The National Women's Soccer League Player of the Month is a monthly women's soccer award given to individual players in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). The honor is awarded to the player deemed to have put in the best performances over the past month by a panel selected by the league.
From 2013 to 2022, the winner was selected by the NWSL Media Association, an organization of journalists who regularly cover the league. [1] Since 2023, the winner is selected by the NWSL Media Association and the league's broadcast talent. [2]
Month | Player of the Month | Club | Month's Statline | |
---|---|---|---|---|
April | Christine Sinclair [3] | Portland Thorns FC | 2 G, 1 A in 3 games; Thorns 2–0–1 in April | |
May | Brittany Cameron [4] | Sky Blue FC | 0.5 GAA, 4SHO in 6 games; SBFC 4–1–1 in May | |
June | Lauren Cheney [5] | FC Kansas City | 6 G, 1 A in 5 games; FCKC 4–2–1 in June | |
July | Erika Tymrak [6] | FC Kansas City | 3 G, 1 A in 6 games; FCKC 3–0–3 in July | |
August | Mónica Ocampo [7] | Sky Blue FC | 3 G, in 3 games |
Month | Player of the Month | Club | Month's Statline | |
---|---|---|---|---|
April | Kim Little [8] | Seattle Reign FC | 4G in 4 games; Reign 4-0-0 in April | |
May | Kim Little [9] | Seattle Reign FC | 4G in 5 games; Reign 3-0-2 in May | |
June | Nicole Barnhart [10] | FC Kansas City | 1.1 GAA, 4SHO in 4 games; FCKC 5-0-0 in June | |
July | Kim Little [11] | Seattle Reign FC | 3G, 4A in 6 games; Reign 4-1-1 in July | |
August | Nadia Nadim [12] | Sky Blue FC | 5G, 1A in 2 games; Sky Blue 4-0-0 in August |
Month | Player of the Month | Club | Month's Statline | |
---|---|---|---|---|
April | Christen Press [13] | Chicago Red Stars | 4G, 1A in 2 games; Red Stars 1-0-1 in April | |
May | Sofia Huerta [14] | Chicago Red Stars | 5G, 1A in 5 games; Red Stars 3-0-2 in May | |
June | Kim Little [15] | Seattle Reign FC | 3G, 1A in 3 games; Reigh FC 3-0-0 in June | |
July | Carli Lloyd [16] | Houston Dash | 3G in 3 games; Dash 2-1-1 in July (2-0-1 in Lloyd appearances) | |
August | Crystal Dunn [17] | Washington Spirit | 6G, 1A in 6 games; Spirit 2-1-3 in August |
Month | Player of the Month | Club | Month's Statline | |
---|---|---|---|---|
April | Tobin Heath [18] [19] | Portland Thorns FC | 3 assists in 2 games; Thorns 1-0-1 in April | |
May | Alyssa Naeher [20] | Chicago Red Stars | 3 shutouts, 1 goal allowed in 4 games; Red Stars 3-0-2 in May | |
June | Christine Sinclair [21] | Portland Thorns FC | 3 goals and 1 assist; Thorns 3-0-1 in June | |
July | Estefania Banini [22] | Washington Spirit | 4 goals; Spirit 4-1-0 in July | |
August/Olympics | Christine Sinclair [23] | Portland Thorns FC | Both as "Olympian of the Month" and "Player of the Olympics" | |
September | Allie Long [24] | Portland Thorns FC | 5 goals in 4 games; Thorns 4-0-0 in September |
Month | Player of the Month | Club | Month's Statline | |
---|---|---|---|---|
April | Rose Lavelle [25] | Boston Breakers | 1 goal, 1 assist in 3 games; Breakers 2-1-0 in April | |
May | Sam Kerr [26] | Sky Blue FC | 2 goals, 2 assists in 5 games; Sky Blue FC 3-2-0 in May | |
June | Sam Kerr [27] | Sky Blue FC | 3 goals, 1 assist in 4 games; 30th career goal | |
July | Megan Rapinoe [28] | Seattle Reign FC | 5 goals in 4 games; Reign FC 2-1-1 in July | |
August | Alex Morgan [29] | Orlando Pride | 7 goals, 2 assists, 13 shots on goal, 11 chances created | |
September | Marta [30] | Orlando Pride | 2 goals, 13 chances created, 85.5% passing accuracy |
Month | Player of the Month | Club | Month's Statline | |
---|---|---|---|---|
March | Megan Rapinoe [31] | Seattle Reign FC | 1 goal, 1 assist, 6 shots on goal | |
April | Sofia Huerta [32] | Chicago Red Stars | 2 goals, 6 shots on goal, 9 chances created | |
May | Rachel Daly [33] | Houston Dash | 4 goals, 9 shots on goal, 11 chances created | |
June | Crystal Dunn [34] | North Carolina Courage | 2 goals, 9 shots on goal, 8 chances created | |
July | Lindsey Horan [35] | Portland Thorns FC | 3 goals, 1 assist, 5 shots on goal, 5 chances created | |
August | Samantha Kerr [36] | Chicago Red Stars | 5 goals, 1 assist, 11 shots on goal, 8 chances created |
Month | Player of the Month | Club | Statline | Ref. | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
April | Crystal Dunn | North Carolina Courage | 4 goals, 2 assists, 3 chances created in 3 games | [37] | |
May | Sam Kerr | Chicago Red Stars | 4 goals in 3 games | [38] | |
June | Jess Fishlock | Reign FC | 3 goals, 1 assist, 8 shots, 7 chances created in 3 games | [39] | |
