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Ali Krieger

Krieger with the United States national team in 2014

Personal information

Full name

Alexandra Blaire Krieger

Date of birth

July 28, 1984 (age 41)

Place of birth

Dumfries, Virginia, U.S.

Height

5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)

Position(s)

Right back, center back

Youth career

1991–2003

Prince William Sparklers

College career

Years

Team

Apps

(Gls)

2003–2006

Penn State Nittany Lions

(11)

Senior career*

Years

Team

Apps

(Gls)

2005

Northern Virginia Majestics

(0)

2006–2007

Washington Freedom

(0)

2007–2012

1. FFC Frankfurt

(2)

2009

→ Washington Freedom (loan)

(0)

2013–2016

Washington Spirit

(3)

2013

→ Tyresö FF (loan)

(0)

2017–2021

Orlando Pride

(0)

2022–2023

NJ/NY Gotham FC

(0)

International career^‡

2006–2007

United States U23

(0)

2008–2021

United States

108

(1)

Medal record

FIFA Women's World Cup

Representing United States
Winner	2019 France
Winner	2015 Canada
Runner-up	2011 Germany

*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of October 21, 2023
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of January 22, 2021

Alexandra Blaire Krieger (born July 28, 1984), known as Ali Krieger, is a former professional soccer player from the United States. She played as a defender, usually a right back or center back. Ali played over 100 games for the United States national team between 2008 and 2021. With the national team, she won two FIFA Women's World Cups.

Krieger played college soccer for the Penn State Nittany Lions. She was named a top All-American player as both a midfielder and a defender. After college, she joined the German club 1. FFC Frankfurt. There, she helped her team win the league title, national cup, and UEFA Women's Cup in her first season (2007–08). She was the only U.S. national team player at the time who played overseas. In 2013, she moved to the Washington Spirit in the new National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). She later played for the Orlando Pride and NJ/NY Gotham FC. She was the captain of Gotham FC when they won the NWSL Championship in her final season in 2023. Ali Krieger was chosen for the NWSL Best XI (a team of the best players) four times.

Ali Krieger first played for the senior U.S. national team in 2008. She played in three FIFA Women's World Cups. In 2011, she played every minute and reached the final. In 2015, she started every game as part of a defense that didn't let opponents score for a record 540 minutes, helping the U.S. win the championship. In 2019, she played three games as the U.S. defended their title. In 2012, she had a serious knee injury and could not play in the Olympics that year. She made her only Olympic team in 2016, becoming the oldest first-time Olympian for U.S. women's soccer.

Early Life and Soccer Beginnings

Ali Krieger was born in Alexandria, Virginia, near Washington, D.C.. She grew up in Dumfries, Virginia, with her older brother, Kyle. Her father, Ken Krieger, was a professional soccer player and coach. Ali started playing soccer because of her brother.

She played youth soccer for the Prince William Sparklers from age seven to 19. Her father coached the team for 12 years. Ali was one of eight players who stayed with the Sparklers for their entire twelve-year journey.

In high school, Ali went to Hylton High School for one year. Then she moved to Forest Park High School. At Forest Park, she was team captain for three years. She helped her team have their first undefeated season. She was also named the Washington Post's Player of the Year in her senior year.

Playing for Penn State Nittany Lions (2003–2006)

Krieger attended Penn State University from 2003 to 2006. She played for the Nittany Lions women's soccer team. She studied advertising and public relations.

In 2003, Ali started all 25 games for Penn State. She helped Penn State become the Big Ten Conference regular season champion. They reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament. At the end of the season, Krieger was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year. She also set a Big Ten record with four assists in one game.

In 2004, she started all 23 games. Penn State won the Big Ten Conference regular season championship again. She received several honors, including NSCAA All-Mid-Atlantic Region First Team.

In her junior year (2005), Ali played in 20 games and scored seven goals. Penn State was the Big Ten Conference regular season champion. However, before the NCAA Tournament, Krieger broke her leg. This injury needed surgery. A few months later, she had a serious health issue related to blood clots. Doctors told her she was very lucky to have gone to the hospital. She fully recovered and returned for her senior season. Despite her injury, she received many honors in 2005.

