Ali Krieger retired professional football two years ago after Win the NWSL 2023 championship With Gotham FC, but that does not mean that she has stopped playing.
And that certainly does not mean that she has stopped winning.
The double winner of the World Cup joined his former teammates, as well as new faces, to train the American women’s team at The football tournament (TST) In Cary, in North Carolina, earlier this month. A goal of the United States Médin-de-ans for those under 23 and the midfielder of the University of North Carolina, Evelyn ShoresAssisted by the former teammate of the national team of Krieger, Heather O’Reilly, won the group a second consecutive title at the seven counter-seven tournament and at the price of $ 1 million.
“It was incredible,” said Krieger AthleticsDescribing joining O’Reilly and other former teammates such as Jo Lohman, Carli Lloyd, as well as the former defender and girlfriend of Arsenal Jen Beattie. “It’s simply pleasant to play again with my former teammates, with whom I have won championships over the years, then just to see the young talents increase.”
Sitting in a heat at 100 degrees in the heart of Manhattan, Krieger spoke to Athletics While preparing for another short -term match. This time, it was to play in a charity match five against five called Showdown, organized by his friend, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and The football enthusiast Steve Nash, via his eponymous foundation. The mini-tournoi presented former and current professional basketball players and football players to collect funds for children in need.
“I miss the game so much, so a bit of tempting a weekend both each year is enough for me,” said Krieger Athletics Tuesday before the event.
The hunger to develop the game did not leave it. And although she no longer launches her boots at the highest level, she widens her investment portfolio to restore and stay in the game.
Earlier this year, Krieger has invested Equity in Ligue 1 volleyball (LOVB). She said that she considers female sports not only as a place where she was in competition, but as an ecosystem that deserves to be invested.
“I would love to enter female hockey as well as basketball, and of course, I want to continue to extend my role in the NWSL,” she said, and not only as an analyst, a job she had with ESPN since 2024.
“I want to be a owner and invest fully in an organization so that I can have more impact on the daily side of things,” said Krieger.
It is part of an increasing wave of Former players of the American national women’s team are betting on female sportsEspecially on the league, they have bruised their legs for many years. After retiring from the team, Alex Morgan became a minority investor in the San Diego Wave FC, the club where she closed her player career and where her jersey will be withdrawn in the fall. Lauren Holiday has joined the Caroline’s courage ownership group, while Abby Wambach and Mia Hamm are both part of the high -level investor group behind Angel City FC. Aly Wagner is part of BAY FC property groupWith Brandi Chastain, Danielle Slaton and Leslie Osborne.
Krieger retired professional football While the NWSL reached a major inflection point, when the investors were line up and the deductible assessments rose in the two -digit millions. Today, his vision includes an aid to shape where the game goes afterwards. While the NWSL has announced new expansion teams in Boston and Denver, Krieger thinks that there is more fertile land in the United States
“I think Las Vegas would be incredible,” she said. “Arizona, Atlanta, Austin, they are all incredible cities for football.”
One of the relatives of Virginia-Native’s home is Philadelphia, and she thinks she deserves a team. She also sees room for another team from the New York region, where she has completed her career.
“I would love to see another team in New York one day,” she added. “Rivalries count. They increase the game. “
But rivalries alone do not support the next phase of women’s football. For this, Krieger thinks it is time for the NWSL teams to think and act like clubs.
“It would be great to have this model, just like in Europe, where you start at the level of young people and you travel to the ranks. This consistency generates elite talents. It is not only the children who come to play; There is a structure, but it will take a while. ”
Ali Krieger ended his professional career with Gotham FC in NWSL. (Ira L. Black – Corbis / Getty Images)
This development also involves players of the national team, such as their former TST teammate, Shores, who benefited from a semester of camps dedicated to the development of the age group under 23.
“This path has not always been fluid. (The American head coach) Emma (Hayes) is repairing this,” said Krieger. “Give these young recruits a real chance? It is exciting. And they deserve it if they present themselves in the League.”
Development also adds a level of competition, Krieger believes. “No one guaranteed a place, and that’s how it should be.”
As for the role of Krieger, she will continue to do what she can in the touchline, even if this desire to be in the middle of the action remains.
“When I don’t play, I’m more nervous,” she admitted. “You can’t control anything. In the field, at least you feel like you can help you.
(Top Photo: Marleen Moise / Getty Images)