Ali Krieger is one of the most accomplished and beloved defenders in women’s football today. Over her illustrious career, she has reached the pinnacle of the sport at both the club and international level.
Let’s take a closer look at the life and journey of this legendary American footballer who has inspired countless young female athletes to follow in her footsteps.
Early Life and Background
Born in Virginia to Debbie and Ken Krieger on July 28, 1984, Ali Krieger grew up with football in her blood. Her father played professionally in the NASL for teams like the Philadelphia Fury. When his father instilled a love for the beautiful game in Ali from a young age, Krieger’s brother Kyle was why she started playing soccer.
At age 11, Ali joined her first football club team. She credits her father for first teaching her the fundamentals of defending. His expertise helped mold Ali into the lockdown defender fans adore today.
Ali excelled in high school on the pitch and in the classroom. She was the Washington Post’s Player of the Year while maintaining excellent grades. After graduation, she moved on to play college football at Penn State.
Ali Krieger Rise to Fame
After a successful college career, Ali Krieger was drafted by the New Jersey Wildcats of the W-League in 2007. This marked her first step into professional women’s football. She immediately made an impact and was named Rookie of the Year.
Her stellar play caught the eye of Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga. Signing in 2008 launched Krieger’s career to new heights. She helped lead Frankfurt to the UEFA Women’s Champions League final in her first season.
Over five years in Germany, Krieger emerged as one of the top defenders in the world. Her technical ability, fitness, and reading of the game propelled her into the spotlight.
International Career
Ali Krieger got her first call-up to the United States Women’s National Team in 2008. Since then, she’s been a fixture in the American backline.
She played a pivotal role in the 2011 World Cup despite the US losing to Japan.
Unfortunately, Krieger suffered an ACL injury that ruled her out of the 2012 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying tournament. But she battled back and regained her starting spot in time for the 2015 World Cup. She helped lead the US to defeat Japan 5–2 in the Women’s World Cup final, cementing her legacy.
With over 100 caps, Krieger will go down as one of the greatest American defenders of all time. Her technical skills, passion, and determination make her a world-class right back.
Club Career
In addition to success at the international level, Ali Krieger has starred for several prominent clubs throughout her career.
After her breakthrough stint with Frankfurt, she moved to Tyresö in Sweden. She continued displaying her defensive brilliance, making the 2013 Champions League squad of the season.
Krieger joined the Washington Spirit in 2013 as one of the NWSL’s marquee players. She immediately established herself as a leader and was named captain in 2016. After 5 decorated years in Washington, she moved to Orlando Pride in 2018.
In 2022, at age 38, Krieger joined expansion side Gotham FC. She signed off the perfect farewell season by leading Gotham to the 2023 NWSL Championship before retiring.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ali Krieger’s calm presence on the field and technical prowess make her the prototypical modern outside back. She possesses elite speed to keep up with pacey wingers. Her robust 5’6″ frame also allows her to handle physical duels.
Krieger’s superb positional sense enables her to snuff out opposition attacks. She times her tackling perfectly and rarely dives in recklessly. Her distribution skills are also top-notch, starting attacks from the back with crisp passing.
While rock-solid defensively, Krieger also joins the attack fluidly by providing width. She whips in accurate crosses and even chips in the occasional goal. This versatility makes her a complete, world-class right back.
Off the Pitch
Off the field, Ali Krieger is just as admired for her strength of character. She overcame a serious injury in 2012 to cement her legendary status. This resilience reflects her motivation and determination.
Krieger uses her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality in sports. She promotes inclusion and acceptance at every opportunity.
She enjoys relaxing at home with her partner, fellow soccer star Ashlyn Harris, and their many pets. Krieger and Harris were married in 2019 after publicly announcing their engagement and relationship in People magazine in March of that year. However, in September 2023, Harris filed for divorce from Krieger after nearly 5 years together.
Despite the split, Krieger, 39 years old, continues to inspire people on and off the pitch through her talent, drive, and compassion.
Fan Following
With her success, charisma, and principles, it’s no surprise Ali Krieger has amassed an enormous global fanbase. She has over 936,000 followers on Instagram and 827,000 on Twitter.
Fans are drawn to Krieger’s skill, perseverance, and fun-loving spirit. She engages generously with supporters, taking time for autographs and photos. Krieger often hosts Q&As on social media, providing motivational messages to young players.
For many girls, Krieger’s story gives them the courage to pursue football in a male-dominated landscape. She epitomizes the growth of women’s soccer through her world-class ability and character.
Challenges and Triumphs
Ali Krieger’s path hasn’t been without challenges and setbacks. She has confronted sexism, discrimination, and serious injury throughout her career.
