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Mia Hamm
Mia Hamm corner (cropped).jpg
Hamm playing for United States in 1995
Personal information
Full name Mariel Margaret Hamm
Date of birth (1972-03-17) March 17, 1972 (age 52)
Place of birth Selma, Alabama, U.S.
Height 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)
Playing position Forward, midfielder
Youth career
1988 Braddock Road Shooting Stars
1989 Lake Braddock Bruins
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2001–2003 Washington Freedom 49 (25)
National team
1987–2004 United States 276 (158)
Honours
Women's soccer
Representing Flag of the United States.svg United States
FIFA Women's World Cup
Winner 1991 China
Winner 1999 United States
Bronze 1995 Sweden
Bronze 2003 United States
Olympic Games
Gold 1996 Atlanta Team
Gold 2004 Athens Team
Silver 2000 Sydney Team
  • Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of June 28, 2007.

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of June 29, 2007

Mariel Margaret "Mia" Hamm (born March 17, 1972) is an American former professional soccer player, two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion. Hailed as a soccer icon, she played as a forward for the United States national team from 1987 to 2004. Hamm was the face of the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA), the first professional women's soccer league in the United States, where she played for the Washington Freedom from 2001 to 2003. She played college soccer for the North Carolina Tar Heels and helped the team win four NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship titles.

Hamm competed in four FIFA Women's World Cups: the inaugural 1991 tournament in China, 1995 in Sweden, 1999 and 2003 in the United States. She led the team at three Olympic Games — 1996 in Atlanta (the first time women's soccer was played), 2000 in Sydney, and 2004 in Athens. At these seven international tournaments she played in 42 matches and scored 14 goals.

Hamm held the record for most international goals scored until 2013 and remains in third place as of 2023. She ranks fourth in the history of the U.S. team for international caps (276) and first for career assists (144). Hamm was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2001 and 2002. She was chosen by Pelé as one of FIFA's 125 greatest living players in the FIFA 100, to celebrate the organization's 100th anniversary. Hamm was named U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year five years in a row, and won three ESPY awards including Soccer Player of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year. The Women's Sports Foundation named her Sportswoman of the Year in 1997 and 1999. She was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame, Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, Texas Sports Hall of Fame, North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame, and was the first woman inducted into the World Football Hall of Fame.

A co-owner of Los Angeles FC and Angel City FC, Hamm is also a global ambassador for FC Barcelona and is on the board of directors of Serie A club A.S. Roma. Author of Go For the Goal: A Champion's Guide to Winning in Soccer and Life, Hamm has been featured in several films and television shows, including the HBO documentary, Dare to Dream: The Story of the U.S. Women's Soccer Team.

Early life

Born in Selma, Alabama, Hamm was the fourth of six children of Bill and Stephanie Hamm. She wore corrective shoes as a toddler after being born with a club foot. Hamm spent her childhood on various United States Air Force bases around the world with her family. While living in Florence, Italy, Hamm first played soccer, which was hugely popular there; her entire family quickly became involved in the sport. At age five, then living in Wichita Falls, Texas, Hamm joined her first soccer team. Her father coached Mia and her newly adopted brother, 8-year-old Garrett.

Hamm played sports from a young age and excelled as a football player on the boys' team at junior high school. She played at the 1987 U.S. Olympic Festival, the youngest player to play for the United States women's national soccer team. As a new player, she often started as a forward but did not score a goal during her first year on the team. Hamm attended Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke, Virginia, and helped the Lake Braddock soccer team win the 1989 state championships.

Club career

North Carolina Tar Heels, 1989–1993

From 1989 to 1993, Hamm attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she helped the Tar Heels win four NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championships in five years. She red-shirted the 1991 season to focus on preparation for the inaugural 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup in China. North Carolina lost one game of the 95 she played on the team. She earned All-American honors, was named the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Player of the Year for three consecutive years, and was named ACC Female Athlete of the Year in 1993 and 1994. She graduated from North Carolina in 1994 with the ACC records for goals (103), assists (72), and total points (278). In 2003, she and Michael Jordan were named the ACC's Greatest Athletes of the conference's first fifty years.

Hamm was a member of the United States women's national college team that won a silver medal, being defeated by China in the final, at the 1993 Summer Universiade in Buffalo, New York.

Washington Freedom, 2001–2003

In 2001, Hamm was a founding player in the first professional women's soccer league in the United States, the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA), and played for the Washington Freedom from 2001 to 2003. Throughout the league's history, Hamm was hailed as the star of the league and used heavily in marketing and promotion. In a poll of 1,000 advertising executives conducted in 2001, she was voted "the most appealing female athlete", garnering almost twice as many votes as the runner-up Anna Kournikova.

