For the first time since 2008 the United States will have both the men’s and women’s soccer teams competing in the Olympics. If you’re new to watching, then here are the five best USA soccer players at Olympics in Paris this summer.
This article will provide the top five players for both the men and the women.
Let’s start with the women who will be seeking their fifth gold medal and their first since the 2012 Olympics.
Five best USA soccer players at Olympics (women)
1. Naomi Girma
- Position: Defender (center back)
- Number: 4
- Age: 24
Arguably one of the best center backs in the world, Naomi Girma will anchor the USWNT’s defense. The 24-year-old already has 34 appearances for the national team and played every minute of the USWNT’s 2023 World Cup campaign.
2. Mallory Swanson
- Position: Forward (left wing)
- Number: 9
- Age: 26
Mallory Swanson missed the 2023 World Cup with a knee injury but is back and ready to make her mark in a major tournament. Despite suffering the major knee issue in April last year, she still finished as the national team’s top scorer in 2023. She’s fully recovered and has seven goals in 15 appearances for the Chicago Red Stars this season in NWSL.
3. Alyssa Naeher
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Number: 1
- Age: 36
Alyssa Naeher is the oldest player on the USWNT’s roster and still one of the best goalkeepers in the game. If any of the USWNT’s games go to a penalty shootout they’ll be in good hands as Naeher is one of the best at saving penalties.
4. Sophia Smith
- Position: Forward (striker)
- Number: 11
- Age: 23
Sophia Smith is the starting striker for the U.S. and the third leading goal scorer in the NWSL with 10 goals in 14 games. The USWNT struggled to score in their two send-off games with Smith being the only player to find the back of the net.
5. Trinity Rodman
- Position: Forward (right wing)
- Number: 5
- Age: 22
One of the biggest names on the USWNT’s roster is star forward Trinity Rodman. She’s the daughter of basketball legend Dennis Rodman but has made more than a name for herself in her own athletic career.
The 22-year-old has seven goals in 40 appearances for the USWNT but is still looking for her first goal with the national team this calendar year.
The men’s team for the USA is an interesting group as FIFA only allows three players older than 23 to compete in the Summer Games. This means that the U.S. squad is filled with up-and-coming talent.
Five best USA soccer players at Olympics (men)
1. Miles Robinson
- Position: Defender (center back)
- Number: 12
- Age: 27
One of the three overage players on the 18-man roster is center back Miles Robinson. The 27-year-old defender has made 29 appearances for the senior men’s national team. He’s been named into the MLS Best XI two times in his career and signed for FC Cincinnati this year.
2. Tanner Tessmann
- Position: Midfielder
- Number: 8
- Age: 22
Tanner Tessmann is expected to wear the captain’s armband for the team. The midfielder had a sensational season with his Italian club Venezia as he helped the team get promoted back to the top flight of Italy. A fun fact about Tessmann is that he originally committed to be the kicker for Clemson’s football team before switching his commitment to playing soccer.
3. Patrick Schulte
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Number: 1
- Age: 23
In goal for the Stars and Stripes is phenom goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. The Columbus Crew shot stopper has been electric as he won MLS Cup in 2023 and was excellent in his side’s run to the Concacaf Champions Cup final this year. He and Gaga Slonina, the other goalkeeper named to the Olympic roster, are both reliable men to have in goal.
4. Kevin Paredes
- Position: Forward (left wing)
- Number: 7
- Age: 21
One of the brightest youngsters on the roster, Kevin Paredes plays for Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg. Paredes, 21, made 28 league appearances for Wolfsburg last season scoring three goals. He also made three appearances for the senior men’s national team last year.
5. Gianluca Busio
- Position: Midfielder
- Number: 6
- Age: 22
Joining Tessmann in midfield is his Venezia teammate Gianluca Busio. He's an experienced presence with 13 appearances for the senior national team and has scored a goal with them. The chemistry between Busio and Tessmann, who started over 30 games together last season with Venezia, will be key for the USA's midfield.
