U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher has begun to reflect on her future as she contemplates the upcoming Women’s World Cup in 2027, considering how her age will factor into her potential participation.
At 36 years old, Naeher has already achieved significant milestones, including a World Cup title and an Olympic gold medal from this year’s tournament in France. However, following the mental, physical, and emotional demands associated with the sport, she felt it was an appropriate time to step back.
“I’ve always committed fully to this team; I don’t just go halfway. If I can give 100% to my role, that’s when I want to continue,” Naeher shared. “With the conclusion of the Olympics, reflecting on our achievements from this past year, and entering a new chapter for this team, it feels like a fitting time to retire.”
Naeher joins a wave of seasoned players announcing their retirement as a new generation steps up under the guidance of coach Emma Hayes. Other notable retirements in recent years include World Cup champions Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Kelley O’Hara, and Ali Krieger.
The veteran goalkeeper is, however, set to play in two more matches for the national team in the week ahead; the first against England at Wembley Stadium and the second against the Netherlands in The Hague.
Expressing optimism about the future of American goalkeeping, Naeher noted the emergence of new talent. Alongside her, Mandy Haught from the Utah Royals and Phallon Tullis-Joyce from Manchester United have also been called up for the upcoming fixtures. Other goalkeepers previously on the roster include Casey Murphy and Jane Campbell.
“The beauty of being a goalkeeper is that there’s no uniform style that fits everyone,” she emphasized. “A young goalkeeper’s challenge will be to identify their unique strengths and refine them into standout skills.”
Speaking from London just days after announcing her retirement on social media, Naeher reflected on her journey. She first joined the national team in 2014 and served as a backup during the victorious 2015 World Cup. Following the 2016 Rio Olympics, she established herself as the team’s starting goalkeeper and contributed to their 2019 World Cup championship.
In addition to her titles, Naeher secured a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and then helped the U.S. clinch gold in Paris this year. Notably, she made a crucial one-handed save in stoppage time during the Olympic final, helping her team to a narrow 1-0 win against Brazil.
Throughout her career, Naeher has participated in 113 matches for her country, with 110 of those being starts, achieving 88 wins and 68 shutouts, including four shutouts during the recent Olympic tournament in France.
Though she is stepping away from national team duties, Naeher will continue to play for her club, the Chicago Red Stars, in the National Women’s Soccer League for one more year.
“I want to be remembered as a supportive teammate and a fierce competitor—someone who could be counted on on the field and who uplifted those around her,” she stated, reflecting on her time with the team. “Being part of this team has been incredibly special, and I take pride in everything we’ve achieved together.”