group won it all.
She was also a key figure in three US Olympic gold medal-winning teams (2004, '08, '12). From 2003-15, Boxx scored 27 goals in 127 national team appearances. At the professional club level, Boxx played in the National Women's Soccer League, Women's Professional Soccer, and the Women's United Soccer Association.
4. Michelle Akers - Best US women's soccer players
Michelle Akers is one of the greatest goal scorers of all time for the United States. As of July 2023, Akers' 107 goals rank sixth. She is one of seven American women to reach the 100-goal milestone. She scored 10 of those goals in the opening ceremony of the 1991 FIFA World Cup, which the US won.
Akers also played a crucial role as a seasoned veteran in 1999 when the US team won their second World Cup. A member of the first US Women's National Team in 1985, Akers had 155 international caps (national team appearances) as part of the squad. She was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame and honored as FIFA's Female Player of the Century in 2002.
5. Julie Ertz
Julie Ertz has been a member of the senior national team of the United States since 2013 but made significant contributions during her days playing for the U15 team.
As reliable as they come, Ertz is versatile, having also found success as a defender, entering the 2023 World Cup with 20 goals and 6 assists in 188 national team appearances. She has twice won the US Soccer Female Player of the Year award. A two-time World Cup champion, she is also a member of the Tokyo 2021 Olympic team that won the silver medal.
6. Rose Lavelle - Best US women's soccer players
Lavelle has emerged as one of the brightest stars in recent times for the USWNT. Her impact was felt immediately upon her debut for the senior national team back in 2017. At just 28 years old, she has already left an indelible mark on the team's history. Prior to her senior career, Lavelle featured prominently for various US youth teams, honing her skills and preparing for the grand stage of international football.
Entering the 2023 World Cup, Lavelle boasted an impressive record of 24 goals and 20 assists in 88 appearances for the national team. Her versatility, technical ability, and vision on the field make her a formidable presence in any match. Whether she's orchestrating plays from midfield or driving forward with purpose, Lavelle commands attention whenever she's on the pitch.
7. Alyssa Naeher
Goalkeeper Naeher, a veteran of the team participating in the 2023 Women's World Cup for the United States, started for the reigning champions of the 2019 World Cup and was also a member of the 2015 championship-winning squad.
The Connecticut native has quietly continued her business between the posts as one of the most reliable players in the history of US soccer. She entered the 2023 World Cup with 53 clean sheets in 91 national team appearances. At the club level, Naeher has had a successful career in the NWSL, currently playing for Chicago and was honored as the NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year in 2014.
8. Carli Lloyd - Best US women's soccer players
There is a significant representation of American soccer players on this prestigious list, and Carli Lloyd stands out as one of the most recent additions. Lloyd's name resonates strongly among the pantheon of decorated and celebrated athletes in the annals of soccer history, especially following her retirement in 2021.
Ranked second in career appearances with 316 caps, and third in both goals (134) and assists (134), Lloyd's statistical prowess speaks volumes about her impact on the game. Her ability to consistently deliver on the field, whether it be scoring goals or creating opportunities for her teammates, has earned her widespread acclaim and admiration.
9. Heather O’Reilly - Best US women's soccer players
From 2002 to 2016, O'Reilly donned the national team jersey 231 times, ranking eighth all-time among American players. While O'Reilly notched 47 goals in her illustrious career for the US team. Her 55 assists place her among the top 10 in the history of American soccer.
A crucial figure in the success of the US Women's National Team, O'Reilly was a member of three Olympic gold medal-winning squads for the United States in 2004, 2008, and 2012. Additionally, she represented the US in three FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments in 2007, 2011, and 2015.
10. Abby Wambach
Abby Wambach could arguably be considered the greatest female soccer player of all time, depending on who you ask. In her 255 appearances for the US Women's National Team (USWNT), Wambach scored a record-breaking 184 goals for her country. Among her notable goals are the crucial strike in extra time against Brazil in the 2004 Olympic gold medal match and the dramatic stoppage-time equalizer in the quarterfinals of the 2011 World Cup.
Wambach participated in four FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments (2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015), leaving an indelible mark on each edition with her exceptional skills and leadership on the field. Renowned as one of the greatest headers of the ball in the game, Wambach also ranks among the top American players of all time with 73 assists.
Conclude
While the men's national soccer team of the United States struggles to make an impact on the international stage, the women's team is swimming in titles, making every tournament seem predictable. They not only possess great strength but also impose a dominant streak that has lasted for two decades. There are no signs indicating that the women's soccer in the USA will weaken. The Stars and Stripes only grow stronger, continuously bringing disappointment to the rest of the world. The list of best US women's soccer players mentioned is meticulously compiled by the bet bookmaker website. Thank you for your interest.