In her senior year (2006), Krieger became team captain. She switched from midfield to defense. She played in all 19 games. Penn State won the Big Ten Conference regular season championship and the Big Ten Tournament. They reached the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals. Ali was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Penn State's Most Valuable Player. She was the only Penn State player to be named All-American in two different positions.

Professional Club Career

Early Club Teams (2004–2007)

After her first year at Penn State, Krieger played exhibition matches for the Washington Freedom in 2004.

In 2005, she played as a midfielder for the Northern Virginia Majestics in the W-League. This league allowed college players to keep their eligibility. She played one game for the team. Later in 2005, she returned to the Washington Freedom for more exhibition games. Due to her leg injury and health issues, she did not play for the Freedom in 2006. She joined the Freedom again in 2007 for their first full W-League season.

Playing in Germany: 1. FFC Frankfurt (2007–2012)

Krieger with FFC Frankfurt in 2008

In August 2007, Ali Krieger signed a two-year contract with 1. FFC Frankfurt in Germany. This was the top women's soccer league in Germany. In her first season (2007–08), she helped FFC Frankfurt win the Bundesliga (league title), the national cup, and the UEFA Cup. Krieger and her teammate Gina Lewandowski were the first Americans to win the UEFA Women's Cup.

In 2008, Krieger was chosen for a team in the new Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) league in the U.S. However, she stayed in Germany for the 2008–09 season. She had a foot injury that limited her playing time. In June 2009, Frankfurt allowed her to join the Washington Freedom on loan. This helped her recover and get fit again.

Return to Washington Freedom (2009)

Krieger played her first game for the Washington Freedom in the 2009 WPS season on June 13. She played 10 games in the regular season and had one assist. The Washington Freedom finished third and made it to the playoffs. They lost in the first round.

Back to Frankfurt (2009–2012)

After the WPS season, Krieger returned to FFC Frankfurt for the 2009–10 season. She played 15 games, helping Frankfurt finish third in the Bundesliga. Her contract was extended until June 2011.

She played for Frankfurt in the 2010–11 season, appearing in 14 league games. She also played in four national cup matches, including the final, which Frankfurt won. In March 2011, Krieger decided to return to the U.S. to focus on the national team.

After the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, Krieger went back to Germany for the 2011–12 season. She played 18 games until December. In January 2012, she suffered a serious knee injury while with the U.S. national team. This kept her from playing for the rest of the season.

After six months of recovery, Krieger played for FFC Frankfurt again on September 23, 2012. She played seven games before asking to be released from her contract in December 2012. She wanted to play in the new National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the U.S.

Washington Spirit (2013–2016)

On January 11, 2013, Krieger was assigned to the Washington Spirit for the first NWSL season. She played her first game for the Spirit on April 14, 2013. She played 18 games and scored one goal. The Washington Spirit finished last in the NWSL that season.

Krieger (top left) with Tyresö FF in 2013

In August 2013, after the NWSL season, Krieger joined Tyresö FF in Sweden's top women's league. She signed a short-term contract with other U.S. national team players. She played seven league games and four UEFA Women's Champions League games. In December, Krieger returned to the Washington Spirit for the 2014 season.

Krieger was again assigned to the Washington Spirit for the 2014 season. She played all 22 regular season games, scoring one goal and one assist. The Spirit finished fourth and made the playoffs. They lost in the semifinal. Krieger finished second in voting for NWSL Defender of the Year.

In 2015, Krieger continued with the Washington Spirit. She had a concussion in April but returned to play after the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. She played eight games for the Spirit. The Spirit made the playoffs but lost in the semifinals.

Krieger played her fourth season with the Spirit in 2016. She played 15 regular season games and both playoff matches. She scored two goals, including the first goal in the semifinal, which helped the Spirit win their first semifinal game ever. She was named Spirit Fan Favorite and Spirit Defender of the Year. Krieger was the captain of the Washington Spirit from 2014 to 2016.

Orlando Pride (2016–2021)

Krieger (top, second from left) with the Orlando Pride in 2018

On November 2, 2016, Krieger was traded to the Orlando Pride. She joined other national team players like Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris. Krieger said she was surprised but ready for new opportunities in Orlando.