During the league's inaugural match between the Freedom and Bay Area CyberRays at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., Hamm was fouled in the penalty area resulting in a penalty kick that her teammate Pretinha converted to mark the first goal scored in the league. The Freedom won 1–0. In addition to the 34,148 fans in attendance being greater than any MLS game that weekend, the Turner Network Television (TNT) broadcast reached 393,087 households: more than two MLS games broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2. Playing as a midfielder and forward, Hamm played in 19 of the Freedom's 21 matches during the 2001 season. She led the team in goals (6) and assists (4). The Freedom finished in seventh place during the regular season with a 6–12–3 record.

Hamm suffered a knee injury in November 2001 that kept her off the pitch for several months of early 2002. Despite playing only half the 2002 season with the Freedom, she finished the season with eight goals. The team finished in third place during the 2002 season with a 11–5–5 record and advanced to the playoffs. After winning the semi-final against the Philadelphia Charge 1–0, the team was defeated 3–2 by the Carolina Courage in the 2002 WUSA Founders Cup. Hamm scored the Freedom's second goal in the 64th minute.

During the 2003 season, Hamm started in 16 of the 19 games in which she played. Her 11 goals ranked second on the team behind Abby Wambach's 13 while her 11 assists ranked first. The Freedom finished in fourth place during the regular season with a 9–8–4 record and secured a berth in the playoffs. Hamm finished her club career as a WUSA champion when the Freedom defeated the Atlanta Beat 2–1 in overtime to win the Founders Cup on August 24, 2003.

Retirement

On May 14, 2004, Hamm announced her retirement effective after the 2004 Athens Olympics. Following the 2004 Olympics, Hamm and her teammates played in a 10-game farewell tour in the United States. The final match of the tour against Mexico at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California, on December 8, 2004, marked the final international match for Hamm, Julie Foudy, and Joy Fawcett. The U.S. defeated Mexico 5–0 and Hamm assisted on two of the goals.

Hamm retired at age 32 with a record 158 international goals. She and teammates Foudy and Fawcett were honored with a pre-game ceremony where they were presented with framed jerseys and roses in front of 15,549 fans at Home Depot Center in Carson, California. During the 5–0 win against Mexico, Hamm provided the assist on the first two goals. Following her retirement, Hamm's #9 jersey was inherited by midfielder Heather O'Reilly.

International career

Women's national team, 1987–2004

Hamm made her debut for the United States women's national soccer team in 1987 at the age of 15 — just two years after the team played its first international match. She was the youngest person ever to play for the team. She scored her first goal during her 17th appearance. She competed in four FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments: the inaugural 1991 in China, 1995 in Sweden, 1999 and 2003 in the United States. She led the team at three Olympic Games, including: 1996 in Atlanta (the first time women's soccer was played), 2000 in Sydney, and 2004 in Athens. In total, she played 42 matches and scored 14 goals in international tournaments.

Hamm held the record for most international goals scored—by a woman or man—until 2013 and remains in third place as of 2017. She ranks third in the history of the U.S. national team for international caps (276) and first for career assists (144).

1991 FIFA Women's World Cup

In 1991, Hamm was named to the roster for the inaugural FIFA Women's World Cup in China under North Carolina coach Anson Dorrance. At 19 years old, she was still the youngest player on the team. During the team's first match of the tournament, Hamm scored the game-winning goal in the 62nd minute, leading the U.S. to a 3–2 win over Sweden. She also scored once in their second group stage match when they defeated Brazil 5–0. The U.S. squad finished first in Group B after a third win against Japan on November 21 and advanced to the knockout stage of the tournament. During the quarterfinal match, the U. S. defeated Chinese Taipei 7–0. After defeating Germany 5–2 during the semi-final, the U.S. faced Norway in the final. In front of 63,000 spectators, the U.S. clinched the first World Cup championship title after a 2–1 win.

1995 FIFA Women's World Cup

Hamm's second World Cup appearance came during the 1995 tournament in Sweden. The United States were led by head coach Tony DiCicco. During the team's first match of the tournament, she scored the team's third goal in the 51st minute in a 3–3 draw against China PR. The U.S. faced Denmark during its second group stage match. Goals from Kristine Lilly and Tiffeny Milbrett led to a 2–0 win for the U.S. Hamm played goalkeeper for a few minutes after Briana Scurry received a red card and was removed from the match. After defeating Australia 4–1 on June, 10, the U.S. advanced to the knock-out stage and defeated Japan 4–0 in the quarter-final. The U.S. was defeated by eventual champion Norway 1–0 in the semi-finals and captured third place after defeating China PR 2–0 on June 17. Hamm scored the second U.S. goal of the match in the 55th minute.

1996–1998: Atlanta Olympics and 100th international goal

Mia1997
Hamm during a match against Germany, 1997

Hamm was a key part of the U.S. team at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta; this was the first Olympic tournament to include women's soccer. The U.S. faced Denmark in their first preliminary round match. Hamm scored a goal and served an assist to Tiffeny Milbrett to lead the U.S. to a 3–0 win. The team defeated Sweden 2–1 next at the Orlando Citrus Bowl. After tying China 0–0 in their final preliminary round match, the U.S. finished second in Group E. Defeating Norway in the semi-finals, the team faced China in the final. Hamm played despite having foot and groin injuries, suffered during team training and the match against Sweden. Although she was carried off by stretcher in the final minute, her team won their first Olympic gold medal with a 2–1 win witnessed by 76,481 fans in the stadium – the largest crowd for a soccer event in the history of the Olympics and the largest crowd for a women's sports event in the United States.

