Sep 25, 2024, 02:51 PM ET
United States women’s national team starting goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher has re-signed with the Chicago Red Stars for the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League season, the team said on Wednesday.
Naeher’s previous contract was set to expire following this NWSL season. She was among more than 100 impending free agents who became eligible to negotiate with other NWSL teams on Sept. 1.
“I’m excited to be returning to Chicago for my 10th season,” Naeher said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to being on the field with my teammates, competing for championships and continuing to try to make this club the best it can be.”
Naeher played every minute in goal for the USWNT last month in the team’s Olympic gold-medal triumph, which helped earn her a nomination for the Ballon d’Or.
She is a two-time World Cup champion. Naeher holds the record for most saves in NWSL history and has played in more games than any goalkeeper in NWSL history.
Alyssa Naeher holds the record for most saves in NWSL history. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
She has played in the league since its inaugural season in 2013, first with the now defunct Boston Breakers before joining the Chicago Red Stars in 2016.
Naeher has been the Red Stars’ starter since, guiding the team to two appearances in the NWSL Championship.
With the USWNT’s shutout of Brazil in last month’s Olympic gold-medal match, Naeher became the first goalkeeper in women’s soccer history to keep a clean sheet in a World Cup final and an Olympic final.
She was in net for the 2-0 triumph over the Netherlands in the 2019 World Cup final.
“We are thrilled to welcome Alyssa back for her 10th season with the club,” Red Stars general manager Richard Feuz said.
“She has always been invaluable for the club in the goal. Having her world-class talent and leadership on and off the pitch next season, anchoring the team, sets up the Red Stars for an exciting 2025.”
The Red Stars are currently sixth in the NWSL table with five matches to play.
The top eight teams make the NWSL playoffs. Naeher has five shutouts this season.