In 2017, Krieger started every game for the Pride. She helped Orlando finish third and qualify for the playoffs for the first time. Krieger was named to the 2017 NWSL Best XI.

Before the 2018 NWSL season, Krieger signed a new contract with the Orlando Pride. On July 14, she played her 100th NWSL career game.

NJ/NY Gotham FC (2022–2023)

On December 6, 2021, Krieger was traded to Gotham FC along with Ashlyn Harris.

In her final season before retiring, Krieger won the 2023 NWSL Championship with Gotham. She was also a finalist for NWSL Defender of the Year. On March 23, 2023, Krieger announced that she would retire from soccer at the end of the 2023 NWSL season.

International Career with the U.S. National Team

First Games and Return (2008–2010)

Krieger was first called to the U.S. women's national team in January 2008. She played her first game on January 16, 2008, against Canada. She played all 90 minutes, helping the U.S. win 4–0. She played one more game in the tournament, which the U.S. won. In June 2008, Krieger was named an alternate for the 2008 Summer Olympics.

In May 2010, Krieger returned to the national team for a game against Germany. She came in during the second half to help the U.S. win. She then played in two games against Sweden in July.

Krieger was named to the roster for the 2010 CONCACAF Women's World Cup Qualifying tournament. She was one of the least experienced players on the team. She played in two games against Costa Rica. The U.S. finished third, which meant they had to play Italy to qualify for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. Krieger played in both matches against Italy, helping the U.S. qualify.

2011 FIFA Women's World Cup

Krieger at a United States women's national team practice in Kansas City in 2011

Krieger joined the national team for the Algarve Cup in Portugal in February 2011. She started in the opening game against Japan and also against Norway. In the final group game, she got her first assist. She started in the final against Iceland, helping the U.S. win the 2011 Algarve Cup.

On May 9, 2011, Krieger was named to the 21-player roster for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. She started all six games of the World Cup. In the quarterfinals against Brazil, the game went to a penalty shootout. Krieger scored the final penalty kick to win the game. The U.S. lost to Japan in the final. Krieger was one of only four U.S. players to play every minute of the tournament. She was named the best right back in the FIFA Women's World Cup by Fox Soccer.

Injury and Comeback (2012–2014)

In January 2012, Krieger was named to the roster for the 2012 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying tournament. In the first game, she suffered a serious knee injury. An MRI showed she had torn two ligaments in her right knee. She had surgery in February. Although she recovered, the Olympic team roster was chosen before she was fully ready.

Krieger returned to the national team in January 2013. In February, she was named to the roster for the 2013 Algarve Cup. On March 8, Krieger scored her first international goal against China. She helped the U.S. win the Algarve Cup title.

Krieger with the United States women's national team in June 2014

In 2014, Krieger started the year at a training camp. She played in games against Canada and Russia. She also played in the 2014 Algarve Cup. She helped the U.S. qualify for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup by playing in the 2014 CONCACAF Women's Championship. She played four games in the tournament, helping the U.S. win.

2015 FIFA Women's World Cup

Ali Krieger in 2015 Women's World Cup in Winnipeg (June 12, 2015)

Krieger started 2015 with a training camp. She played in games against France and England in February. She also played in the 2015 Algarve Cup, which the U.S. won.

On April 14, 2015, Krieger was named to the 23-player team for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. She started all seven games and played almost every minute. She was part of a defense that only allowed three goals in the whole tournament and had five shutouts in a row. Krieger became a World Cup Champion on July 5, when the U.S. defeated Japan 5–2 in the final. After their win, Krieger and her teammates went on a Victory Tour across the U.S.

2016 Summer Olympics

Krieger before the match against Japan on June 5, 2016

Krieger joined the national team for their first training camp of 2016. She was named to the roster for the 2016 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying tournament. The U.S. qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and won the tournament.

Krieger was also on the roster for the 2016 SheBelieves Cup. She helped the U.S. win the tournament.

