How Abby Wambach Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Abby Wambach—a timeline of influence.

Abby Wambach is a retired American soccer player, coach, and Hall of Famer, celebrated as one of the sport's all-time greats. From 2003-2015, she was a mainstay of the U.S. women's national team and holds the record as the team's highest all-time goal scorer. With 184 goals, she is second in international goals for both female and male soccer players, behind Christine Sinclair. Wambach received the 2012 FIFA World Player of the Year award, the first American woman to do so in a decade. Her impact extends beyond the field, as evidenced by her inclusion in the 2015 Time 100 list of the world's most influential people.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1991: First Women's World Cup

In 2004, Wambach won an Olympic gold medal. The Olympic win also marked the final international match for veteran players Mia Hamm, Joy Fawcett and Julie Foudy, who had played with the team since the first Women's World Cup in 1991.

1991: Most goals scored by any duo

Michelle Akers (39 goals) and Carin Jennings (16 goals) combined for 55 goals in 1991 as the most goals scored by any duo in U.S. women's national team history.

2003: FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments

In 2003, Wambach competed in FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments.

2007: FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments

In 2007, Wambach competed in FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments.

2011: ESPN names goal as one of the biggest

In 2011, ESPN hailed Wambach's last-minute goal against Brazil in the 2004 Olympics final as one of the five biggest goals in U.S. women's national team history.

2011: FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments

In 2011, Wambach competed in FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments.

2012: Olympics tournaments

In 2012, Wambach competed in Olympics tournaments.

2012: Most goals scored by any duo

Wambach (27 goals) and Alex Morgan (28 goals) combined for 55 goals in 2012, equaling a 21-year-old record set in 1991 by Michelle Akers and Carin Jennings as the most goals scored by any duo in U.S. women's national team history.

2015: FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments

In 2015, Wambach competed in FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments.

2015: Final World Cup

In 2015, prior to playing her fourth World Cup, Wambach declared that the Canada 2015 tournament would be her last. She scored her last goal in official competition during a 1–0 win against Nigeria.

February 2016: Barbie Doll

In February 2016, Mattel unveiled a Barbie doll in Abby Wambach's likeness.

January 29, 2020: Christine Sinclair surpasses Wambach

Up until January 29, 2020, Wambach was the highest all-time international goal scorer for men and women, until surpassed by Canadian National Team Captain Christine Sinclair.