The 10 greatest USWNT players of all-time

The USWNT has been pioneers for the women’s game. They have won four World Cup titles and five Olympic Gold medals. Their success has inspired fans not just in the United States but across the world. They could not have done this without having some very talented players. So here are the 10 greatest USWNT players of all-time.  

The criteria for selection are based on individual and team accomplishments with the USWNT. Therefore, we are not taking into account what the players achieved at the club level. We are factoring in the iconic moments that these players have performed, which have left supporters in awe. How these players helped grow the game in the United States is also taken into consideration.  

The 10 greatest USWNT players of all-time

1. Mia Hamm 

Mia Hamm has got to be number one with her record of 158 goals and a record 147 assists in 276 games for the USWNT. During her time with the Stars and Stripes, she won two World Cups, two Olympic Gold Medals, and was World Player of the Year on two occasions, too.

Hamm’s performances helped women’s soccer grow into the mainstream for American audiences. She made her debut for the USWNT when she was just 15 and had a 17-year career with the national team.  

2. Abby Wambach 

Whilst Hamm holds the record for the most USWNT assists, Abby Wambach is their top goalscorer with 184 goals in 255 matches. She won two Olympic Golds, the World Cup in 2015, which was her final tournament, and was World Player of the Year in 2012.

She scored an extra-time winner to claim Olympic Gold for the USWNT in 2004. Fans will also remember her added-time goal against Brazil in the quarter-finals of the 2011 World Cup. Wambach’s ability to turn up when it mattered most made her a favorite for USWNT supporters. 

3. Carli Lloyd 

Speaking of iconic moments, Carli Lloyd scored a hat-trick in the 2015 World Cup final against Japan. Lloyd was always able to turn up on the biggest occasions, scoring the winner against Brazil in the 2008 Olympic final and twice against Japan in the 2012 final.

In total, Lloyd found the back of the net 134 times in 316 games for the USWNT. With two World Cups and two Olympic Gold Medals, Lloyd deserves her place at the highest echelons of this list.  

4. Kristine Lilley

Kristine Lilley holds the record for the most caps of any female or male player. She played 254 times for the USWNT, scoring 130 goals and providing 106 assists. Lilley won two World Cups and two Gold Medals at the Olympics. Her longevity earns her a place at fourth on this list.  

5. Michelle Akers 

Michelle Akers was the first USWNT superstar as she scored 10 goals at the first ever Women’s World Cup back in 1991. The Stars and Stripes went on to win that tournament, defeating Norway in the final. In total, she managed 107 goals in 153 games for the USWNT.  

6. Alex Morgan 

Alex Morgan endeared herself to USWNT fans as she mimicked drinking tea after scoring against England in the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup. The Stars and Stripes went on to defeat the Netherlands in the final to win that tournament. This was one of two World Cups that Morgan won. She also won an Olympic Gold Medal with the Stars and Stripes.  

7. Megan Rapinoe 

Supporters want their heroes to be characters and they do not get much bigger than Megan Rapinoe. Whilst Rapinoe is known for being outspoken, she backed it up on the field winning the Golden Boot as the USWNT won the 2019 World Cup. Rapinoe also won two Olympic Gold Medals with the Stars and Stripes.  

8. Hope Solo 

All-time lists often favor attacking players, but goalkeeper Hope Solo must make this one. She played 202 times for the USWNT and kept 102 clean sheets. Solo claimed two Olympic Gold Medals and the World Cup.  

9. Joy Fawcett 

Defenders must also get credit when credit is due. Joy Fawcett was a rock at the back for the USWNT, and she played 241 times for the USWNT. She won two World Cups and two Olympic Gold Medals with the Stars and Stripes.  

10. Brandi Chastain 

Brandi Chastain delivered the most iconic celebration in USWNT history. Her shirt-off celebration after scoring the winning goal in the 1999 World Cup final is a defining moment for women’s sport. Her celebration has been replicated many times, including by Chloe Kelly after she scored the winner for England at the 2022 European Championship final. Chastain won two World Cups with the USWNT and played 192 times for her country.  

Honorable mentions 

There are too many USWNT greats that have still missed out on this list. This includes the likes of Tiffeny Milbrett, Julie Foudy, Becky Sauerbrunn, Heather O'Reilly and Tobin Heath. There are many talented players in the current USWNT roster such as Rose Lavelle and Naomi Girmi who could also make the list in the future.  

Conclusion 

It is difficult to pick out individuals in a team game, especially one such as soccer, which is subject to so much subjectivity. All-time lists always favor attacking players, as it is easy to compare goal involvements. Longevity, trophies won, and iconic moments are also what make these top 10 players so special.  

FAQs

Who is considered the greatest player for the USWNT? Mia Hamm.

What criteria were used to rank these players? Individual records, trophies won, iconic moments, popularity amongst supporters, and how they helped grow the sport in the United States.  

Are there any current players who could make this list in the future? Rose Lavelle and Naomi Girma.  

How have these players impacted the success of USWNT? These players have brought great success to the USWNT since the first Women’s World Cup in 1991. They have helped the Stars and Stripes establish themselves as the greatest international team in the women’s game.  

Who are some other notable players for the USWNT? Tiffeny Milbrett, Julie Foudy, Becky Sauerbrunn, Heather O'Reilly, and Tobin Heath.