Alyssa Naeher has re-signed with the Chicago Stars for another season. The celebrated goalkeeper will continue her journey with the National Women’s Soccer League team through 2026.
Alyssa Naeher, a celebrated goalkeeper, has re-signed with the Chicago Stars for another year. The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team confirmed this news on Wednesday. Naeher, who is 37 years old, will enter her 11th season with the Stars in 2026.
In a statement, Naeher expressed her desire to keep competing and helping her team improve. She mentioned the positive progress made at the end of last season and her eagerness to build on that success.
Naeher has been a key player for the Stars since joining in 2016 after a trade from the Boston Breakers. Although the Stars have not yet won an NWSL Championship, Naeher has led the team to the playoffs for seven straight years until 2022. She is one of only three players still active in the league since it started in 2013.
As a goalkeeper, Naeher has set several records, including being the first NWSL goalkeeper to achieve 200 starts and appearances. In 2025, she made 75 saves and played over 2,000 minutes in 23 games. Notably, she scored a goal in a match against Seattle Reign, becoming only the third goalkeeper in NWSL history to do so.
The Stars are hopeful for a better season in 2026 after finishing at the bottom of the league last year. They will play all home games at Martin Field, and a new head coach, Martin Sjögren, will join the team in January. Star striker Mal Swanson is also expected to return after missing the entire 2025 season.
Naeher retired from international play last year and received recognition from U.S. Soccer during a friendly match in her hometown. She has had a remarkable career with the U.S. national team, earning 115 caps and becoming the first NWSL goalkeeper nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2024.