The 20 goals scored by Hamm in 1998 were the highest annual total of her international career. She also provided 20 assists. On September 18, she scored her 100th international goal in a friendly match against Russia in Rochester, New York. The same year, she led the U.S. to the first-ever Goodwill Games gold medal. Hamm scored five of the team's seven goals at the tournament, including two during the championship match against China.

1999: 108th International goal and FIFA Women's World Cup

MiaHamm Stl 1998
Hamm warming up before a match, 1998

On May 22, 1999, Hamm broke the all-time international goal record with her 108th goal in a game against Brazil in Orlando, Florida. The following month, she led the national team at the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, hosted by the United States. During the team's first group stage match against Denmark, she scored her 110th international goal and served an assist to Julie Foudy as the U.S. won 3–0. Against Nigeria, Hamm's low free kick was knocked into the goal by a Nigerian midfielder. Within a minute, Hamm scored with a free kick. She later served an assist to Kristine Lilly before being substituted in the 57th minute. The U.S. won 7–1 and secured a berth in the quarter-finals. During the team's final group stage match, head coach Tony DiCicco rested a number of players, including Hamm, who was substituted at half-time. The U.S. defeated Korea 3–0 and finished Group A with nine points. In the quarter-finals, the U.S. defeated Germany 3–2. Playing Brazil in the semi-finals, Hamm was knocked down in the penalty area late in the second half; Michelle Akers converted the subsequent penalty and their team won 2–0.

After 90 minutes of scoreless regulation time and 30 minutes of sudden death, the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Final was decided by a penalty shootout between the U.S. and China. The five American players to take penalty kicks, including Hamm, converted; China missed one attempt so that the home team won. The final surpassed the 1996 Atlanta Olympic final as the most-attended women's sports event, with more than 90,000 people filling the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. It held the record until 2014 for the largest U.S. television audience for a soccer match with 17,975,000 viewers. As of July 2015, it ranks third following the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup (25,400,000 viewers) and 2014 FIFA World Cup group stage match between the U.S. men's team and Portugal (18,220,000 viewers).

Immediately following the final, Hamm collapsed in the locker room from severe dehydration. She was treated by medical staff with an intravenous drip and three liters of fluids. After 12 hours of sleep, she joined the team for magazine cover shoots, went to Disneyland for a celebration rally, and made numerous television appearances. A week later, the team met President Clinton at the White House and flew with Hillary and Chelsea Clinton on Air Force One to Cape Canaveral. Her leadership and performance at the 1999 World Cup cemented Hamm as a soccer icon.

2000 Sydney Olympics

Hamm represented the United States at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. During the group stage, she scored a goal against Norway to lift the United States to a 2–0 win. The team tied China 1–1 in their next group stage match before defeating Nigeria 3–1 to finish first in their group. After advancing to the semi-finals where the U.S. faced Brazil, Hamm scored the game-winning goal in the 60th minute. The goal marked the 127th of her international career and set a new record for most goals scored in international play by a woman or man. The U.S. faced Norway in the final and were defeated 3–2 in overtime to earn the silver medal at the Games.

2003 FIFA Women's World Cup

9 mia hamm in 2003 world cup (72237622)
Hamm during the third-place match against Canada at the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup

Originally scheduled for China, the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup was moved to the United States due to the SARS outbreak. Hamm was named to the U.S. roster in August, and stated that it would be her final World Cup appearance. During the team's first group stage match, Hamm's three assists helped the U.S. to a 3–1 win over Sweden. She scored twice against Nigeria and served the assist for the team's third goal to lead the U.S. to a 5–0 win and qualification for the quarter-finals with one match to play. The U.S. faced North Korea in their final group stage match and dominated 3–0. Hamm and a number of others were rested for the game by head coach April Heinrichs; this was the first World Cup match Hamm had missed in her career. The U.S. faced Norway in the quarter-finals; Although the U.S. won 1–0, Hamm was fouled throughout the match as Norway played with physicality to counter the U.S. team. One of Norway's 24 fouls resulted in a penalty kick for Hamm which was saved by the Norwegian goalkeeper. After the U.S. was defeated 3–0 by Germany in the semi-finals, the team defeated Canada 3–1 to secure a third-place finish.

2004: 158th international goal and Athens Olympics

During a friendly game against Australia on July 21, 2004, Hamm scored her 158th international goal setting the record for most international goals scored by any player in the world, male or female. She held the world record until Abby Wambach scored her 159th goal on June 20, 2013. The Australia match also marked Hamm's 259th international appearance; only two of her teammates, Kristine Lilly and Christie Rampone, have played in more international games.

