Abby Wambach

Abby Wambach is a retired American professional footballer, born on June 2, 1980, in Rochester, New York. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Wambach began her professional career with the Washington Freedom before moving to Western New York Flash in 2011, where she won the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) championship.

Wambach is known for her incredible skill, strength, goal-scoring ability, and versatility. She has won numerous individual awards, including the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2012, and holds multiple records, such as the most international goals scored by a female or male player in history.

Off the field, Wambach is also recognized for her advocacy and influence, making significant contributions to women's rights and inspiring millions worldwide.

Washington Freedom

• Youth and Early Career: Wambach was born and raised in New York and moved to Florida to join the University of Florida's Gators. She made her first-team debut for Washington Freedom in 2002.

Western New York Flash

• Early Success: Wambach signed with the Western New York Flash in 2011. She led the team to the WPS championship and was named WPS Player of the Year.

International Career

• Record-breaking career: In 2001, Wambach debuted for the United States Women's National Team. Over the next fourteen years, she became the team's all-time top scorer and won numerous titles, including two Olympic gold medals and a FIFA World Cup. 
  Individual Awards: As part of the national team, Wambach won the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2012.

United States Women's National Team

• Debut: Made her debut for the United States in 2001.

Achievements:

• FIFA Women's World Cup: Winner in 2015.
• Olympic Games: Gold medalist in 2004 and 2012.
• Wambach is the all-time top scorer for the United States Women's National Team.

• Position: Primarily a forward, known for her abilities as a striker.
• Skills: Known for her incredible strength, aerial ability, and goal-scoring prowess. Wambach is celebrated for her versatility, powerful shots, and heading ability.

• Family: Wambach is married to Glennon Doyle, a bestselling author.
• Advocacy: Wambach is involved in various advocacy activities and has been a vocal supporter of women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights.

• Abby Wambach is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her advocacy work, determination, and impact in professional football. Her influence on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the pitch, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Most Goals in International Competitions:

• Over 184 goals

FIFA World Player of the Year:

• Winner in 2012

Olympic Gold Medals:

• Winners in 2004 and 2012

FIFA Women's World Cup:

• Winner in 2015

Books

• Wambach, A. (2019) Wolfpack: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power, and Change the Game. New York: Celadon Books.
• Doyle, G. (2020) Untamed. New York: The Dial Press.

Websites

• FIFA: Information about Abby Wambach’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.fifa.com
• U.S. Soccer: Details about Wambach’s career with the United States Women's National Team. Available at: https://www.ussoccer.com

Articles

• BBC Sport: Abby Wambach: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/35144761
• The Guardian: Abby Wambach’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/abby-wambach

Interviews and Documentaries

• Forward (2020): Directed by Abby Wambach. This documentary provides a detailed look at Wambach’s life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Abby Wambach, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.espn.com