It’s truly the end of an era for the USWNT as Alyssa Naeher announces her retirement. Having played her final two games earlier this week against England and the Netherlands, the iconic goalkeeper will no longer don the red, white, and blue of her nation. So for everything that she did for her nation, it’s only natural for Emma Hayes not to miss the opportunity to hail Naeher as “the greatest goalkeeper of all time,” disagreeing with former USA star Leslie Osborne.

Of course, that’s the least the former Chelsea boss could have done for the 36-year-old, who played a significant role in the very first title that Hayes won as a USWNT manager in the Paris Olympics. Her brilliant saves throughout the six-game tournament, keeping four clean sheets and conceding just two goals, proved clinical for the American ladies.

No wonder when the talk surrounding the recently retired goalie came up, Hayes just had to vouch for the Chicago Red Stars No. 1. “In my opinion, [Alyssa Naeher] is the greatest goalkeeper this country’s ever had… Most people don’t really realize what it takes to stay at the top. For her to do it, for the number of years she’s done it, wow,” said Hayes, as compiled by ESPN FC’s Cesar Hernandez.

Such praise only defines the legacy of Naeher and the mark she left on the national team, ever since she made her debut on December 18, 2014, in a 7-0 win over Argentina in Brazil. Her time with the team also saw her secure two World Cups, an Olympic gold, and a bronze medal, along with countless unforgettable memories.

Much thanks also goes to Hayes, who was able to send off Naeher on such a high note. Having endured heartbreak in the 2023 World Cup, the goalie left the team with at least a gold, also securing a 1-2 over the Netherlands in her final game after having played a stalemate against England.

Additionally, Alyssa’s emphatic saves during the Summer Games campaign earned her a nomination for the Ballon d’Or Féminin, where she finished in 17th place. “It feels like we’ve had such an incredible year. I’ve done everything individually that I could have ever dreamed of accomplishing and more with this team,” said Naeher during her chat earlier with The Women’s Game podcast.

While Hayes surely seems in awe of Alyssa Naeher, the same cannot be said for the goalie’s very own best friend.

Unlike Emma Hayes, Leslie Osborne gives a cold shoulder to Alyssa Naeher

Despite Alyssa Naeher’s incredible contributions to the USWNT, her steadfast presence in goal wasn’t enough to earn her the title of the greatest goalkeeper of all time from Leslie Osborne, who instead bestowed it upon her former teammate, Hope Solo.

“Alyssa Naeher is one of my closest friends, she’s incredible, but Hope Solo, when I played, there was no one else I wanted behind me, then Hope Solo, she was the best goalkeeper in the world and I would put her up against anybody,” Osborne told Alexi Lalas on the ‘State of the Union Podcast’.

Then again, the Bay FC owner didn’t sideline Naeher too much stating, “However, when I look at the longevity of Alyssa Naeher’s career and what she’s done, over and over and over again, battling injuries, she just always steps up in the biggest moments possible and I think she’s carried this team.”