In women’s soccer, the United States is really good. Their senior team has won the World Cup four times, and they’ve had some amazing players who are remembered for all they did to make the team great.
Best Women Soccer Players From United States
So, here we have a list of the 20 best women soccer players from the United States, who have scored the most goals for the women’s national team.
20. Mallory Swanson
- Career Span: 2016–
- Matches: 88
- Goals: 32
- Average: 0.36
Mallory Swanson is a great soccer player from the United States. She started playing for the national team when she was just 17 years old. In her first game against Ireland, she scored a goal, making her the youngest player to score for the national team since 2002.
Swanson played in important tournaments like the Olympics. In the 2016 Olympics, she became the youngest U.S. player to score a goal. Over the years, she broke many records, becoming a key player for the team. In 2019, she played in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, helping the U.S. team win the tournament. Despite facing some injuries in the following years, she continued to play well and set new records, scoring goals and making assists.
In early 2023, Swanson scored multiple goals in friendly games and the SheBelieves Cup, showing her skill and dedication. Unfortunately, in April 2023, she got injured during a game against Ireland, tearing her left patella tendon.
19. Lindsay Tarpley
- Career Span: 2003-2011
- Matches: 125
- Goals: 32
- Average: 0.26
Lindsay Tarpley is a talented soccer player from the United States. She started her journey in the U.S. youth teams in 1999, playing for the U-16 team. Later, she became the captain of the U-19 team, scoring seven goals in three games during the CONCACAF qualifying tournament, which led the team to qualify for the first U-19 Women’s World Cup. In the final of the tournament, she scored the winning goal in extra time against Canada.
Tarpley made her senior international debut on January 12, 2003, in a match against Japan. She played a total of 125 international matches. In 2004, she scored her first international goal against Sweden. She was a key player in various tournaments, including the Algarve Cup and the Olympic Games, where she won a gold medal in 2008.
However, her career faced challenges due to injuries. In 2009, she tore a cruciate ligament, which limited her playing time. She was part of the preliminary squad for the 2011 World Cup but got injured and couldn’t participate. In 2013, she joined the Chicago Red Stars in the newly founded NWSL, although she didn’t get a chance to play.
18. Sydney Leroux
- Career Span: 2011–
- Matches: 77
- Goals: 35
- Average: 0.45
Sydney Leroux is a talented soccer player from the United States. She made her first senior national team appearance in 2011 as a substitute against Sweden. In her second game in 2012, she scored five goals against Guatemala, making her the first U.S. player to do so in her second match. Leroux also played in the 2012 Olympics, helping the team win gold.
In 2013, she started a game for the first time, scoring 10 goals and becoming the team’s second-highest scorer that year. She was also part of the 2015 World Cup squad and played in a few matches, including the final, where the U.S. team became world champions.
Leroux took a break in 2016 due to her pregnancy and played only two games in 2017. After that, she wasn’t selected again, partly because of another pregnancy.
17. April Heinrichs
- Career Span: 1986–1991
- Matches: 46
- Goals: 35
- Average: 0.76
April Heinrichs is a remarkable soccer player from the United States. She started playing internationally at the age of 22 in a match against Canada, where the U.S. team won 2-0. Heinrichs quickly became a regular player and scored her first international goal against China in Italy in 1986.
She played a crucial role in the 1991 World Cup final against Norway, helping the USA win their first world championship. During her career, she was known as part of the powerful trio alongside Michelle Akers and Carin Jennings.
Heinrichs won her first major title in the 1991 CONCACAF Women’s Championship, where she scored eight goals, including a hat-trick against Martinique. She was a key player in the World Cup, scoring goals against Brazil and Germany. After winning the World Cup, she retired from international soccer. Heinrichs played a total of 46 games for the national team, scoring 35 goals.
16. Tobin Heath
- Career Span: 2008–
- Matches: 181
- Goals: 36
- Average: 0.2
Tobin Heath is a standout women’s soccer player from the United States. She made her international debut in 2008 against Finland, scoring her first goal in a match against China later that year. Heath participated in various tournaments, including the Olympics and the World Cup. In the 2011 World Cup, she played as a substitute in crucial matches, helping the team secure a silver medal after a tough loss to Japan. Heath also played a significant role in the 2012 London Olympics, winning a gold medal with the U.S. team.
During the 2015 World Cup, Heath played six games, scoring a goal in the final against Japan as the U.S. team clinched the championship. She reached her 100th international match in 2015, contributing to a victory against Costa Rica. In the 2019 World Cup, Heath played in six games, even though she didn’t score a goal. She helped the team reach the final, where the U.S. emerged victorious against the Netherlands. In the 2021 Olympics, Heath played crucial roles in the group stage, assisting in goals and contributing to the team’s advancement to the semi-finals.
