Mia Hamm

About

Mariel Margaret “Mia” Hamm (born March 17, 1972) is an American former professional soccer player who played as a forward and midfielder for the United States national team from 1987 to 2004. She competed in four editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, winning in 1991 and 1999. She won gold at the Olympic Games in 1996 and 2004, and won silver in 2000. She was a founding player of the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA)—the first U.S. professional women’s soccer league—where she played for the Washington Freedom from 2001 to 2003. She played college soccer for the North Carolina Tar Heels, helping the team win four NCAA Division I Championship titles. Hailed as a soccer icon, she is widely considered one of the best and most influential female players of all time.
As of March 2026, Hamm ranks third on the list of most international goals scored, by players of any gender. She ranks fourth in U.S. national team appearances (276) and first in international assists (144). She was twice named FIFA World Player of the Year, was named U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year five years in a row, and won six ESPY awards, including Best Soccer Player, Best Female Soccer Player and Female…