Abby Wambach’s Contribution to Professional Soccer
Mary Abigail Wambach, known better as Abby Wambach, has made stellar contributions to professional soccer that continue to inspire young enthusiasts to enter the professional league. Her most iconic feat is scoring more international goals than any other man or woman in the worldwide professional soccer league, FIFA. With 184 goals across 255 appearances for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), her name is forever etched in soccer history.
Early Life and Soccer Beginnings
Born on June 2, 1980, in Rochester, New York, Wambach was the youngest of seven children and quickly developed a passion for sports. Her mother enrolled her in youth soccer at the age of four, where she began to cultivate the drive and tenacity that would become hallmarks of her career. By high school, Wambach had already made a name for herself, scoring over 140 goals at Our Lady of Mercy High School. Her athletic prowess earned her a scholarship to the University of Florida, where she played for the Florida Gators and led them to an NCAA championship in 1998.
Dominance on the International Stage
During six years of Wambach’s career, she was successfully named the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year. This occurred two consecutive times in 2003 and 2004, then again in 2007, and two more times in 2010 and 2011, before earning the award for a final time in 2013. Within this period, Wambach was also named WPS Player of the Week on seven occasions — a record in the now-defunct Women’s Professional Soccer league.
Between her fifth and sixth times of being named U.S. Athlete of the Year, Wambach was also named the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2012. This made her the first U.S. resident ever — and the fourth female in history — to receive this prestigious title. The award not only acknowledged her athletic skill but also her leadership and influence on the sport worldwide.
Many Recognition Awards at the Height of Wambach’s Career
Wambach performed with flying colors in the 2011 Women’s World Cup, where she scored clutch goals and demonstrated her trademark aerial prowess. Her extra-time header against Brazil in the quarterfinals remains one of the most iconic moments in USWNT history. That goal, assisted by Megan Rapinoe and scored in the 122nd minute, sent the game into penalties and kept U.S. hopes alive. As a result of her heroics, she became the first soccer player of any gender to be named the Associated Press Athlete of the Year.
Besides the 2011 tournament, Wambach also played in the 2003, 2007, and 2015 Women’s World Cups, held in the U.S., China, and Canada respectively. In the 2015 tournament, which marked her final international competition, she helped the team secure its third World Cup title. Though she played a smaller on-field role than in past years, her leadership and mentorship were vital in uniting a team full of rising stars.
Additionally, Wambach competed in two Olympics — 2004 in Athens and 2012 in London — where she helped the U.S. team secure gold medals. Across all Women’s World Cup and Olympic tournaments, she tallied 22 goals in 29 appearances, making her one of the most prolific scorers in the history of women’s international soccer.
Playing Style and Leadership
Abby Wambach wasn’t just known for the goals she scored, but how she scored them. She was particularly dominant in the air — her heading ability unmatched. Standing at 5’11”, she used her height, timing, and strength to her advantage, often out-jumping defenders to score dramatic goals. Her style was aggressive yet graceful, defined by an unrelenting work ethic and a refusal to give up.
Off the pitch, Wambach’s influence was just as significant. She was a vocal leader in the locker room, always encouraging teammates to rise to the occasion. Her experience, courage, and transparency helped foster team unity, even during the most high-pressure moments of international competition.
Author, Advocate, and Inspiration Post-Retirement
Wambach’s love of soccer and influencing future generations did not end with her 2015 retirement. She became an advocate for equality in sports and beyond, using her platform to push for LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and equal pay in athletics.
She wrote and published a New York Times best-selling book, WOLFPACK: How To Come Together, Unleash Our Power, and Change the Game, which was released on April 9, 2019. The book became a manifesto for women seeking to challenge norms and lead with strength and purpose.
Just this April 2024, Wambach announced the upcoming release of her children’s book, “The Wolfpack Way”, set to inspire the youngest dreamers with messages of empowerment and resilience — all with a soccer twist. The book will be available to purchase on Amazon on October 8, 2024.
Where Is Abby Wambach Now After Retirement?
In her personal life, Abby Wambach married author and activist Glennon Doyle on May 14, 2017. The two share a powerful partnership centered around advocacy, social justice, and parenting. They are part-owners of Angel City FC, a Los Angeles-based National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team dedicated to community-driven leadership and equity in sports.
Wambach also co-hosts the popular podcast “We Can Do Hard Things”, where she and Doyle tackle tough conversations around relationships, growth, and healing. Through speaking engagements, podcasting, and philanthropy, she continues to uplift others and challenge norms.
A Lasting Legacy
Wambach’s contributions to soccer and society are undeniable. Her goals were thrilling, her leadership was fierce, and her legacy is transformative. She helped elevate women’s soccer to new heights and opened doors for future athletes to dream bigger.
From the fields of Rochester to the global stage, Abby Wambach has left behind more than records – she’s left a legacy of courage, resilience, and change. Her impact reaches beyond soccer, into classrooms, boardrooms, and living rooms, where young athletes still chant her name and believe they, too, can change the game.
You can evaluate the sports betting odds before placing a bet online for an upcoming soccer game so that you can make wagers accordingly. While Abby Wambach doesn’t play soccer anymore, there are many other groundbreaking and up-and-coming players who are paving the way in professional soccer, thanks in no small part to the legacy she left behind.