Throughout her career, Heath has been a key player for the U.S. women’s soccer team, participating in multiple World Cups and Olympics, and earning medals for her country.
15. Julie Foudy
- Career Span: 1988–2004
- Matches: 274
- Goals: 45
- Average: 0.16
Julie Foudy is one of the best women’s soccer players from the United States. She was a key player in the national team’s successes from the 1991 World Cup to the 2004 Olympic Games, winning two Olympic gold medals and two World Championship titles. Foudy served as the team captain from 2000 until her retirement in 2004. She played in various positions, including attacking and defensive midfield.
Foudy made her international debut in 1988 against France and played a significant role in the 1991 World Cup victory. During her college years from 1989 to 1993, she played for Stanford University. She also had a stint in Sweden with Tyresö FF in 1994. In 1996, she won a gold medal at the Olympic Games in Atlanta.
She was part of the team that won the 1999 World Cup and co-founded the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA) in 2001. Despite an injury during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Foudy played in the final against Brazil, helping the team secure their second Olympic gold medal.
Foudy ended her illustrious career on December 8, 2004, during the Fan Celebration Tour, a series of friendly matches, alongside fellow legends Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, Cindy Parlow, and national coach April Heinrichs, in a match against Mexico.
14. Tisha Venturini
- Career Span: 1992-2000
- Matches: 134
- Goals: 47
- Average: 0.35
Tisha Venturini is a talented women’s soccer player from the United States. She made her international debut in 1992 and quickly became a regular player. Venturini scored her first international goal in 1993 against Germany. She was part of the team that won the 1993 CONCACAF Women’s Championship, which qualified the USA for the 1995 World Cup.
Venturini played in all games at the World Cup, scoring two goals, including one in the third-place match against China. She also participated in the 1996 Olympics, helping the team win the gold medal.
In 1999, Venturini scored the winning goal against China, securing the USA’s spot in the 1999 World Cup. Although she didn’t play much during the tournament, she became a world champion when the team won the final on penalties.
After retiring from playing, Venturini co-founded “The First Soccer Academy” with her former teammates Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly, contributing to soccer development even after her active career.
13. Heather O’Reilly
- Career Span: 2002-2016
- Matches: 231
- Goals: 47
- Average: 0.2
Heather O’Reilly is one of the standout women’s soccer players from the United States, known for her incredible skills and contributions to the national team. She made her international debut in 2002 and went on to play 231 international matches. O’Reilly scored her first international goal in 2006 against Italy.
During her career, O’Reilly achieved significant milestones. She played a vital role in the 2004 Olympics, scoring a crucial goal in the semi-final against Germany. In the 2007 World Cup, she scored key goals in the group stage and in the third-place match against Norway. In the 2008 Olympics, O’Reilly made history by scoring the fastest goal of the Olympic Games, just 40 seconds after kick-off against New Zealand. She continued her success, winning the Women’s Professional Soccer season with Sky Blue FC in 2009.
O’Reilly was part of the squad that won the 2015 World Cup, making her a world champion for the first time. She played her 200th international match in 2014 and continued to be a crucial player for the team. After a successful career, O’Reilly retired from international soccer in 2016 after her match against Thailand, where she scored a goal. Her dedication and achievements have solidified her legacy as one of the best women’s soccer players in the United States.
12. Carin Jennings Gabarra
- Career Span: 1987–1996
- Matches: 119
- Goals: 56
- Average: 0.47
Carin Jennings Gabarra, also known as Carin Gabarra or Carin Jennings-Gabarra after her marriage to Jim Gabarra, is one of the top women’s soccer players from the United States. She made her international debut in 1987, marking the beginning of a remarkable career. In her early years, Gabarra played a significant role in international tournaments. She participated in the unofficial World Cup in China in 1988, where she scored three goals in a game against Japan. She was a key player in the 1991 World Cup, helping the USA become the first women’s world champion. Gabarra scored six goals in the tournament, including a flawless hat trick in the semi-final against Germany, earning her the Golden Ball as the best player in the World Cup.
Gabarra’s achievements continued, and she became the record national player for the United States. She played in multiple major tournaments, including the 1996 Olympics, where she won a gold medal. Gabarra’s 100th international match was against Brazil in 1996, making her the third US player to achieve this milestone.
