With the highly anticipated World Cup 2023 kicking off on July 20th, let’s look back at the USWNT’s top 10 record goal scorers.
The USWNT is one of the most decorated teams on the international stage, boasting four World Cup titles. Those teams included some prolific goal-scorers, including, most recently, Alex Morgan to early 2000s strike-machine Abby Wambach.
While awaiting the next USWNT star to join the list, 433Futbol reviews the top 10 all-time USWNT scorers to date.
10. Megan Rapinoe — 63 goals
37-year-old Megan Rapino announced her retirement at the end of the 2023 NWSL season, making the trip Down Under her last World Cup.
The iconic midfielder has made nearly 200 appearances with the Red, White, and Blue and scored 63 goals. The 2019 Ballon d’Or winner leaves a significant legacy on and off the pitch, especially for her advocacy for gender equity.
9. Christen Press — 64 goals
Christen Press is one of the more prolific forwards for USWNT, with an impressive record of 64 goals.
During one of her super spells, she recorded 33 goal involvements in 35 games for the Stars and Stripes. Her versatility was vital to the team’s victories in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019.
8. Cindy Parlow — 75 goals
Cindy Parlow scored 75 goals during her 11-year career at the international level. The World Cup winner scored THAT memorable header against Nigeria in the 1999 World Cup.
Parlow notched a remarkable seven-career hat trick for the USWNT on her way to becoming the second youngest American to strike 50 times.
She currently serves as the U.S. Soccer Federation President.
7. Tiffany Milbrett — 100 goals
One of USWNT’s best-ever forwards, Tiffany Milbrett, scored in three World Cups including the victorious 1999 version.
Tiffany Milbrett represented a seminal figure in the evolution of women’s soccer, catalyzing a new generation to pick up and embrace the game.
6. Michelle Akers — 107 goals
Michelle Akers stands as one of the top U.S. women’s soccer scorers ever. She pioneered women’s soccer, leading the U.S. team to their first World Cup victory in 1991, where she scored ten goals, earning the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer.
She and Alex Morgan are the only two USWNT to score five goals in a game at the World Cup.
Akers was also instrumental in the 1996 Olympics, helping the team win the inaugural women’s soccer event.
5. Alex Morgan — 121 goals
Speed, control, and precision are attributes that describe USWNT’s prolific forward Alex Morgan.
The 34-year-old enters her fourth World Cup with 121 international goals and two World Cup titles to boot.
4. Kristine Lilly — 130 goals
Kristine Lilly became one of the top goal scorers for the USWNT through exceptional skill, dedication, and longevity in the sport.
With over 354 international appearances, she’s easily the most-capped player ever, holding the record for men’s and women’s games. The former midfielder/forward found the back of the net 130 times.
3. Carli Lloyd — 134 goals
Two-time Olympic gold and World Cup champion Carli Lloyd is no stranger to the all-time USWNT leaderboard. Her ability to find the back of the net 134 times, even in high-pressure scenarios, makes her one of the most invaluable players in the team’s history.
She scored THAT 16-minute hat trick in the 2015 World Cup Final, including a remarkable goal from the mid-way line.
2. Mia Hamm — 158 goals
Mia Hamm, an undisputed American women’s soccer icon, remains the second-highest goal scorer in USWNT history.
A two-time World Cup winner and a double Olympic gold medalist, Hamm’s remarkable speed, skill, and competitiveness set new standards in the game.
1. Abby Wambach — 184 goals
Abby Wambach is the top record goal scorer for USWNT soccer, with an unparalleled tally of 184 goals in 255 international matches.
Her extraordinary goal-scoring record transcends men’s and women’s soccer, underlining her attacking skills and impact on the sport. Of course, she’s thankful for all the passes.
“I’ve never scored a goal in my life without getting a pass from someone else.”
Photo: Instagram/uswnt
