In an industry that is largely known for its male representatives, it might be a difficult task for female players to create a niche for themselves. While being difficult, it is not impossible as Becky Sauerbrunn is a living example of that. Sauerbrunn is an American soccer player for National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)’S Portland Thorns FC which is the highest division of professional soccer for women in the United States.
As of 2021, Sauerbrunn has been serving as the captain of the United States Women’s National Soccer Team. Before this, she was the captain of Utah Royals FC as well as the co-captain of the national team with CarliLlyod from 2016-2018. She is an Olympic Gold medalist and a two time FIFA champion. She is currently in a relationship with Zola Short.
What was Becky Sauerbrunn’s early life like?
Rebecca Elizabeth Sauerbrunn was born on 6th June 1985 in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. She was born to parents Scott and Jane and has 2 older brothers. Growing up with her brothers Grant and Adam motivated Sauerbrunn to develop a tougher personality both physically and mentally. She was only 12 when she started playing with the JB Marine Soccer Club.
She assisted her team to victory at the Missouri State Cup on 4 occasions as well as in 2000 held Midwest Regional Championship. She attended the Ladue High School and excelled in extracurricular having won a four-year letter winner in soccer. She was the soccer team captain and played as a sweeper and central midfielder. She scored 21 goals and made 19 assists during her senior season. In 2003 she was named Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year, Parade All-American in 2002 and 2003, NSCAA Youth All-American in 2001, and NSCAA Adidas (U 17) All-American in 2002.
How has Becky Sauerbrunn’s career as a footballer progressed?
Sauerbrunn’s career in football seems to have taken off from the time she was enrolled in the University of Virginia. It was here that she started playing collegiate soccer with the Virginia Cavaliers between 2003 and 2007. In 2004, she had missed the entire season in 2004 in lieu of her obligations towards the national team at the 2004 Under 20 FIFA Women’s Championship held in Thailand. However, she made up for her absence by being present for the season in 2005 and scored her first career goal with the Cavaliers making it a moment that reshaped the course of her career.
She went on to play for several clubs including Roa IL (2009), Washington Freedom (2010), magic Jack (2011), Sky Blue FC (2012), D.C. United Women (2012),FC Kansas City (2013-2017), Utah Royals FC (2018-2019), and Portland Thorns FC (2020-continuing). She won 2 NWSL Championships when she was still with FC Kansas City.
Her achievements are not just limited to club football as she has also won a gold medal as a part of the winning national team in the London Summer Olympics (2012), FIFA Women’s World Cup (2015), and FIFA Women’s World Cup (2019). She was also a part of the national team in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2011 when United States was placed second in the competition. She made a single apperance during United States’ 3-1 victory against France at the 2011 semi-finals. For the 2015 FIFA World Cup, Sauerbrunn was a starting player and was constantly present in the field for each of the 7 matches that the team played.
Throughout her career, Sauerbrunn has won individual awards like NWSL Defender of the Year for the years 2013, 2014, as well as 2015. In 2015 she was also nominated for the title of the U.S. soccer athlete for the year but unfortunately missed out on the award. She has been ranked as the 10th best player in women’s football.
How much is Becky Sauerbrunn’s estimated earnings?
Given Sauerbrunn’s magnetic presence in the football field it is natural to assume that she must be earning the big bucks. As a member of national team and clubs, she earns an approximate salary of over $300,000. Additionally she also has brand deals with Adidas