Throughout her career, Gabarra scored numerous goals, including seven against the German women’s national soccer team, becoming one of the top scorers against Germany alongside Mia Hamm and Patrizia Panico.
Gabarra’s dedication and skill on the field solidified her legacy as one of the best women’s soccer players in US history.
11. Shannon MacMillan
- Career Span: 1993–2005
- Matches: 177
- Goals: 60
- Average: 0.34
Shannon MacMillan is a prominent women’s soccer player from the United States, known for her exceptional skills and contributions to the national team. She made her debut with the U.S. national team in 1994 while studying at the University of Portland, where she was later honored with the prestigious Hermann Trophy as the best collegiate athlete of the year in 1995.
MacMillan had an impressive international career, participating in multiple World Championships in 1995, 1999, and 2003. She played a vital role in the 1999 World Cup, where the United States became world champions on home soil. Additionally, she represented the U.S. in the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, winning a gold medal in 1996. In the semi-final against Norway, she scored a crucial golden goal, securing her team’s place in the final. She continued her professional career in the WUSA league, playing for the San Diego Spirit and earning the title of American Footballer of the Year in 2002.
Throughout her career, MacMillan played 177 international matches and scored 60 goals. She later transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach for the women’s team at UCLA from July 2007 to 2008. MacMillan’s contributions to women’s soccer have left a lasting impact on the sport.
10. Megan Rapinoe
- Career Span: 2006–2023
- Matches: 203
- Goals: 63
- Average: 0.31
Megan Rapinoe is undoubtedly one of the best women’s soccer players from the United States and a significant contributor to the national team’s success. She made her debut in the senior international arena on July 26, 2006, against Ireland, shortly after her 21st birthday. Rapinoe showcased her talent early in her career, scoring her first international goal on October 1, 2006, against Taiwan.
Rapinoe’s notable moments include her participation in the 2004 Women’s U-19 Soccer World Cup in Thailand, where she scored three goals, and her critical role in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup. During the 2011 World Cup, she made impactful contributions, including scoring goals and providing crucial assists. Her performance in the 2011 World Cup helped the U.S. team reach the final, although they were eventually defeated by Japan in a penalty shootout. In 2012, Rapinoe played a vital role in the U.S. team’s success at the London Olympics, where they won the gold medal. She continued to be a key player for the U.S. team in subsequent years, participating in various tournaments and contributing significantly to the team’s victories.
Rapinoe’s standout year came in 2019 when she led the U.S. team to their fourth FIFA Women’s World Cup title. She scored six goals in five games during the tournament and was awarded both the Golden Ball as the best player and the Golden Shoe as the top scorer. Her exceptional performance in the 2019 World Cup solidified her reputation as one of the world’s best soccer players. Despite her successes, Rapinoe and her team faced challenges, including an unexpected defeat against Sweden in the 2021 Olympic Games and a heartbreaking loss to Sweden in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup round of 16, where they were eliminated on penalties.
Rapinoe’s skill, determination, and leadership have made her a revered figure in women’s soccer, inspiring fans worldwide and leaving a lasting legacy in the sport’s history.
9. Christen Press
- Career Span: 2013–
- Matches: 155
- Goals: 64
- Average: 0.41
Christen Press is undeniably one of the best women’s soccer players in the United States. Her career has been marked by significant achievements and contributions to the national team’s successes. Press made an impressive debut for the senior national team on February 9, 2013, scoring two goals against Scotland in a 4-1 win. She continued to showcase her goal-scoring prowess, tallying four goals in a match against Argentina on December 18, 2014. Her consistency and skill earned her a spot on the USA’s roster for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. During the tournament, Press played a crucial role, scoring the 100th World Cup goal for the USA in the group stage match against Australia and contributing to the team’s victory in the final against Japan, securing her first World Cup title.
Press’s journey with the national team continued, and she played a vital role in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she was one of the players who featured in all seven games. She scored her 50th international goal in a friendly win against Sweden on November 7, 2019. In the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Press was a key player for the USA, participating in all six matches. She made significant contributions, scoring goals and assisting her teammates, helping the team secure the bronze medal.
Press’s versatility, goal-scoring ability, and dedication have made her an integral part of the U.S. women’s national team, earning her a place among the top scorers in the team’s history. Her achievements and impact on the field continue to inspire soccer fans around the world.
8. Cindy Parlow
- Career Span: 1996–2004
- Matches: 158
- Goals: 75
- Average: 0.47
Cindy Parlow Cone is indeed one of the best women’s soccer players from the United States and an accomplished coach as well. She had a remarkable playing career and later made significant contributions as a coach.
As a player, Parlow was a key figure for the Tar Heels during her college years, leading them to the US college championship and receiving prestigious awards such as the Hermann Trophy. She quickly transitioned into the national team, becoming a regular starter and playing a vital role in major tournaments like the 1999 World Cup and the 2000 Olympic football tournament. In 2001, she joined the professional league WUSA and played for Atlanta Beat until the league folded in 2003. After winning her second Olympic gold in 2004, Parlow decided to retire from playing due to health reasons. She scored an impressive 75 goals for the US team in 158 games and held the record as the youngest U.S. player to earn her 100th cap at the age of 23 years and 56 days.
Parlow’s involvement in soccer didn’t end with her playing days. In 2012, she became the first female coach of the newly founded NWSL franchise Portland Thorns FC. Under her leadership, the Thorns won the NWSL final in 2013. However, due to personal reasons, she resigned as the coach in December of that year.
Her legacy as both a player and a coach continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations in women’s soccer.
7. Tiffeny Milbrett
- Career Span: 1991–2005
- Matches: 206
- Goals: 100
- Average: 0.49
Tiffeny Milbrett is a famous women’s soccer player from the United States. She started playing for the national team in 1991 against China but didn’t play in the 1991 World Cup. She scored her first international goal in 1992 against Norway. Milbrett played in the 1995 World Cup and helped the USA team finish third. She won an Olympic gold medal in 1996, scoring the winning goal against China. In 1999, she played in the World Cup, where the USA won, and she was the top scorer for her team. She also played in the 2000 Olympics, where her team won silver.
In 2001, she joined the professional league WUSA and played for New York Power. She was named the league’s best player in the first season and scored the league’s first hat trick. In the 2003 World Cup, she scored a goal in the third-place game against Canada.
Milbrett played her 200th international match in 2003 against Italy. She had some disagreements with the national coach and was not considered for the team for a while. She came back in 2005 under a new coach and scored her 100th international goal. Her last international match was in 2005 against Mexico. She played for clubs in Sweden and Canada during her career.
6. Michelle Akers
- Career Span: 1985–2000
- Matches: 155
- Goals: 107
- Average: 0.69
Michelle Akers is one of the best women’s soccer players from the United States. She has been playing for the national team since 1985, scoring the team’s first official goal in a match against Denmark on August 21, 1985.
Akers had a remarkable career, participating in three World Championships and winning the title twice. Her most successful tournament was the 1991 Women’s World Cup, where she became the top scorer with ten goals and also won the silver ball as the second-best player in the tournament. She was the first player to score five goals in a single World Cup game, a feat later matched by her compatriot Alex Morgan in 2019. In 1995, she played only in the opening game of the Women’s World Cup due to a head injury and torn ligaments.
She achieved first place with the national team at the 1996 Summer Olympics and also at the 1999 Women’s World Cup, becoming a world champion for the second time. She scored a total of 107 goals in 155 games for the US national team. It’s worth noting that her official international match count was updated in August 2016, including matches played in January 1995, which were previously not accounted for, bringing her total to 155 games and 107 goals.
5. Alex Morgan
- Career Span: 2010–
- Matches: 213
- Goals: 121
- Average:0.57
Alex Morgan is a top women’s soccer player from the United States, known for her goal-scoring abilities. She played her first senior international match against Mexico on March 31, 2010, scoring her first goal in a match against China on October 6, 2010. Morgan played in several major tournaments, including the World Cup and the Olympics. In the 2011 World Cup, she scored two goals, helping her team reach the final, although they finished in second place after a penalty shootout against Japan. In the 2012 Olympics, Morgan scored a crucial goal in the semifinals against Canada, leading her team to a gold medal victory over Japan in the final.
Morgan continued to excel, reaching her 100th international match in 2016. In the 2019 World Cup, she scored an incredible five goals in a single game against Thailand, matching a record set by her compatriot Michelle Akers in 1991. The USA team won the World Cup, and Morgan received the Silver Shoe award for being one of the tournament’s top scorers.
In the 2020 Olympics, Morgan scored one goal as the USA team won the bronze medal. She also played in the 2023 World Cup, where the team was eliminated in the round of 16 after a penalty shootout against Sweden. Morgan has been a key player for the United States, contributing significantly to the team’s success on the international stage.