On July 12, 2016, Krieger was named to the 18-player team for the 2016 Olympic Games. She made her Olympic debut on August 6 against France. She played all 90 minutes of the team's final group game against Colombia. She finished 2016 with 17 appearances for the national team.

Later National Team Appearances (2017–2020)

In 2017, Krieger played in only two games for the national team. She was on the roster for the 2017 Tournament of Nations but did not play.

After not being called up for 18 months, Krieger was included on the U.S. team roster in April 2019. She played a full 90 minutes against Belgium on April 7.

In May 2019, Krieger was named to the final 23-player squad for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. This was her third World Cup. She earned her 100th game for the national team on May 16, 2019. Krieger played three games during the tournament, including the second half of the final against the Netherlands. The U.S. won 2–0, successfully defending their World Cup title.

Krieger was also on the U.S. roster for the 2020 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Championship, which the U.S. won. She was also called up for the 2020 SheBelieves Cup.

Life Outside of Soccer

Media Work

After retiring from playing, Ali Krieger became the host of the ESPN show Futbol W.

Helping Others

In 2014, Krieger started working with the charity MiracleFeet. This organization helps children with clubfoot in developing countries. Krieger said it "means the world to [her] to be able to have this opportunity to help transform a kid's life."

Krieger also works with Garth Brooks' Teammates For Kids Foundation. She spends time with children in various programs through this charity.

In June 2015, Krieger became an ambassador for Athlete Ally. This non-profit organization works to create an accepting environment in sports for everyone.

Coaching Interest

After the 2018 NWSL season, Krieger took part in coaching courses. She earned her U.S. Soccer "C" license. She has said she is interested in coaching at the professional or national team level in the future.

Endorsements

Krieger became a professional athlete with Nike in 2007. She wears Nike cleats and training gear. In 2014, Krieger and teammate Sydney Leroux introduced a workout on the Nike+ Training Club app. In 2015, Krieger appeared in a Nike fitness campaign with teammates Carli Lloyd and Christen Press.

After getting a concussion in 2015, Krieger teamed up with Unequal, a company that makes protective sports gear. She wore a protective headband from them when she returned to play.

Krieger also worked with ZICO and Smuckers for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Achievements and Recognition

After the United States won the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, Krieger and her teammates were honored with a ticker tape parade in New York City. They were the first women's sports team to receive this honor. Each player also received a key to the city from the Mayor. Later that year, President Barack Obama honored the team at the White House.

Krieger was featured in the EA Sports' FIFA video game series in FIFA 16. This was the first time women players were included in the game.

Personal Life

Krieger's last name, "Krieger," means "warrior" in German. She became fluent in German while playing for FFC Frankfurt. Her teammates sometimes call her "The Warrior Princess."

Ali Krieger is very close with her brother, Kyle. He is a YouTube and Instagram personality.

On February 14, 2021, Ali Krieger and her partner, Ashlyn Harris, announced they had adopted their daughter, Sloane Phillips Krieger-Harris. On August 16, 2022, they announced the adoption of their son, Ocean Maeve Krieger-Harris.

Honors and Awards

Washington Freedom

W-League Championship: 2007

FFC Frankfurt

UEFA Women's Cup: 2008
Frauen-Bundesliga: 2008
DFB-Pokal Frauen: 2008, 2011

NJ/NY Gotham FC

NWSL Championship: 2023

United States National Team

FIFA Women's World Cup: 2015, 2019
CONCACAF Women's Championship: 2014
CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament: 2016; 2020
SheBelieves Cup: 2016, 2020
Algarve Cup: 2013, 2015

Individual Awards

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
Big Ten Freshman of the Year: 2003
NSCAA All-America First Team: 2005, 2006
Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year: 2006
Penn State Most Valuable Player: 2006

Images for kids

Krieger with the United States national team in 2014
Krieger with FFC Frankfurt in 2008
Krieger (top left) with Tyresö FF in 2013
Krieger (top, second from left) with the Orlando Pride in 2018
Krieger at a United States women's national team practice in Kansas City in 2011
Krieger with the United States women's national team in June 2014
Ali Krieger in 2015 Women's World Cup in Winnipeg (June 12, 2015)
Krieger before the match against Japan on June 5, 2016