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| U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year | |
|---|---|
| Name | U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year |
| Awarded for | Outstanding performance by a female player with ties to United States Soccer Federation |
| Presenter | United States Soccer Federation |
| Country | United States |
| First awarded | 1985 |
U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year
The U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year is an annual award presented by the United States Soccer Federation to recognize the most outstanding female soccer player with contributions to United States women's national soccer team performance. Since its inception in the mid-1980s the award has honored players from programs tied to National Women's Soccer League, Women’s United Soccer Association, and collegiate teams such as University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Stanford University. Recipients often include athletes who also compete for clubs in England, Germany, France, and Spain and who participate in major tournaments like the FIFA Women's World Cup and the Olympic Games.
The award was established in 1985 during a period of growing visibility for women's soccer in the United States, paralleling the rise of organized programs at institutions like UCLA, University of Virginia, and University of Connecticut. Early winners emerged from collegiate powerhouses and regional development programs, reflecting connections to clubs such as Boston Breakers and tournaments including the CONCACAF Women's Championship. The evolution of the award tracks milestones like the 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup victory, the 1996 Summer Olympics gold-medal performance, and the creation of professional leagues such as the Women's United Soccer Association and later the National Women's Soccer League. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s the award highlighted players who also starred in club competitions like the UEFA Women's Champions League and who were influential in events such as the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup and 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Selection emphasizes measurable contributions to the United States women's national soccer team across competitive matches, including friendlies, qualifiers, and major tournaments like the Olympic Football Tournament and FIFA Women's World Cup. The voting body typically includes members of the United States Soccer Federation staff, national team coaches such as former managers from the USWNT coaching staff, media representatives from outlets including ESPN, USA Today, and The New York Times, and sometimes fan voting through platforms associated with organizations like U.S. Soccer. Considerations involve statistical performance—goals, assists, clean sheets—for positions such as forwards exemplified by players from Portland Thorns FC and goalkeepers linked to clubs like Orlando Pride; influence on team results; leadership within squads led by captains like those from USWNT; and conduct on and off the field with organizations including FIFPro and advocacy groups. The award usually follows an annual calendar tied to international windows set by FIFA and regional confederation schedules managed by CONCACAF.
Over the decades the honor has been recorded in lists that include pioneering recipients from the 1980s and modern stars who have dominated in the 21st century. Notable winners have come from youth development systems affiliated with institutions such as IMG Academy and professional clubs including Chicago Red Stars and OL Reign. The record for most wins by an individual reflects careers that span multiple World Cup cycles and Olympic campaigns; these winners frequently overlap with recipients of other accolades like the Ballon d'Or Féminin and the FIFA Best Women's Player award. Statistical records tied to the award cover metrics such as consecutive wins, youngest winner statistics linked to alumni of Santa Clara University, and positional milestones like most wins by a goalkeeper versus most wins by a forward from programs like Pepperdine University and University of Portland.
Receiving the award often elevates a player's profile within club markets across leagues such as FA Women's Super League, Frauen-Bundesliga, Division 1 Féminine, and NWSL franchises. Past winners have leveraged the recognition to secure transfers involving clubs like Chelsea F.C. Women, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, and FC Barcelona Femení, as well as endorsement partnerships with global brands that sponsor athletes in deals alongside figures from WNBA and NWSL Players Association. The award also shapes public and media narratives in outlets including The Washington Post, Sports Illustrated, and Bleacher Report about the state of women's soccer in the United States. Reception among fans and commentators can be contentious when debates arise comparing club performance in competitions such as the UEFA Women's Champions League with national team contributions during CONCACAF qualifying cycles.
Several players have won the honor multiple times, reflecting sustained excellence across club and international play. Multiple-time winners often include athletes who starred in World Cup-winning squads and Olympic teams, and who played for distinguished programs like University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Stanford University, and clubs such as Portland Thorns FC and Chicago Red Stars. These repeat winners have become influential figures in initiatives with organizations like U.S. Soccer Foundation and Athletes for Hope, shaping youth development and advocacy efforts. Their legacies intersect with broader milestones in women's sport, including increased broadcast coverage by networks like FOX Sports and expanded sponsorship from corporations involved in campaigns featured by Adidas, Nike, and Coca-Cola.
Category:United States soccer trophies and awards