Hamm helped lead the U.S. national team to its second gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens and was selected by her fellow Olympians to carry the American flag at the closing ceremony. During the team's first group stage match against Greece, Hamm served the cross to Shannon Boxx's game-opening goal, and scored the last goal of the match to lift the U.S. to a 3–0 win. During a 2–0 win over Brazil in the second group stage match, Hamm converted a penalty kick for the opening goal. The U.S. finished at the top of Group C with seven points after a 1–1 draw against Australia to advance to the quarter-finals, where they defeated Japan 2–1. During the semi-final match against Germany, Hamm served an assist to Heather O'Reilly who scored in overtime to secure a 2–1 win. The U.S. faced Brazil for a second time at the Games in the gold medal match and won 2–1 in overtime. Her teammates swarmed Hamm after the final whistle to celebrate their second Olympic gold medal and her final win at the Olympics. The game marked the last Olympic appearance for the five remaining players who had helped win the inaugural 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup: Hamm, Julie Foudy, Joy Fawcett, Brandi Chastain, and Kristine Lilly (often referred to as the Fab Five).

Style of play

Regarded as one of the greatest female soccer players of all time, Hamm was an athletic, dynamic, and technically gifted striker, renowned for her speed, skill, footwork, stamina, and ability on the ball, as well as her consistency. An excellent, agile dribbler, she was highly regarded for her control, as well as her grace, pace, and elegance in possession. A prolific goalscorer, she was known for her powerful and accurate striking ability, although she was also a creative and hard-working forward, and a team player, who was equally capable of assisting many goals for her teammates, due to her accurate passing, and was also willing to aid her teammates defensively when possession was lost. She was capable of playing in any offensive position.

Personal life

Nomar Garciaparra Mia Hamm IMG 9534 (4308082305)
Hamm with husband Nomar Garciaparra, 2010

Hamm was first married to her college sweetheart Christian Corry, a United States Marine Corps helicopter pilot; they divorced in 2001 after being married six years. She married then-Boston Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra on November 22, 2003, in Goleta, California, in a ceremony attended by a few hundred guests. On March 27, 2007, Hamm gave birth to twin girls. The couple had a son in January 2012.

Philanthropy

In 1999, Hamm founded the Mia Hamm Foundation following the death of her adopted brother Garrett in 1997 from complications of aplastic anemia, a rare blood disease he had endured for ten years. Dedicated to promoting awareness of and raising funds for families in need of a bone marrow or cord blood transplant, the foundation encourages people to register in the national bone marrow registry and provides funds to UNC Health Care and Children's Hospital Los Angeles. It also focuses on creating opportunities to empower women through sport. Hamm hosts an annual celebrity soccer game in Los Angeles to support the foundation.

Other work

US delegation at 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Final at BC Place 2015-07-05 (1)
Hamm (second from left), with members of the United States delegation at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Final in Vancouver, Canada

Hamm is a global ambassador for FC Barcelona. She is the author of the national bestseller Go For the Goal: A Champion's Guide to Winning in Soccer and Life and juvenile fiction book Winners Never Quit.

In 2012, after Pia Sundhage's departure as head coach of the national team, Hamm joined Danielle Slaton and Sunil Gulati as a member of the search committee for Sundhage's successor. In 2014, she was named to the board of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

In October 2014, Hamm was announced as a co-owner of the future Major League Soccer team, Los Angeles FC. The same month, Hamm joined the board of directors of Serie A club A.S. Roma, owned by American investors. Hamm joined Vice President Joe Biden and Second Lady Jill Biden as members of the United States delegation at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Final in Vancouver, Canada.

Career statistics

Matches and goals scored at World Cup and Olympic tournaments

Hamm competed as a member of the United States national soccer team in four FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments: the inaugural 1991 in China, 1995 in Sweden, as well as 1999 and 2003 in the United States. She competed at three Summer Olympic Games: 1996 in Atlanta, 2000 in Sydney, and 2004 in Athens. All together, she played in 38 matches and scored 13 goals at seven top international tournaments. With her teammates, Hamm finished third at two World Cup tournaments in 1995 and 2003, second at the 2000 Olympics, and first at the four other international tournaments.

Key (expand for notes on “world cup and olympic goals”)
Location Geographic location of the venue where the competition occurred
Lineup Start – played entire match
on minute (off player) – substituted on at the minute indicated, and player was substituted off at the same time

off minute (on player) – substituted off at the minute indicated, and player was substituted on at the same time
(c) – captain

Min The minute in the match the goal was scored. For list that include caps, blank indicates played in the match but did not score a goal.
Assist/pass The ball was passed by the player, which assisted in scoring the goal. This column depends on the availability and source of this information.
penalty or pk Goal scored on penalty-kick which was awarded due to foul by opponent. (Goals scored in penalty-shoot-out, at the end of a tied match after extra-time, are not included.)
Score The match score after the goal was scored.
Result The final score.

