Happiest of Birthdays to Former USWNT, Michelle Akers

As today is the birthday of one the most influential women in soccer/football it was only fitting not only wish her happy birthday, but talk about her accomplishments.

Michelle is pioneer in the women’s game. She is one of the original female player’s chosen to represent the US Women’s National Soccer team in the first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup held in China from November 16-November 30, 1991 beating Norway 2-1 for the title. Akers, 25 at the time scored 10 goals in the tournament, awarding her the golden boot.

She continued her career playing for the US women’s national team being called up for the 1996 Olympics held in Atlanta helping her team winn gold medal and the 1999 Women’s World Cup where they won it for the second time on US soil.

Akers is regarded as one of the greatest female soccer players in history. In 2002, she was named one of two players, to be awarded FIFA Female Player of the Century along with China’s Sun Wen.  She received a second honor in 2004 along with fellow, teammate, Mia Hamm‘s, she was hand, selected by Pelé to be named on the FIFA 100, a list of the 100th anniversary. As well as being inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Akers retired from the USWNT in 2000, she remained active in the sport as she continues to promote the soccer as a spokesperson and advocate. In 2022, she served as assistant coach for Orlando pride.