Photos of Ali Krieger from every year of her remarkable soccer career show her longevity in the sport

Meredith CashJan 14, 2024, 03:13 IST

Ali Krieger with the 2019 World Cup trophy (left) and during an early appearance with the USWNT.Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images; Kyle Rivas/Getty Images

Ali Krieger has reached the end of her illustrious professional soccer career.
The two-time World Cup champ and longtime NWSL star announced her retirement before the 2023 season.

Ali Krieger is riding off into the sunset.

The two-time World Cup champion with the US Women's National Team and longtime superstar of the National Women's Soccer League announced her retirement at the start of the 2023 campaign. Now, with NWSL playoffs underway and her NJ/NY Gotham side headed to the semifinals, the stalwart defender is looking to end her career by securing one of the few accolades she has yet to earn over her illustrious professional soccer career: an NWSL title.

But before Krieger rides off into the sunset with a trophy — or loses en route to the championship — let's take a look back at each year of her remarkable, years-long career for club and country:

2007: Krieger headed off to Germany to compete in the Bundesliga with FFC Frankfurt.

Ali Krieger suits up for 1. FFC Frankfurt in Germany's Bundesliga.Thorsten Wagner/Bongarts/Getty Images for DFB

2008: She debuted with the USWNT.

Ali Krieger defends against China's Yasha Gu.Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images

2009: Krieger played on loan for the Washington Freedom of the newly formed Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) league.

Ali Krieger (left) defends against Megan Rapinoe.Andy Mead/YCJ/Icon SMI/Icon Sport Media via Getty Images

2010: She rejoined FFC Frankfurt and found her way back onto the USWNT roster.

Ali Krieger (left) defends against Japan's Aya Miyama.REUTERS/Matt Sullivan

2011: Krieger make her FIFA World Cup debut with the USWNT.

Ali Krieger dribbles upfield during the 2011 FIFA World Cup.Martin Rose/Getty Images

2012: A serious knee injury derailed her Olympic ambitions, but she returned to close out her club career in Germany.

Ali Krieger with FFC Frankfurt.Bongarts/Getty Images

2013: Krieger returned to the states and the national team.

Ali Krieger (left) wins the ball from Sweden's Kosovare Asllani during their 2013 Algarve Cup match.AP Photo/Armando Franca

2014: She helped the USWNT qualify for the World Cup and led the Spirit to their first postseason.

Ali Krieger controls the ball against France.AP Photos/Chris O'Meara

2015: Krieger became a World Cup champion.

Ali Krieger (right) and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher pose with the 2015 World Cup trophy.Mike Hewitt - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

2016: She made her Olympic debut and helped lead Washington to its first NWSL Championship appearance.

Ali Krieger with the USWNT.AP Photo/Chris Szagola

2017: Krieger found a home with a new club but fell out of the USWNT rotation.

Ali Krieger dribbles the ball for the USWNT.AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

2018: Without any national team call-ups, Krieger focused on NWSL play with the Orlando Pride.

Ali Krieger pushes the ball for the Orlando Pride.Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

2019: Krieger hoisted her second World Cup.

Ali Krieger (right) and Alex Morgan celebrate the USWNT's fourth World Cup victory.CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images

2020: She played in several tournaments with the USWNT before COVID-19 shut down the sports world.

Ali Krieger joins USWNT teammates in wearing their shirts inside-out to hide the crest in protest of US Soccer.Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

2021: Krieger played her final season with the Pride.

Ali Krieger controls the ball for the Orlando Pride.Joe Robbins/ISI Photos/Getty Images

2022: She joined NJ/NY Gotham FC.

Ali Krieger runs on the ball during her first season with Gotham FC.Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

2023: Krieger announced that she'd retire at the end of the season.

Ali Krieger hoisted into the air by her Gotham teammates.Jonathan Jones-USA TODAY Sports

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