W – match was won
L – match was lost to opponent
D – match was drawn
(W) – penalty-shoot-out was won after a drawn match
(L) – penalty-shoot-out was lost after a drawn match

aet The score at the end of extra-time; the match was tied at the end of 90' regulation
pso Penalty-shoot-out score shown in parenthesis; the match was tied at the end of extra-time
Orange background color – Olympic women's football tournament
Blue background color – FIFA women's world cup final tournament
Goal Match Date Location Opponent Lineup Min Score Result Competition
China China 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup Final
1
1
1991-11-17 Panyu Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden Start 62 3–0

3–2 W

Group stage
2
2
1991-11-19 Panyu Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil Start 63 5–0

5–0 W

Group stage
3
1991-11-21 Foshan Flag of Japan.svg Japan {{{4}}}.

on 41' (off Jennings)

3–0 W

Group stage
4
1991-11-24 Foshan Flag of Chinese Taipei (Olympics; 1986–2010).svg Chinese Taipei Start

7–0 W

Quarter-final
5
1991-11-27 Guangzhou Flag of Germany.svg Germany Start

5–2 W

Semi-final
6
1991-11-30 Guangzhou Flag of Norway.svg Norway Start

2–1 W

Final
Sweden Sweden 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup Final
3
7
1995-06-06 Gävle Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China Start 51 3–1

3–3 D

Group stage
8
1995-06-08 Gävle Flag of Denmark.svg Denmark Start

2–0 W

Group stage
9
1995-06-10 Helsingborg Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia Start

4–1 W

Group stage
10
1995-06-13 Gävle Flag of Japan.svg Japan {{{4}}}.

off 61' (on Keller)

4–0 W

Quarter-final
11
1995-06-15 Västerås Flag of Norway.svg Norway Start

0–1 L

Semi-final
4
12
1995-06-17 Gävle Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China Start 55 2–0

2–0 W

Third place match
United States Atlanta 1996 Olympic Women's Football Tournament
5
13
1996-07-21 Orlando Flag of Denmark.svg Denmark {{{4}}}.

off 75' (on Gabarra)

41 2–0

3–0 W

Group stage
14
1996-07-23 Orlando Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden {{{4}}}.

off 85' (on Gabarra)

2–1 W

Group stage
15
1996-07-28 Athens Flag of Norway.svg Norway Start

2–1 aet W

Semi-final
16
1996-08-01 Athens Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China {{{4}}}.

off 89' (on Gabarra)

2–1 W

Gold medal match
United States USA 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup
6
17
1999-06-19 E Rutherford Flag of Denmark.svg Denmark {{{4}}}.

off 88' (on Fair)

17 1–0

3–0 W

Group stage
7
18
1999-06-24 Chicago Flag of Nigeria.svg Nigeria {{{4}}}.

off 57' (on MacMillan)

20 2–1

7–1 W

Group stage
19
1999-06-27 Boston Flag of North Korea.svg Korea DPR {{{4}}}.

off 85' (on Milbrett)

3–0 W

Group stage
20
1999-07-01 Washington Flag of Germany.svg Germany Start

3–2 W

Quarter-final
21
1999-07-04 San Francisco Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil {{{4}}}.

off 85' (on Fair)

2–0 W

Semi-final
22
1999-07-10 Los Angeles Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China Start

0–0 (pso 5–4) (W)

Final
Australia Sydney 2000 Olympic Women's Football Tournament
8
23
2000-09-14 Melbourne Flag of Norway.svg Norway {{{4}}}.

off 70' (on Parlow)

24 2–0

2–0 W

Group stage
24
2000-09-17 Melbourne Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China Start

1–1 D

Group stage
25
2000-09-20 Melbourne Flag of Nigeria.svg Nigeria {{{4}}}.

off 70' (on Parlow)

3–1 W

Group stage
9
26
2000-09-24 Canberra Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil {{{4}}}.

off 79' (on Parlow)

60 1–0

1–0 W

Group stage
27
2000-09-28 Sydney Flag of Norway.svg Norway Start

2–3 aet L

Gold medal match
United States USA 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup
28
2003-09-21 Washington Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden Start

3–1 W

Group stage
10
29 2003-09-25 Philadelphia Flag of Nigeria.svg Nigeria Start 6 pk 1–0

5–0 W

Group stage
11
12 2–0
30
2003-10-01 Foxborough Flag of Norway.svg Norway Start

1–0 W

Quarter-final
31
2003-10-05 Portland Flag of Germany.svg Germany Start

0–3 L

Semi-final
32
2003-10-11 Carson Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada Start

3–1 W

Third place match
Greece Athens 2004 Olympic Women's Football Tournament
12
33
2004-08-11 Heraklion Flag of Greece.svg Greece Start 82 3–0

3–0 W

Group stage
13
34
2004-08-14 Thessaloniki Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil Start 58 1–0

2–0 W

Group stage
35
2004-08-17 Thessaloniki Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia {{{4}}}.

off 67' (on Tarpley)

1–1 D

Group stage
36
2004-08-20 Thessaloniki Flag of Japan.svg Japan Start

2–1 W

Quarter-final
37
2004-08-23 Heraklion Flag of Germany.svg Germany Start

2–1 aet W

Semi-final
38
2004-08-26 Piraeus Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil Start

2–1 aet W

Gold medal match

International goals

No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 25 July 1990 Winnipeg, Canada Flag of Norway.svg Norway 4–0 4–0 Friendly
2. 27 July 1990 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada 3–? 4–1
3. 5 August 1990 Blaine, United States Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union 3–0 8–0
4. ?–0
5. 2 April 1991 Varna, Bulgaria Flag of Bulgaria.svg Bulgaria 2–0 3–0
6. 18 April 1991 Port-au-Prince, Haiti Flag of Mexico.svg Mexico 1–0 12–0 1991 CONCACAF Women's Championship
7. 20 April 1991 Snake Flag of Martinique.svg Martinique ?–0 12–0
8. ?–0
9. 22 April 1991 Flag of Trinidad and Tobago.svg Trinidad and Tobago ?–0 10–0
10. ?–0
11. 28 May 1991 Vianen, Netherlands Flag of the Netherlands.svg Netherlands 2–? 3–4 Friendly
12. 8 August 1991 Yanji, China Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China 2–? 2–2
13. 17 November 1991 Guangzhou, China Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden 3–0 3–2 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup
14. 19 November 1991 Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil 5–0 5–0
15. 14 August 1992 Medford, United States Flag of Norway.svg Norway 1–? 1–3 Friendly
16. 11 March 1993 Agia, Cyprus Flag of Denmark.svg Denmark 1–0 2–0
17. 15 June 1993 Mansfield, United States Flag of Italy.svg Italy ?–0 5–0
18. ?–0
19. 19 June 1993 Columbus, United States Flag of Italy.svg Italy 1–0 1–0
20. 7 July 1993 Hamilton, Canada Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia ?–0 6–0
21. ?–0
22. ?–0
23. 10 July 1993 Flag of Japan.svg Japan ?–0 7–0
24. ?–0
25. 12 July 1993 Flag of Chinese Taipei (Olympics; 1986–2010).svg Chinese Taipei ?–0 3–1
26. 18 March 1994 Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden 1–0 1–0 1994 Algarve Cup
27. 31 July 1994 Fairfax, United States Flag of Germany.svg Germany 1–0 2–1 Friendly
28. 7 August 1994 Worcester, United States Flag of Norway.svg Norway 1–0 4–1
29. ?–?
30. 13 August 1994 Montreal, Canada Flag of Mexico.svg Mexico ?–0 9–0 1994 CONCACAF Women's Championship
31. 17 August 1994 Flag of Trinidad and Tobago.svg Trinidad and Tobago 1–0 11–1
32. ?–0
33. ?–0
34. ?–?
35. 21 August 1994 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada 1–0 6–0
36. 24 February 1995 Orlando, United States Flag of Denmark.svg Denmark ?–0 7–0 Friendly
37. ?–0
38. 14 March 1995 Faro, Portugal Flag of Finland.svg Finland 1–0 2–0 1995 Algarve Cup
39. 12 April 1995 Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada 1–0 5–0 Friendly
40. ?–0
41. ?–0
42. 15 April 1995 Strasbourg, France Flag of France.svg France 3–0 3–0
43. 30 April 1995 Davidson, United States Flag of Finland.svg Finland 6–0 6–0
44. 12 May 1995 Tacoma, United States Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil 1–0 3–0
45. 2–0
46. 19 May 1995 Dallas, United States Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada 1–0 9–1
47. 9–?
48. 6 June 1995 Gävle, Sweden Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China 3–1 3–3 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup
49. 17 June 1995 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China 2–0 2–0
50. 30 July 1995 New Britain, United States Flag of Chinese Taipei (Olympics; 1986–2010).svg Chinese Taipei 2–0 9–0 1995 Women's U.S. Cup
51. 4–0
52. 3 August 1995 Piscataway, United States Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia ?–? 4–2
53. ?–?
54. 6 August 1995 Washington, D.C., United States Flag of Norway.svg Norway 1–1 2–1 (aet)
55. 16 January 1996 Campinas, Brazil Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil 1–0 3–2 Friendly
56. 2 February 1996 Tampa, United States Flag of Norway.svg Norway 1–0 3–2
57. 15 February 1996 San Antonio, United States Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden 3–0 3–0
58. 14 March 1996 Decatur, United States Flag of Germany.svg Germany 5–0 6–0
59. 28 April 1996 Indianapolis, United States Flag of France.svg France 1–0 8–2
60. 3–0
61. 5–0
62. 7–0
63. 21 July 1996 Orlando, United States Flag of Denmark.svg Denmark 2–0 3–0 1996 Summer Olympics
64. 28 February 1997 Melbourne, Australia Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia 4–0 4–0 Friendly
65. 2 May 1997 Milwaukee, United States Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea 1–0 7–0
66. 3–0
67. 4 May 1997 St. Charles, United States Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea 2–0 6–1
68. 3–?
69. 9 May 1997 San Jose, United States Flag of England.svg England 2–0 5–0
70. 3–0
71. 4–0
72. 11 May 1997 Portland, United States Flag of England.svg England 1–0 6–0
73. 31 May 1997 New Brian, United States Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada 2–0 4–0 1997 Women's U.S. Cup
74. 3–0
75. 4–0
76. 5 June 1997 Ambler, United States Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia 3–0 9–1
77. 4–0
78. 8 June 1997 Washington, D.C., United States Flag of Italy.svg Italy 2–0 2–0
79. 12 October 1997 Salzgitter, Germany Flag of Germany.svg Germany 1–0 3–0 Friendly
80. 3–0
81. 11 December 1997 Taubaté, Brazil Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil 1–? 2–1
82. 24 January 1998 Guangzhou, China Flag of Norway.svg Norway 2–0 3–0 1998 Four Nations Tournament
83. 17 March 1998 Loulé, Portugal Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China 1–? 4–1 1998 Algarve Cup
84. 2–?
85. 4–?
86. 24 April 1998 Fullerton, United States Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina 6–1 8–1 Friendly