July | Kristen Hamilton | North Carolina Courage | 5 goals and 2 assists; 4 goals in a single match | [40] | |
August | Christen Press | Utah Royals FC | 3 goals, 12 chances created | [41] | |
Month | Player of the Month | Club | Statline | Ref. | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
May | Alex Morgan | Orlando Pride | 4 goals in 4 games | [42] | |
June | Lynn Williams | North Carolina Courage | 4 goals in back-to-back victories | [43] | |
July | Ashley Hatch | Washington Spirit | League-high 3 goals | [44] | |
August | Megan Rapinoe | OL Reign | League-high 4 goals | [45] | |
September | Bethany Balcer | OL Reign | 3 goals in 3 games, leading Golden Boot race | [46] | |
October | Margaret Purce | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 3 goals, 17 shots; brace vs. NC | [47] | |
Month | Player of the Month | Club | Statline | Ref. | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
May | Alex Morgan | San Diego Wave FC | Led scoring with 6 goals | [48] | |
June | Sophia Smith | Portland Thorns FC | 5 goals; scored goal or assist in last 5 matches | [49] [50] | |
July | Ebony Salmon | Houston Dash | 4 goals; youngest NWSL player to score a hat-trick | [51] | |
August | Megan Rapinoe | OL Reign | Led scoring with 4 goals, 3 assists | [1] | |
September/ October | Debinha | North Carolina Courage | Hat-trick vs. NJY; 7 goals | [52] | |
Month | Player of the Month | Club | Statline | Ref. | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
March/ April | Sophia Smith | Portland Thorns FC | Hat-trick vs. KC; 4 goals, 4 assists | [53] | |
May | Savannah DeMelo | Racing Louisville FC | Brace vs. KC; 3 goals, 2 assists | [2] | |
June | Sophia Smith (2) | Portland Thorns FC | Hat-trick vs. WAS; 6 goals | [54] | |
July | Savannah McCaskill | Angel City FC | Challenge Cup brace vs. POR; 3 goals | [55] | |
August | Messiah Bright | Orlando Pride | Brace vs. NCC; 3 goals | [56] | |
September/ October | Savannah McCaskill (2) | Angel City FC | 2 goals, 1 assist | [57] | |
Month | Player of the Month | Club | Statline | Ref. | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
March/ April | Bia Zaneratto | Kansas City Current | 4 goals, 3 assists | [58] | |
May | Barbra Banda | Orlando Pride | 7 goals, 1 assist | [59] | |
June | Temwa Chawinga | Kansas City Current | 6 goals, 2 assists | [60] | |
July | Ally Sentnor | Utah Royals | 3 goals, 1 assist | [61] | |
August | Ella Stevens | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 3 goals, 2 assists | [62] | |
September | Temwa Chawinga (2) | Kansas City Current | 4 goals; set record for scoring in consecutive games (8) | [63] | |
October/ November | Temwa Chawinga (3) | Kansas City Current | 5 goals in 4 matches; set all-time season goalscoring record (20); 1st player to score against all active teams in single season | [64] | |
The below table lists players who have won on more than one occasion.
Bold | Indicates current NWSL player |
The 2013 National Women's Soccer League season was the inaugural season of the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States. Including the NWSL's two professional predecessors, Women's Professional Soccer (2009–2011) and the Women's United Soccer Association (2001–2003), this was the seventh overall season of FIFA and USSF-sanctioned top division women's soccer in the United States. The league was operated by the United States Soccer Federation and received major financial backing from that body. Further financial backing was provided by the Canadian Soccer Association and the Mexican Football Federation. All three national federations paid the league salaries of many of their respective national team members in an effort to nurture talent in those nations.
The 2014 National Women's Soccer League season was the second season of the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States. Including the NWSL's two professional predecessors, Women's Professional Soccer (2009–2011) and the Women's United Soccer Association (2001–2003), this was the eighth overall season of FIFA and USSF-sanctioned top division women's soccer in the United States. The league was operated by the United States Soccer Federation and received major financial backing from that body. Further financial backing was provided by the Canadian Soccer Association and the Mexican Football Federation. All three national federations paid the league salaries of many of their respective national team members in an effort to nurture talent in those nations.