In 2012, Krieger suffered an excruciating ACL tear. She defied expectations after surgery and intensive rehab by regaining her starting spot on the USWNT. This tremendous comeback exemplifies her unrelenting perseverance.
At the 2019 World Cup, Krieger helped the US defend their title. For Krieger, it was sweet redemption after missing the 2015 tournament.
Despite adversity, Ali Krieger remains fiercely optimistic. She turns challenges into motivation to train harder. This resilience inspires teammates, fans, and aspiring players alike.
Impact on Women’s Football
Ali Krieger’s world-class talent has shone a spotlight on women’s football. Young girls now see a future in the sport thanks to heroes like her.
She speaks out boldly for equality and inclusion, determined to create opportunities for the next generation. Krieger understands her platform and ability to drive change.
By excelling on soccer’s biggest stages, she raises the profile of the women’s game. Krieger’s career demonstrates how women can make football a viable career and earn respect.
Thanks to courageous voices like Ali Krieger’s, female players are making progress. But there is still work to be done to achieve pay equity and demolish old stigmas. Krieger’s activism pushes the game forward.
Future Aspirations
Even after a legendary playing career, Ali Krieger has big plans ahead. She aims to keep contributing to the growth of women’s soccer.
Krieger plans to earn her coaching license soon and manage a professional women’s team someday. She wants to develop talent and provide wisdom from her experiences.
You can also expect to see her as a football analyst. Her insight from playing at the highest echelons will provide valued commentary.
Above all, Krieger will continue being a role model and inspiration for female athletes. The platform and status she’s earned enable her to impact lives for generations to come.
Ali Krieger’s Tattoos
In addition to her skills on the pitch, Ali Krieger is known for her meaningful tattoos. She has two prominent designs that reflect her love for soccer and her connection to Germany.
On her side is an inspirational quote in German from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic tale, The Little Prince. It reads: “Man sieht nur mit dem Herzen gut, das Wesentliche ist für die Augen unsichtbar.” This translates to: “One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.” For Krieger, these poetic words resonate deeply.
Krieger also has the word “Liebe” – “Love” in German – tattooed on her inner left forearm. She got this tattoo after spending five years playing professionally in the German Bundesliga. The language and culture made a lasting impression.
Inspirational Quotes
Throughout her illustrious career, Ali Krieger has shared motivational words that resonate deeply with supporters:
“Success isn’t given. You have to go out and earn it.”
“Don’t downgrade your dream just to fit your reality. Upgrade your conviction to match your destiny.”
“You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.”
“Don’t focus on the one example of failure, but on the hundreds of examples of success.”
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying ‘I will try again tomorrow.'”
Krieger’s uplifting messages empower female players to pursue their dreams without limitation. She urges focus, bravery, and perseverance in the face of obstacles.
Awards and Recognitions
Ali Krieger’s brilliance has earned her recognition from many prestigious football organizations. As an individual, she has taken home;
- Washington Post Distinguished All-Met Award: 2013
- NWSL Best XI: 2014, 2017, 2019,2023
- NWSL Second XI: 2013, 2016
- Fox Soccer’s Best Eleven of FIFA Women’s World Cup:2011
- FIFPro: FIFA FIFPro World XI 2016
- IFFHS CONCACAF Woman Team of the Decade 2011–2020
The trophies and accolades affirm Krieger as one of football’s true contemporary legends. Her place among the best female footballers is cemented forevermore.
Fan Testimonials
Ali Krieger has touched many lives through her storied career. Fans express profound gratitude for how she’s inspired them:
“Ali was my role model growing up. Her success proved girls can thrive in football. I’ll never forget that.”
“Seeing Ali become a world-class player motivated me to keep chasing my dreams no matter what.”
“The adversity she overcame taught me how to be resilient. She’s the perfect example of determination.”
“Her activism for equality opened doors for the next generation. We owe so much to trailblazers like Ali.”
“She symbolizes empowerment for women athletes. Ali gives me courage to fight for my place in the game.”
Ali Krieger’s Legacy
Ali Krieger leaves behind a tremendous legacy as she moves into retirement. The world-class defender has achieved almost everything at the club and international level. She has also become an icon in the continued fight for equality in women’s football.
While saying goodbye to playing, Krieger’s passion for growing the game burns bright. She will continue inspiring future stars and advocating for progress. Ali Krieger’s mark on football will never fade.
Conclusion
Ali Krieger’s incredible journey epitomizes female empowerment through football. Her determination led her from a talented Virginia youth player to one of the greatest American defenders of all time. While handling challenges on and off the field, she never lost her ambition or compassion.
Krieger retires a champion both in skill and spirit. For young girls everywhere with dreams in football, she paved the path to endless possibilities. Ali Krieger’s legacy will live on in the progress made possible by heroes like her.