87. 8–1
88. 8 May 1998 Indianapolis, United States Flag of Iceland.svg Iceland 2–0 6–0
89. 3–0
90. 28 June 1998 Chicago, United States Flag of Germany.svg Germany 2–0 4–2
91. 3–0
92. 4–1
93. 25 July 1998 Uniondale, United States Flag of Denmark.svg Denmark 3–0 5–0 1998 Goodwill Games
94. 4–0
95. 5–0
96. 27 July 1998 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China 1–0 2–0
97. 2–0
98. 12 September 1998 Foxboro, United States Flag of Mexico.svg Mexico 1–0 9–0 1998 Women's U.S. Cup
99. 4–0
100. 18 September 1998 Rochester, United States Flag of Russia.svg Russia 3–0 4–0
101. 4–0
102. 27 January 1999 Orlando, United States Flag of Portugal.svg Portugal 4–0 7–0 Friendly
103. 30 January 1999 Fort Lauderdale, United States Flag of Portugal.svg Portugal 5–0 6–0
104. 27 February 1999 Tampa, United States Flag of Finland.svg Finland 2–0 2–0
105. 2 May 1999 Atlanta, United States Flag of Japan.svg Japan 2–0 7–0
106. 13 May 1999 Milwaukee, United States Flag of the Netherlands.svg Netherlands 4–0 5–0
107. 16 May 1999 Chicago, United States Flag of the Netherlands.svg Netherlands 2–0 3–0
108. 22 May 1999 Orlando, United States Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil 1–0 3–0
109. 6 June 1999 Portland, United States Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada 1–1 4–2
110. 19 June 1999 East Rutherford, United States Flag of Denmark.svg Denmark 1–0 3–0 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup
111. 24 June 1999 Chicago, United States Flag of Nigeria.svg Nigeria 2–1 7–1
112. 3 October 1999 Columbus, United States Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea 2–0 5–0 Friendly
113. 10 October 1999 Louisville, United States Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil 1–0 4–2
114. 3–2
115. 6 February 2000 Fort Lauderdale, United States Flag of Norway.svg Norway 1–1 2–3
116. 16 March 2000 Lagos, Portugal Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden 1–0 1–0 2000 Algarve Cup
117. 5 April 2000 Davidson, United States Flag of Iceland.svg Iceland 6–0 8–0 Friendly
118. 5 May 2000 Portland, United States Flag of Mexico.svg Mexico 5–0 8–0 2000 Women's U.S. Cup
119. 23 June 2000 Hershey, United States Flag of Trinidad and Tobago.svg Trinidad and Tobago 5–0 11–0 2000 CONCACAF Women's Championship
120. 8–0
121. 1 July 2000 Louisville, United States Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada 4–1 4–1
122. 19 July 2000 Göttingen, Germany Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China 1–1 1–1 Friendly
123. 13 August 2000 Annapolis, United States Flag of Russia.svg Russia 4–1 7–1
124. 1 September 2000 San Jose, United States Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil 3–0 4–0
125. 4–0
126. 14 September 2000 Melbourne, Australia Flag of Norway.svg Norway 2–0 2–0 2000 Summer Olympics
127. 24 September 2000 Canberra, Australia Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil 1–0 1–0
128. 9 September 2001 Chicago, United States Flag of Germany.svg Germany 3–1 4–1 2001 Women's U.S. Cup
129. 4–1
130. 21 July 2002 Blaine, United States Flag of Norway.svg Norway 4–0 4–0 Friendly
131. 8 September 2002 Columbus, United States Flag of Scotland.svg Scotland 2–1 8–2
132. 4–2
133. 6–2
134. 29 September 2002 Uniondale, United States Flag of Russia.svg Russia 3–0 5–1 2002 Women's U.S. Cup
135. 4–0
136. 9 November 2002 Pasadena, United States Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada 2–1 2–1 (aet) 2002 CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup
137. 16 February 2003 Charleston, United States Flag of Iceland.svg Iceland 1–0 1–0 Friendly
138. 20 March 2003 Loulé, Portugal Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China 2–0 2–0 2003 Algarve Cup
139. 17 May 2003 Birmingham, United States Flag of England.svg England 1–0 6–0 Friendly
140. 14 June 2003 Salt Lake City, United States Flag of Ireland.svg Republic of Ireland 5–0 5–0
141. 1 September 2003 Carson, United States Flag of Costa Rica.svg Costa Rica 5–0 5–0
142. 7 September 2003 San Jose, United States Flag of Mexico.svg Mexico 4–0 5–0
143. 25 September 2003 Philadelphia, United States Flag of Nigeria.svg Nigeria 1–0 5–0 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup
144. 2–0
145. 25 February 2004 San José, Costa Rica Flag of Trinidad and Tobago.svg Trinidad and Tobago 4–0 7–0 2004 CONCACAF Women's Pre-Olympic Tournament
146. 6–0
147. 14 March 2004 Ferreiras, Portugal Flag of France.svg France 2–0 5–1 2004 Algarve Cup
148. 24 April 2004 Birmingham, United States Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil 3–0 5–1 Friendly
149. 9 May 2004 Albuquerque, United States Flag of Mexico.svg Mexico 2–0 3–0
150. 21 July 2004 Blaine, United States Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia 2–1 3–1
151. 1 August 2004 Hartford, United States Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China 2–0 3–1
152. 11 August 2004 Heraklio, Greece Flag of Greece.svg Greece 3–0 3–0 2004 Summer Olympics
153. 14 August 2004 Thessaloniki, Greece Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil 1–0 2–0
154. 25 September 2004 Rochester, United States Flag of Iceland.svg Iceland 3–0 4–3 Friendly
155. 3 October 2004 Portland, United States Flag of New Zealand.svg New Zealand 1–0 5–0
156. 2–0
157. 10 October 2004 Cincinnati, United States Flag of New Zealand.svg New Zealand 1–0 5–0
158. 3 November 2004 East Rutherford, United States Flag of Denmark.svg Denmark 1–1 1–1

