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Rose Lavelle has been named the U.S. Soccer Player of the Year for 2025.
The midfielder was joined by her club teammate, Lilly Reale, who earned the U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year honors. Both players feature for Gotham FC, and won the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League Championship with their club.
“When I look at the past year, it feels like a testament to the support system I had, with my family, the medical staff at Gotham and with the National Team, all my teammates, coaches and friends,” Lavelle said, via a press release. “I wouldn’t have been in the position to even be up for the award without all of the support I received throughout the year just to get back on the field. So, this award is definitely shared with all the people I was lucky enough to have in my corner along the way.”
For country, Lavelle made her 2025 debut for the national team on June 26, against the Republic of Ireland, after missing time due to an ankle injury. In her return back to the national team, she scored once and assisted another goal. She started five of her six USWNT appearances in 2025. She scored in two other matches: a goal 34 seconds into the match against Portugal (Oct. 26) and once against New Zealand (Oct. 29).
For Gotham FC, Lavelle started 13 of 16 regular-season appearances, scoring five goals and providing two assists. The Cincinnati, Ohio, native started all three playoff appearances and scored the game-winning goal in the NWSL Championship, in a 1-0 victory against the Washington Spirit. She earned the game’s MVP honor.
Lavelle earned 29.2 percent of the ‘weighted’ vote, with midfielder Sam Coffey (23.9) and forward Catarina Macario (22.3) rounding out the top three. Other nominees were defender Emily Fox and forward Alyssa Thompson.
Reale wins Young Player of the Year
Meanwhile, Reale easily won the U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year honor with 48 percent of the ‘weighted’ vote. Jordyn Bugg compiled 29.6 percent, and Micayla Johnson finished the top three with 16.1 percent of the vote. Other nominees were defender Pearl Cecil and forward Riley Tiernan.
“I am constantly reminded of how special this National Team program is when I reflect on all of the relationships, knowledge, laughs and opportunities that U.S. Soccer has given me over the years,” Reale said, via a press release. “It was this environment where I first learned what it truly took to reach the next level and just how different each person’s journey will look. This year in particular has been one marked by major growth moments, joy and lots of lessons. Through it all, I feel so lucky to have been surrounded by such charismatic teammates, coaches and fans.”
“Being able to play alongside many of my role models and represent my country at the highest level is something that I’ll never take for granted,” she continued. “Looking back on all the incredible players that have won this award in past years only serves as added motivation for me to strive to follow in their footsteps. Thank you to everyone who has guided me on this journey, your support really means the world!”
Reale also took home the NWSL’s Rookie of the Year award, beating out Maddie Dahlien of the Seattle Reign and Tiernan of Angel City FC. She was also named to the league’s Second Best XI.
Reale has been a mixture in both the U.S. senior national team and the U-23 national team. She scored twice for the U-23 team against Germany, to lead the visitors to a 2-1 victory in Europe. Reale made her U.S. senior debut on June 26 against the Republic of Ireland, where she earned her first senior assist. She also featured against Canada (July 2), New Zealand (Oct. 29) and Italy (November).
U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year award winners receive $10,000, donated by Henkel, for a charity or organization of the winner’s choosing. Real chose the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, in her native Massachusetts.
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