Mia Hamm
“A 1999 afternoon, 158 goals, and the face American girls still use for a field.”
Hamm debuted for the U.S. women's national team at just 15 and helped win the inaugural 1991 World Cup. She became the global face of women's soccer in 1999, when her goals and charisma carried the U.S. to a riveting home World Cup title before record crowds. That summer made her a national icon.
Teen Prodigy
Mia Hamm joined the U.S. national team at age 15, the youngest player ever to do so. By 19 she was a world champion, helping the United States win the first FIFA Women's World Cup in 1991.
The Face of 1999
Hamm became the breakout star of the 1999 Women's World Cup, a tournament that drew record crowds and ended in a dramatic penalty-shootout victory over China. Her popularity helped transform women's soccer in America.
Record Setter
When she retired in 2004 after a second Olympic gold, Hamm held the all-time international scoring record of 158 goals. She was named FIFA World Player of the Year twice and entered the Hall of Fame in 2007.
Career Timeline
- 1972Born in Selma. An Army childhood next.
- 1991World Cup, youngest on the side.
- 1999The Rose Bowl.
- 2004She retires.
Biggest Hits
- Hamm held the record for most international goals (158) until Abby Wambach passed her in 2013.
- She married baseball star Nomar Garciaparra in 2003.
Portrait: Johnmaxmena2 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons