The United States boasts the most successful women's soccer team in the world, having won the World Cup four times to date. Additionally, they have clinched gold in women's soccer at the Olympics four times. Furthermore, the team has secured seven CONCACAF Gold Cups and ten Algarve Cups. Alongside Germany, the US is one of only two national teams to have ever topped the FIFA Women's World Rankings. To uncover the roots of the success of US women's soccer, we need to look back, but not too far. It all began in the 1970s when soccer started gaining popularity in the United States. 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
Morgan is one of the greatest goal scorers in the history of women's soccer, not just in the United States. She began her career on the U20 team in 2008. Two years later, she joined the senior team, and her remarkable journey continues to this day.
As of the 2023 World Cup, Morgan's 121 goals, 49 assists, and 207 appearances for the national team all rank among the top 10 all-time leaders in US women's football history. A two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion, Morgan has also won three CONCACAF W Championships, one FIFA U-20 World Cup, and one Olympic gold medal.
2. Megan Rapinoe - Best US women's soccer players
With retirement looming after the 2023 World Cup, Rapinoe is unlikely to fade into the sunset. Perhaps the most recognizable women's footballer on the planet, Rapinoe is also one of the most divisive figures in the sport. On the field, her career is truly worthy of celebration.
As the 2023 World Cup approaches, Rapinoe ranks among the all-time leaders for the United States with 63 international goals and holds third place with 73 assists in 199 national team appearances. The 38-year-old has won two World Cups, finished as a runner-up once, and has also claimed Olympic gold and the 2019 Ballon d'Or.
3. Shannon Boxx
Boxx is one of the most accomplished players in USWNT history. The former Notre Dame star played in four World Cups (2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015), winning the title with the 2015 squad.
She was also a key figure in three Olympic gold medal-winning US teams (2004, 2008, 2012). From 2003 to 2015, Boxx scored 27 goals in 127 national team appearances. At the professional club level, Boxx competed in the Women's United Soccer Association, Women's Professional Soccer, and the National Women's Soccer League.
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's 107 goals place her sixth all-time. She is one of only seven American women to reach the 100-goal milestone. She scored 10 of those goals during the 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup tournament, which the US won.
Akers also played a crucial role as a seasoned veteran in 1999 when the U.S. Women's National Team won its second World Cup. Akers, a member of the first U.S. Women's National Team in 1985, earned 155 international caps throughout her career. In 2002, she was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame and honored as FIFA’s Female Player of the Century.
5. Julie Ertz
Julie Ertz has been a member of the U.S. Women's National Team since 2013 but had already made significant contributions while playing for the U15 squad.
Highly dependable, Ertz has demonstrated her versatility by excelling as both a midfielder and a defender. Heading into the 2023 World Cup, she had recorded 20 goals and 6 assists in 188 national team appearances. She has won the US Soccer Female Player of the Year title twice. A two-time World Cup champion and a key member of the US Olympic team at the Tokyo 2021 Games, she helped secure the silver medal.
6. Rose Lavelle - Best US women's soccer players
Lavelle has emerged as one of the brightest stars in recent years for the USWNT. Her impact was felt immediately when she made her debut for the senior national team in 2017. By the age of 28, she had already left an indelible mark on the team's history. Before joining the senior team, Lavelle played a key role in various US youth squads, honing her skills for the international stage.
As the 2023 World Cup approached, Lavelle had amassed an impressive record of 24 goals and 20 assists in 88 appearances for the national team. Her versatility, technical prowess, and exceptional vision make her an influential force in any match. Whether she’s orchestrating plays from midfield or surging forward with intent, Lavelle commands attention every time she steps onto the field.
7. Alyssa Naeher
A seasoned goalkeeper representing the U.S. at the 2023 Women's World Cup, Naeher was the starting goalkeeper for the title-winning U.S. team in 2019 and was also a member of the 2015 championship-winning squad.
The Connecticut native has quietly excelled in her role between the posts as one of the most reliable players in US soccer history. Heading into the 2023 World Cup, she had already recorded 53 clean sheets in 91 national team appearances, solidifying her reputation as a top-tier goalkeeper. At the club level, Naeher has built a successful career in the NWSL. She currently plays for Chicago and was honored as the NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year in 2014.
8. Carli Lloyd - One of the best US women's soccer players
American soccer players are well represented on this prestigious list, and Carli Lloyd stands out as one of the most accomplished. Lloyd's name holds a revered place in soccer history, especially after her retirement in 2021, thanks to her remarkable achievements on the field.
Lloyd ranks second in career appearances with 316 caps and third in both goals (134) and assists (134), showcasing her immense impact on the game. Her ability to consistently deliver on the field, whether it's 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
Between 2002 and 2016, O'Reilly proudly represented the national team in 231 matches, placing her 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 teams for the United States in 2004, 2008, and 2012. Additionally, she represented the US in three FIFA Women's World Cups in 2007, 2011, and 2015.
10. Abby Wambach
Abby Wambach is arguably the greatest female soccer player of all time, depending on who you ask. Over 255 appearances for the US Women's National Team (USWNT), Wambach set a record with 184 goals for her country. Among her most memorable goals were a crucial strike in extra time against Brazil in the 2004 Olympic gold medal match and a 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 every tournament with her exceptional skills and leadership on the field. Renowned for her exceptional heading ability, Wambach also ranks among the top American players of all time with 73 assists.
Conclusion
While the United States men's national soccer team struggles to make an impact on the international stage, the women's team has dominated the sport, making every tournament seem predictable. They not only possess great strength but also maintain a dominant streak that has lasted for two decades. There are no signs that women's soccer in the USA will decline. The Stars and Stripes only grow stronger, consistently outclassing their opponents on the global stage. The list of best US women's soccer players mentioned is meticulously compiled by the bet bookmaker website. Thank you for your interest.
