American · Rochester, USA · Born 2 June 1980American soccer forward who became the all-time leading international goalscorer in soccer history with 184 goals in 256 appearances for the USWNT.
Mary Abigail Wambach was born on 2 June 1980 in Rochester, New York, the youngest of seven children of Pete and Judy Wambach, and grew up in the nearby suburb of Pittsford. She began playing soccer at four years old after watching her older sister Laura try the sport, and her brother Matthew later described her as fiercely competitive even as a small child, unwilling to accept losing at anything. Wambach starred at the University of Florida before turning professional, quickly establishing herself as one of the most physically dominant forwards in the women's game. Standing nearly six feet tall, Wambach became renowned for her aerial power, heading ability, and predatory instincts in the penalty area, forming a devastating strike partnership with Mia Hamm during their time together with the Washington Freedom — the pair combined for 24 goals and 11 assists in 2003 alone. Wambach helped the United States win Olympic gold in 2004 and 2012, and was part of the squad that won the 2015 World Cup, her final major tournament before retirement. Wambach's most iconic moment came at the 2011 World Cup, when she headed in a stoppage-time equaliser against Brazil in the 122nd minute of a quarter-final, one of the latest goals in World Cup history, sparking a comeback that carried the U.S. to the final on penalties. In June 2013, she surpassed Mia Hamm's world record for international goals by either gender, eventually retiring in 2015 with 184 goals in 255 appearances for the United States — a record that stood for years afterward as the most in international football history, men's or women's. After retiring, Wambach became an outspoken advocate for equal pay in women's sport and published two New York Times bestselling books, "Forward" and "Wolfpack." She was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2019.
All-time leading international goalscorer with 184 goals
How They Played
Physical striker known for exceptional heading ability, positioning in box, and clutch performances
Lasting Impact
Revolutionized women's soccer with aerial ability and leadership, inspiring generation of players
Career Honours
- FIFA World Cup Winner 2015
- Olympic Gold 2004, 2012
- FIFA World Player of the Year 2012
- US Soccer Athlete of the Year 2003-2010
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Freedom | 2002–2003 | 37 | 23 |
| Ajax America Women | 2005–2005 | 3 | 5 |
| Washington Freedom | 2009–2010 | 39 | 21 |
| magicJack | 2011–2011 | 11 | 9 |
| Western New York Flash | 2013–2014 | 29 | 17 |
 USA | — | 256 | 184 |
American Athletes