Full Breakdown
U.S. Soccer Honors Rose Lavelle and Lilly Reale as Top Players of 2025
1/17/2026, 7:24:39 AM
Rose Lavelle Named Female Player of the Year
Midfielder Rose Lavelle has been awarded the 2025 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. Lavelle, who plays for Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), made her return to the national team in June after recovering from ankle surgery. During her comeback, she participated in six matches, contributing three goals and three assists. In the NWSL regular season, Lavelle scored six goals and provided two assists, including the decisive goal in Gotham's 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit in the NWSL championship, where she was named Most Valuable Player.
Lavelle, a veteran of the national team with a decade of experience, has a total of 27 goals and 27 assists throughout her career. She was a key player in the U.S. Women's National Team's (USWNT) triumph at the 2019 Women's World Cup and the 2024 Olympics. In the voting for the Player of the Year award, Lavelle received 29.2% of the weighted vote, surpassing Sam Coffey with 23.9% and Catarina Macario with 22.3%. The voting panel included national team coaches, players with caps in 2025, U.S. Soccer board members, NWSL coaches, and select media members.
Lilly Reale Recognized as Young Female Player of the Year
Gotham FC defender Lilly Reale has been named the Young Female Player of the Year for 2025. At 22 years old, Reale played in all 26 regular-season matches for Gotham and started in all three playoff games. She received her first senior national team call-up in June after previously representing the U.S. at the youth level, including participation in the under-20 World Cup in 2022. Reale earned 48% of the weighted vote for the Young Player award, followed by Jordyn Bugg with 29.6% and Micayla Johnson with 16.1%.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. Women's National Team coach Emma Hayes expressed her satisfaction with Lavelle's recognition, stating, “I think we all know that Rose is not only one of the best players in the world, but also one of the most fun to watch, and to coach.” Regarding Reale, Hayes noted her strong start to her professional career, highlighting her resilience and potential for growth as a player.
Criticism & Opposition
While the awards celebrate Lavelle and Reale's achievements, some critics argue that the voting process may not fully represent the diverse talent within the league, suggesting that more transparency in the selection criteria could enhance the credibility of the awards.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Rose Lavelle, U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year
- “As far as Lilly, it was a heck of a start to her pro career, but it wasn’t without adversity as well.” — Emma Hayes, U.S. Women's National Team Coach
This recognition of Lavelle and Reale underscores their significant contributions to U.S. soccer and highlights the ongoing development of talent within the sport.
