Gotham Rookie Lily Reale : Rising Star of U.S. Soccer
Discover the story of Gotham FC defender Lilly Reale, who has clinched the prestigious 2025 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year award. Read on to delve into Reale's meteoric rise from a rookie to a senior national team standout, commanding attention with her skill and determination.
Gotham FC defender Lilly Reale has been named the 2025 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year following a remarkable rookie season that quickly elevated her to the senior national team. Reale enjoyed an immediate impact in her first professional campaign, establishing herself as a reliable presence at left back while contributing on both sides of the ball. Reale appeared in all 26 regular-season matches for Gotham and started every postseason game, helping the club capture the NWSL Championship. Her performances also earned her NWSL Rookie of the Year honors after logging more than 2,200 minutes across all competitions.Her club success translated to the international stage. Reale earned her first senior USWNT call-up in June and made her debut with a start against Ireland, where she recorded her first international assist in a shutout victory. She later played a full 90 minutes against Canada in a high-pressure environment and finished the year contributing to multiple clean sheets for the national team.Before breaking into the senior squad, Reale had been a consistent presence in U.S. youth national teams, including appearances at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and stints with the U-23s. Her rapid rise in 2025 highlighted both her versatility and maturity despite her rookie status.Reale earned 48 percent of the weighted vote, comfortably ahead of Jordyn Bugg and Micayla Johnson. As part of the award, Henkel will donate $10,000 to a community organization of her choice, with Reale selecting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, reflecting her roots in Hingham, Mass.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingWith the recognition, Reale becomes the 28th player to win the U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year - an award that can only be earned once - and joins a list that has historically served as a pathway to future World Cup appearances.
Unveiling Lily Reale's Spectacular Journey
Gotham FC defender Lilly Reale has emerged as a rising star in the U.S. soccer scene, securing the coveted 2025 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year award. Her rookie season was nothing short of impressive, with Reale making a name for herself as a dependable left back with a knack for making significant contributions on both defensive and offensive fronts.
Dominating On and Off the Field
Throughout her debut professional campaign, Reale showcased her prowess by appearing in all 26 regular-season matches for Gotham FC and spearheading the team's triumph in clinching the NWSL Championship. Her stellar performances didn't go unnoticed as she was also crowned the NWSL Rookie of the Year, underlining her impact on the pitch. Reale's versatility and maturity shone brightly, highlighting her potential despite her rookie status.
From Club Triumphs to International Success
Reale's success transcended club football to the international arena when she earned her maiden senior USWNT call-up in 2025. Her impressive debut against Ireland, where she provided an assist, set the tone for a remarkable journey that saw her solidify her spot in the national team setup. The defender's contributions in high-pressure matches, including aiding in multiple clean sheets, cemented her status as a key player for the U.S. side.
Lily Reale's Impactful Philanthropy
Alongside her on-field achievements, Reale's commitment off the pitch shone through as she chose to donate the $10,000 award associated with the U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year accolade to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, reflecting her dedication to giving back to her community roots in Hingham, Mass. Her gesture exemplifies the values of sportsmanship and community spirit that define the best athletes.
A Glittering Future Beckons
With her sterling performances and accolades in 2025, Lilly Reale joins an esteemed list of U.S. Soccer Young Female Players of the Year and sets her sights on further milestones. As the 28th recipient of this prestigious award, Reale's journey represents a promising trajectory towards potential appearances in future World Cups, solidifying her status as a standout talent in women's soccer.
