Ali Krieger, two-time FIFA World Cup champion and 2023 NWSL title holder, joined ESPN as a soccer studio analyst in March 2024. She contributes to ESPN news and information programs, including SportsCenter, ESPN FC, Futbol Americas, and espnW, and serves as the lead analyst for women’s soccer, including the NWSL, U.S. Women’s National Team, Women’s World Cup, and other major soccer events.

Krieger also serves as co-host for Futbol W, a weekly show dedicated to professional women’s soccer. Futbol W brings top women’s soccer stars and in-depth analysis to fans across multiple ESPN platforms, primarily on ESPN+. Krieger’s unmatched experience, relationships, and insightful opinions help drive interviews and discussions that give fans insight into all aspects of the game.

A distinguished defender with nearly two decades of professional experience, Krieger made her ESPN debut as the lead studio analyst for ESPN’s coverage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. She is now central to ESPN’s coverage of the NWSL, contributing expert analysis and perspective to the network’s coverage.

Krieger retired from professional soccer in 2023 after an 18-year career across the U.S., Germany, and Sweden. She achieved a significant milestone by captaining NJ/NY Gotham FC to their first-ever NWSL Championship before her retirement. As team captain, Krieger led Gotham FC from an unprecedented last place in 2022 to a championship title the next season. The victory highlighted a career filled with perseverance, skill, and significant off-the-field contributions to women’s soccer. She concluded her career as captain of NJ/NY Gotham FC, leading the team to an NWSL championship in her final professional match.

Krieger’s defensive prowess was instrumental in the United States Women’s National Team’s successes in three World Cup tournaments, winning the titles in 2015 and 2019. The 2015 victory notably featured a defense that set a record for holding opponents scoreless for 540 minutes, showcasing Krieger’s defensive mastery.

Krieger’s professional soccer career is distinguished by her remarkable achievements and leadership on and off the field. It spanned several top-tier clubs, including a significant stint at FFC Frankfurt, where she helped the team secure a treble: the German Championship, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Women’s Cup in 2007 — renamed the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2009. She is one of the most decorated stars in the sport.

During her collegiate years at Penn State University, Krieger set a precedent with her versatility, earning All-American honors in two distinct positions on the Nittany Lions team, a testament to her exceptional skill and adaptability. She graduated from the university in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations, and in 2023, she was elected to the Pen State University Board of Trustees.

In addition to her athletic career, Krieger advocates for equity in women’s sports and actively supports LGBTQ+ initiatives.  She is the proud mom to Sloane and Ocean.

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