4. Kristine Lilly
- Career Span: 1987–2010
- Matches: 354
- Goals: 130
- Average: 0.37
Kristine Lilly is a remarkable women’s soccer player from the United States and one of the top scorers in the national team’s history. She played an essential role in the team’s major successes from the 1991 World Cup to the 2004 Olympic Games, including two Olympic victories and two World Championship titles. Lilly, along with other legends like Mia Hamm, Joy Fawcett, Julie Foudy, and Brandi Chastain, contributed significantly to these achievements.
Lilly, a left-footed attacking midfielder, made her international debut in 1987 at the age of 16. She played for the University of North Carolina and later represented the USA in several international competitions. Throughout her career, she scored 130 goals in 354 international matches, holding the world record for both men and women players. Despite the absence of a permanent women’s professional league in the USA during her playing years, Lilly’s dedication and skill shone. She played in various countries, including Sweden, and co-founded the WUSA, the American professional women’s soccer league, in 2001. Lilly’s impact on the national team was immense; she became the captain and scored goals in critical moments, leading her team to victories.
Lilly’s contributions extended beyond playing; she served as an assistant coach for the Boston Breakers’ NWSL franchise in 2013. Her incredible career, marked by numerous records and achievements, solidified her legacy as one of the greatest women’s soccer players in history.
3. Carli Lloyd
- Career Span: 2005–2021
- Matches: 316
- Goals: 134
- Average: 0.42
Carli Lloyd is one of the most outstanding women’s soccer players from the United States, ranking as the team’s third-highest scorer. She made her senior international debut in 2005, contributing to a 7-0 victory against Ukraine. Over her career, she played in major tournaments, showcasing her skills and determination.
In 2008, Lloyd played a crucial role in the Olympic Games in Beijing, scoring the decisive goal in the final against Brazil, securing a 1-0 win and earning her the title of Footballer of the Year in the USA. She continued her success, scoring vital goals in various competitions, including the 2015 World Cup where she scored a hat-trick in the final against Japan. Lloyd’s exceptional performance in the World Cup earned her the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament and the Silver Shoe as the second-highest goal scorer.
She made history by becoming the third American player to achieve 100 international goals in 2018. Lloyd played her 300th international match in 2021, making her one of the most capped players in US women’s soccer history. After an illustrious career, she announced her retirement from international soccer in 2021, leaving a remarkable legacy as one of the greatest players in the sport’s history.
2. Mia Hamm
- Career Span: 1987–2004
- Matches: 276
- Goals: 158
- Average: 0.57
Mia Hamm is undeniably one of the greatest women’s soccer players of all time. She made her debut for the U.S. women’s national team at the young age of 15 and quickly became a key player for the team. Throughout her career, Hamm played in multiple World Cups and Olympic Games, achieving significant success with the national team. In 1991, Hamm helped the U.S. women’s team win the World Cup, marking her first major international title. She played a crucial role in the team’s victory at the 1996 and 2004 Olympic Games, earning gold medals on both occasions. Additionally, Hamm played a vital role in the 1999 World Cup, where the U.S. team secured their second World Cup title.
Hamm’s contribution to women’s soccer extended beyond her playing career. She was a trailblazer for the sport and inspired countless young athletes. Hamm retired from international soccer in 2004 after a remarkable career, ending with 158 international goals. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, she was named FIFA World Player of the Year twice, in 2001 and 2002.
Although Abby Wambach eventually surpassed Hamm’s goal-scoring record, Hamm’s impact on women’s soccer remains immeasurable. She played a significant role in popularizing the women’s game and inspiring future generations of female soccer players.
1. Abby Wambach
- Career Span: 2001–2015
- Matches: 255
- Goals: 184
- Average: 0.72
Abby Wambach is our Best soccer player for the United States. She started playing for the national team in 2001. Abby scored her first international goal in 2002 against Finland. She did well in many tournaments, like the World Cup and the Olympics. In 2004, she helped the U.S. team win the Olympic gold medal, scoring the winning goal against Brazil. Abby was known for her powerful headers. She scored her 100th international goal in 2009. During the 2011 World Cup, she became the second-highest scorer for the U.S. team, just behind Mia Hamm. In the 2012 Olympics, Abby scored nine goals and became the top scorer in U.S. Olympic history. She reached a total of 150 international goals in 2012. Abby was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2013.
Abby played in the National Women’s Soccer League from 2013 to 2015. She made her 200th international appearance in 2013 and scored her 160th goal, equaling Mia Hamm’s record. In the 2015 World Cup, Abby played in several matches and won the tournament with her team. After that, she announced her retirement in 2015. She played her last international match in December 2015.
Abby Wambach scored 184 international goals, which was a record until 2020 when Christine Sinclair from Canada surpassed her.
