Carli Lloyd, born on July 16, 1982, is a celebrated American former professional soccer player renowned for her remarkable achievements on the field. A two-time Olympic gold medalist, she clinched gold in both the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics, showcasing her talent and determination. Lloyd's prowess was further highlighted as she played a pivotal role in the United States' triumphs at the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2015 and 2019, solidifying her status as one of the sport's greats.
Throughout her illustrious career, Lloyd made an impressive three hundred sixteen appearances for the U.S. national team, ranking her second in caps. She is also among the top scorers and assist providers for the team, demonstrating her all-around skill. Notably, during the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Final, she made history by scoring three goals, becoming the first player to achieve this feat in a Women's World Cup final.
In addition to her Olympic and World Cup successes, Lloyd earned the prestigious FIFA Player of the Year award twice, in 2015 and 2016. Her contributions to the sport were recognized when she was named the highest-paid female soccer player in the world in March 2021. After a stellar career, she announced her retirement from the national team following four friendly matches in 2021, concluding her international journey on October 26, 2021.
Lloyd's club career included stints with the Chicago Red Stars, Sky Blue FC, and Atlanta Beat in Women's Professional Soccer. She was instrumental in the inaugural season of the National Women's Soccer League with the Western New York Flash, leading her team to a regular season championship. Her memoir, 'When Nobody Was Watching,' published in September 2016, offers insights into her life and career.