Ali Krieger

Ali Krieger is an American soccer legend, two-time World Cup champion and defender, known for her resilience, leadership, and advocacy. Explore her biography, career highlights, and inspiring quotes.

Introduction

Alexandra Blaire “Ali” Krieger (born July 28, 1984) is an American former professional soccer player who played primarily as a right back or center back.

Her journey reflects perseverance, adaptability across environments (domestic and abroad), and a voice in equality and representation in sport.

Early Life and Family

Ali Krieger was born in Dumfries, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C. Debbie (née Alongi) and Ken Krieger. Kyle, who had his own struggles with addiction and recovery; Ali has often cited her brother’s journey as an influence in her own resilience and growth.

From a young age, Ali played youth soccer with the Prince William Sparklers, coached in part by her father over many years.

In high school, she initially attended Hylton High School (for one year) before transferring to Forest Park High School in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Youth & College Career

Ali Krieger’s collegiate career was at Penn State University, where she played for the Penn State Nittany Lions women’s soccer team from 2003 to 2006. First-Team All-American both as a midfielder and a defender, showcasing her versatility.

Her college statistics include 94 appearances (caps) and 11 goals.

Also during her college years, she played summer soccer for the Northern Virginia Majestics in the W-League (2005).

Professional Club Career

Ali Krieger’s club career has spanned the U.S. and Europe, with successful stints and notable leadership.

• Washington Freedom (2006–2007): Early professional engagement in the United States.

• 1. FFC Frankfurt (Germany, 2007–2012): This was a key period abroad. She helped the club win the Bundesliga, national cup, and UEFA Women’s Cup.

• Washington Spirit (2013–2016): Returning to the NWSL, she became a foundational player, and also went on loan to Tyresö FF in Sweden briefly.

• Orlando Pride (2017–2021): She was traded to Orlando, where she continued her consistent play and leadership, being named to NWSL Best XI among other honors.

• NJ/NY Gotham FC (2022–2023): In the final phase of her career, she played for Gotham, captaining them to the 2023 NWSL Championship, a strong capstone to her club career.

In her last season, she helped Gotham reach the top, and was a finalist for Defender of the Year.

She officially retired at the end of the 2023 NWSL season.

International Career

Ali Krieger made her senior national team debut for the U.S. in 2008. 108 caps for the United States between 2008 and 2021.

She participated in three World Cups:

• 2011 (Germany) — she played full minutes, and the U.S. reached the final (but did not win).

• 2015 (Canada) — she played every minute; the U.S. defense allowed zero goals for a record 540 consecutive minutes, contributing to the U.S. winning the World Cup.

• 2019 (France) — she made multiple appearances, and the U.S. successfully defended its title.

She also represented the U.S. at the 2016 Olympics.

On her honors tally, she earned two World Cup winners’ medals (2015, 2019) and a silver in 2011.

Legacy & Recognition

Ali Krieger’s legacy is robust and multifaceted:

• Defensive excellence & durability: She was a stalwart in defense, known for consistency, fitness, and tactical awareness.

• Leadership & role model: Her longevity and professionalism made her a mentor figure to younger players.

• Breaking barriers & representation: As one of the more vocal LGBTQ+ athletes in women’s soccer, she amplified visibility and inclusion.

• Club and national success: Her contributions to club trophies (in Germany and the U.S.) and world championships cement her standing among elite American women’s soccer players.

She is honored in her home state: Ali Krieger was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, recognized for her excellence and impact.

Personality and Traits

From interviews and accounts, several traits characterize Ali Krieger:

• Resilience: Overcoming injuries, moves abroad, and the pressures of elite sport, she kept performing at a high level.

• Humility & teamwork: Her success-grounded approach emphasizes team over individual praise.

• Voice & advocacy: She has used her platform to support equality, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and social causes.

• Adaptability: Transitioning between clubs, leagues, positions (midfield early, later defense), and cultural environments (U.S., Germany).

• Mentorship spirit: Later in her career, her guidance to younger players and her presence in the locker room were often cited as valuable intangible contributions.

She is sometimes nicknamed “The Warrior Princess,” partly as a play on the German meaning of her surname Krieger (“warrior”) and because of her competitive spirit.

Famous Quotes

Here are several memorable quotes from Ali Krieger that reflect her mindset and values:

“I have fallen a few times and each time I have gotten up and grown as a person … That is where I have learned so much.”

“I feel so fortunate to have had this journey and to be able to share it with so many people.” (on her career)

“Team is the most important thing.” (emphasizing collective over personal performance)

“Representation matters — when someone sees you, they know it can be done.” (on visibility and identity)

These quotes reflect her grounding in growth, humility, and community.

Lessons from Ali Krieger

1. Consistency across years trumps occasional brilliance
   A long, steady career with high reliability often outlasts short bursts of success.

2. Be open to new challenges
   Moving to Germany, shifting positions, adapting to different leagues — she stayed willing to evolve.

3. Use your platform responsibly
   She showed that elite athletes can advocate for representation, equality, and social causes.

4. Resilience is developed
   Setbacks, injuries, competitive pressures — how you recover often defines your legacy.

5. Mentor and uplift others
   By sharing her experience and supporting younger players, she multiplies her impact.

Conclusion

Ali Krieger is more than a decorated athlete — she is a symbol of perseverance, leadership, and integrity in women’s soccer. Her career—from Virginia to Germany, from youth teams to the global stage—demonstrates how hard work, adaptability, and values-driven action build a lasting legacy.