A Hall of Fame Worth Waiting For
The upcoming class of 2027 for the National Soccer Hall of Fame promises to cement the legacies of three U.S. women's soccer stalwarts who have shaped the sport across multiple continents and eras.
Ali Krieger, a defensive mainstay whose 108 caps span three World Cups, has been a cornerstone of the U.S. backline, famously recording 540 consecutive scoreless minutes during the 2015 tournament and competing professionally in the WPS, NWSL, Germany’s Frauen Bundesliga and Sweden.
Julie Johnston Ertz brings a unique blend of versatility and durability, having amassed 123 caps and contributed to World Cup triumphs in 2015 and 2019; her career has included nine seasons in the NWSL with Chicago Red Stars and Angel City FC, as well as a tactical shift from center back to defensive midfielder and back again.
Beyond the Pitch
Megan Rapinoe stands out not only for her 203 caps and two World Cup titles but also for her advocacy, having earned a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022 and championing equal pay, LGBTQ+ rights, and broader social justice causes; her on‑field brilliance was recognized with the Golden Ball and Golden Boot at the 2019 Women’s World Cup.
The trio’s influence extends beyond the pitch; in 2019 they filed a landmark gender‑discrimination and equal‑pay lawsuit that reshaped conversations around sport and equity, while the Hall of Fame’s Screening Committees will soon narrow the ballot before the final vote, with a maximum of six inductees set to be selected for the 2027 class.
As the Hall of Fame prepares to welcome new members, the broader soccer community reflects on how these players have inspired a generation, from the streets of the United States to the pitches of Germany, Canada, and France, where their impact continues to be felt.