Emerging Stars Shine in 2025: A Year of Breakthroughs for US Soccer

The pool of candidates for this year’s awards is impressively vast, perhaps more so than in recent years. Yet, one player distinctly shines when considering a blend of achievements with both club and country: Richards.

Richards has had a breakout 2025, despite already being an established player prior to this year. With Crystal Palace, he secured two trophies, most notably the FA Cup, which marked the club’s first major silverware. His role with the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) has been pivotal, where he has embraced a leadership position expected to continue through the World Cup.

It is evident that Richards has emerged as one of the most crucial players within the USMNT roster.

While the candidate pool is rich, Macario’s performance throughout 2025 has been particularly exceptional.

After a series of injuries sidelined her in previous years, Macario became a vital asset for the US Women’s National Team (USWNT). With the prominent Triple Espresso players largely unavailable, Emma Hayes sought a leader in the attack, and Macario stepped up. The Chelsea forward scored eight goals in ten matches, outpacing her teammates, and her influence on a relatively young and experimental USWNT was significant.

As the USWNT gears up for a full-strength lineup, Macario has clearly established her place, potentially becoming a central figure leading into 2027.

This year also marked a turning point for many young players vying for spots on the USMNT, and few could have predicted Freeman’s inclusion just a year ago.

Freeman earned his first Major League Soccer (MLS) start in March. By the summer, he was a Gold Cup starter for the USMNT, and by fall, he was on the cusp of being a World Cup contender. This rapid ascent for the fullback followed a strong defensive performance paired with his earlier attacking prowess.

At only 21 years old, Freeman seems poised to become a key player for the United States in the coming years, with immense potential ahead.

Yohannes’ rise felt almost inevitable; however, many were taken aback by how swiftly she adapted.

At just 18, Yohannes has demonstrated her capability to compete against elite midfielders globally. With exceptional vision and passing abilities, she stands out in the USWNT pool. While certain aspects of her game warrant further growth, she possesses several world-class attributes that she brings to her team.

Yohannes’ emergence as a starter for the U.S. is promising, especially given the wealth of talent available; her raw talent may well be unmatched.

The year concluded with the USMNT achieving a near-perfect performance that encapsulated their progress. Facing Uruguay, a team that had previously eliminated them from Copa America, the U.S. triumphed with a decisive 5-1 victory, showcasing a vibrant and youthful group capable of competing with top-tier teams.

In a post-match response, coach Mauricio Pochettino addressed the notion of ‘regulars’ within the squad, reinforcing that each player has something to prove. This match exemplified the USMNT’s depth of talent and ability to showcase brilliance against formidable opponents.

This particular match was significant, not just for the outcome but for what it represented. It was the first women’s match at SoFi Stadium, attended by over 32,000 fans, highlighting the growing prominence of women’s soccer in America. This rematch of the 2024 Olympic Gold Medal game saw Trinity Rodman return from injury, scoring just five minutes into the match, contributing to a 2-0 victory for the USWNT.

This event encapsulated the excitement surrounding the USWNT, characterized by their passion, star power, and ability to secure results against elite teams.

A year ago, it would have been inconceivable to think Musah would not be an integral part of the 2026 World Cup. However, uncertainties now linger about his future participation.

Musah has not donned a USMNT jersey since March, and his struggles at the club level have left his standing with Pochettino uncertain. While he, like teammate Christian Pulisic, opted out of the Gold Cup, he has not been recalled for crucial fall matches, raising questions about his upcoming opportunities.

Rodman’s year was similarly challenging, marred by injuries that limited her contributions to the USWNT. A back injury hindered her early season, allowing just a single appearance against Brazil. Following her brief return, an MCL injury sidelined her once again, preventing her participation in the October matches.

Rodman’s talent is undeniable, and while her NWSL performances have been stellar, her appearances with the national team have been disappointingly scarce. There is hope for a healthier 2026, allowing her to showcase her abilities alongside her fellow Triple Espresso teammates.

Analyzing Tillman’s impact early in the season is complex, but he has undoubtedly made a significant impression on the USMNT.

His transfer to Bayer Leverkusen, reportedly for $41 million, underscores the expectations placed upon him. Tasked with filling the void left by world-class player Florian Wirtz, Tillman has already demonstrated his capacity to thrive at the elite Bundesliga level.

Moreover, his success offers a template for former PSV teammate Ricardo Pepi, suggesting that if Tillman can excel at such heights, so too can Pepi. This ripple effect illustrates the broader implications of an American player’s success for both club and country.

The trendsetter of the year began back in January when Girma became the first women’s soccer player to command a $1 million transfer fee to Chelsea. This milestone soon led to four additional players crossing the seven-figure threshold, including her USWNT teammate Alyssa Thompson, who joined her in London later that year. Girma’s transfer not only marked a significant moment in women’s soccer but also signaled a shift that could reshape the landscape in the future, prompting the NWSL to introduce new roster rules to retain stars like Rodman.