The 2015 National Women's Soccer League season was the third season of the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States. Including the NWSL's two professional predecessors, Women's Professional Soccer (2009–2011) and the Women's United Soccer Association (2001–2003), it was the ninth overall season of FIFA and USSF-sanctioned top division women's soccer in the United States. The league was operated by the United States Soccer Federation and received major financial backing from that body. Further financial backing was provided by the Canadian Soccer Association and the Mexican Football Federation. All three national federations paid the league salaries of many of their respective national team members in an effort to nurture talent in those nations.
The 2016 National Women's Soccer League season was the fourth season of the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States. Including the NWSL's two professional predecessors, Women's Professional Soccer (2009–2011) and the Women's United Soccer Association (2001–2003), it was the tenth overall season of FIFA and USSF-sanctioned top division women's soccer in the United States. The league was operated by the United States Soccer Federation and received significant financial backing from that body. Further financial backing was provided by the Canadian Soccer Association. Both national federations paid the league salaries of many of their respective national team members in an effort to nurture talent in those nations.
The 2017 National Women's Soccer League season was the fifth season of the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States. Including the NWSL's two professional predecessors, Women's Professional Soccer (2009–2011) and the Women's United Soccer Association (2001–2003), it was the eleventh overall season of FIFA- and USSF-sanctioned top-division women's soccer in the United States. The league is operated by the United States Soccer Federation and receives major financial backing from that body. Further financial backing is provided by the Canadian Soccer Association; both national federations pay the league salaries of many of their respective national team members in an effort to nurture talent in those nations.
The National Women's Soccer League Team of the Month, also called the Best XI of the Month since 2022, is a monthly women's soccer award given to individual players in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).
The 2018 Seattle Reign FC season was the club's sixth season of play and their sixth season in the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States. After finishing fifth in the league for two consecutive seasons, the Reign finished third to return to the playoffs, where they lost to Portland Thorns FC in the semi-final.
The 2018 Utah Royals FC season was the team's inaugural season, and its first in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the top division of women's soccer in the United States.
The 2018 Houston Dash season was the team's fifth season as an American professional women's soccer team in the National Women's Soccer League. Before the start of the 2018 season Vera Pauw was appointed as head coach.
The 2018 National Women's Soccer League season was the sixth season of the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States. Including the NWSL's two professional predecessors, Women's Professional Soccer (2009–2011) and the Women's United Soccer Association (2001–2003), it was the twelfth overall season of FIFA and USSF-sanctioned top division women's soccer in the United States. The league is operated by the United States Soccer Federation and receives major financial backing from that body. Further financial backing is provided by the Canadian Soccer Association. Both national federations pay the league salaries of many of their respective national team members in an effort to nurture talent in those nations and take the financial burden off individual clubs.
The 2018 North Carolina Courage season was the team's second season as a professional women's soccer team. North Carolina Courage played in the National Women's Soccer League, the top tier of women's soccer in the United States. On August 5, the Courage clinched the 2018 NWSL Shield for the second consecutive season after a 2–1 win over Portland. The Courage finished the 2018 regular season with only 1 loss and broke the record for most wins in a season (17), most points (57) and most goals (53).
The 2018 Portland Thorns FC season was the team's sixth season of existence. The Thorns played in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the top division of women's soccer in the United States. The Thorns entered the season as defending NWSL Champions.
The 2018 season was Orlando Pride's third season in the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States. The team played its home games at Orlando City Stadium.
The 2019 Utah Royals FC season marks the team's second year of existence and its second season in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the top division of the American soccer pyramid.
The 2019 National Women's Soccer League season was the seventh season of the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States. Including the NWSL's two professional predecessors, Women's Professional Soccer (2009–2011) and the Women's United Soccer Association (2001–2003), it was the thirteenth overall season of FIFA and USSF-sanctioned top division women's soccer in the United States.
The 2019 Portland Thorns FC season was the team's and the league's seventh season of existence. The Thorns play in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the top division of women's soccer in the United States. Due to construction at Providence Park, the Thorns would start the season with six consecutive away matches.
The National Women's Soccer League Goal of the Week is a weekly soccer award given to individual players in the National Women's Soccer League. The honor is awarded by popular social media vote to the player deemed to have scored the best goal over the past week. The award was given out during the 2016—2019 seasons and was reintroduced in 2024, in place of the Player of the Week award, which was awarded from 2013—2023.
The National Women's Soccer League Save of the Week is a weekly soccer award given to individual players in the National Women's Soccer League since 2016. The honor is awarded by popular social media vote to the player deemed to have scored the best save over the past week.
The National Women's Soccer League Rookie of the Month is a monthly women's soccer award given to individual players in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) participating in their first season as a professional.
The 2023 National Women's Soccer League season was the eleventh season of the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States. Including the NWSL's two professional predecessors, Women's Professional Soccer (2009–2011) and the Women's United Soccer Association (2001–2003), it was the 17th overall season of FIFA and USSF-sanctioned top division women's soccer in the United States. Twelve teams compete in the league.