Honors and awards

Hamm was named Sportswoman of the Year by the Women's Sports Foundation in 1997 and 1999. In June 1999, Nike named the largest building on their corporate campus after Hamm. In December 2000, Hamm was named one of the top three female soccer players of the twentieth century in the FIFA Female Player of the Century Award, finishing behind only Sun Wen and compatriot Michelle Akers.

While at North Carolina, she won the Honda Sports Award as the nation's top female soccer player in both 1993 and 1994, and won the Honda-Broderick Cup in 1994 as the nation's top female athlete.

In March 2004, Hamm and former U.S. teammate Michelle Akers were the only two women and Americans named to the FIFA 100, a list of the 125 greatest living soccer players, selected by Pelé and commissioned by FIFA for the organization's 100th anniversary. Other accolades include being elected U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year five years in a row from 1994 to 1998, and winning three ESPY awards including Soccer Player of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year.

In 2006, Hamm was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, followed by the Texas Sports Hall of Fame on March 11, 2008. In 2006, Princeton University awarded her an honorary Doctorate of Humanities. In 2007, during her first year of eligibility, Hamm was selected for induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. In 2008, an image of her silhouette was used in the logo for the second professional women's soccer league in the United States: Women's Professional Soccer. ESPN named her the greatest female athlete in 2012.

In 2013, Hamm became the first woman inducted into the World Football Hall of Fame, located in Pachuca, Mexico. She was named to U.S. Soccer's USWNT All-Time Best XI in December 2013. In 2014, Hamm was named one of ESPNW's Impact 25; she was also the recipient of the Golden Foot Legends Award.

For their first match of March 2019, the women of the United States women's national soccer team each wore a jersey with the name of a woman they were honoring on the back; Samantha Mewis chose the name of Hamm.

In 2021, Hamm was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.

In 2022, Los Angeles F.C. of Major League Soccer - of which Hamm is part owner - won the MLS Cup, thus giving Hamm an MLS championship to her credit

Championships

Year Team Championship/Medal
1989 North Carolina Tar Heels NCAA National Champion
1990 North Carolina Tar Heels NCAA National Champion
1991 United States FIFA World Cup Champion
1992 North Carolina Tar Heels NCAA National Champion
1993 North Carolina Tar Heels NCAA National Champion
1996 United States Olympic Gold
1999 United States FIFA World Cup Champion
2003 Washington Freedom WUSA Founder's Cup Champion
2004 United States Olympic Gold
2022 Los Angeles F.C. 2022 MLS Cup
(as part owner)

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Mia Hamm para niños

  • List of FIFA Women's World Cup winning players
  • List of women's footballers with 100 or more international goals
  • List of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Olympians
  • List of Olympic medalists in football
  • List of 1996 Summer Olympics medal winners
  • List of 2000 Summer Olympics medal winners
  • List of 2004 Summer Olympics medal winners
  • List of athletes on Wheaties boxes
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