U.S. Soccer announced the winners of their annual U.S. Soccer Female Player and the U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year, presented by Henkel.
Midfielder Rose Lavelle was voted as the 2025 U.S. Soccer Female Player and defender Lilly Reale was voted as the 2025 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year.
COMMERCE CITY, COLORADO – JUNE 26: Rose Lavelle #16 of the United States celebrates scoring during the second half against Ireland during an international friendly at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on June 26, 2025 in Commerce City, Colorado. (Photo by Ray Bahner/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)
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Lavelle Wins Her First Player of the Year Award
At 30 years old, Lavelle has been with the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) for nearly a decade as she made her senior debut on March 4, 2017 against England.
Over the course of her career, the midfielder was a key player at the 2019 FIFA Women’s WOrld Cup when she scored one of the most iconic goals in U.S. Soccer history. Her goal in the 69th minute secured a 2-0 win for the U.S. as they went on to win their fourth World Cup title along with Lavelle earning the bronze Ball award in the tournament.
At the club level, Lavelle plays in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with Gotham FC and recorded 16 regular season appearances in 2025. She also made seven scoring contributions that led to a 4-2-3 (wins, losses, draws) record as they went on to win the 2025 NWSL Championship.
Although Lavelle began 2025 recovering from an ankle injury, she made her return to international play on June 26. One of her fastest goals was on October 26 against Portugal when she scored in the opening 34 seconds of the game.
“When I look at the past year, it feels like a testament to the support system I had, with my family, the medical staff at Gotham and with the National Team, all my teammates, coaches and friends,” said Lavelle. “I wouldn’t have been in the position to even be up for the award without all of the support I received throughout the year just to get back on the field. So, this award is definitely shared with all the people I was lucky enough to have in my corner along the way.”
Reale Wins Second Player Award of 2025
Alongside Lavelle, Gotham defender Lily Reale was also recognized by U.S. Soccer. Reale played in the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and went on to make her senior debut against Ireland on June 26.
“I am constantly reminded of how special this National Team program is when I reflect on all of the relationships, knowledge, laughs and opportunities that U.S. Soccer has given me over the years,” said Reale. “It was this environment where I first learned what it truly took to reach the next level and just how different each person’s journey will look. Being able to play alongside many of my role models and represent my country at the highest level is something that I’ll never take for granted.
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 19: Lilly Reale #4 of NJ/NY Gotham FC accepts the Rookie of the Year award presented by Ally, during the 2025 NWSL Awards Presented by AT&T at Montgomery Theater on November 19, 2025 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Elsa/NWSL via Getty Images)
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In her club career, Raele also plays for Gotham with Lavelle and won the 2025 NWSL Rookie of the Year award as she recorded 2,217 minutes in 29 matches during her rookie season.
About the Award
The U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year has been awarded every year since 1985. Midfielder Sharon Remer was named the first Female Player of the Year honor and Abby Wambach went on to win the award six times, the most of any player.
For the first time, a different player has won the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year for six consecutive years, according to U.S. Soccer. Lavelle is the 22nd different player to win the award.
The voting process consisted of votes being collected from various U.S. National Team coaches, U.S. National Team players who earned a cap in 2025, members of the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors, U.S. Soccer Athletes’ Council, National Women’s Soccer League head coaches and select media members and administrators.
Additionally, as part of the U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year Award, Henkel will donate $10,000 to a community organization of the winner’s choosing. Reale, who is from Hingham, Mass., selected the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackiegutierrez/2026/01/16/rose-lavelle-and-lilly-reale-win-2025-player-of-the-year-awards/
