Ali Krieger
A rock-solid defender whose career arc mirrored the rise of American women's soccer, winning World Cups while championing equality.
Born 1984 (age 42)·American soccer player·Birthday: July 28·Millennials
Biography
Ali Krieger did not take a conventional path to the top. She went to Europe to find her professional footing, playing for Frankfurt in Germany and honing the disciplined, tactical defending that would become her trademark. When she returned to the U.S. national team, she brought a steely composure that perfectly complemented the squad's attacking flair. As the starting right back, she was a constant, unflappable presence through two World Cup triumphs, executing crucial defensive stops with a quiet efficiency. Off the pitch, her voice grew just as important. An openly gay athlete, her marriage to teammate Ashlyn Harris and their journey to motherhood became a visible symbol of progress, and she has consistently used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice, cementing her legacy as much more than a footballer.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ali was born in 1984, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ali Was Born
The biggest hits of 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Ali's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1984Born
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1989Started school
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1997Became a teenager
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Could drive
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2002Could vote
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Turned 21
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2014Turned 30
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 40
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 42 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the FIFA Women's World Cup with the United States in 2015 and 2019.
- Played professionally for seven seasons in Germany with FFC Frankfurt, winning the UEFA Women's Champions League in 2015.
- Earned over 100 caps for the United States women's national soccer team.
- Was named to the FIFA FIFPro World XI in 2016.
Did You Know?
She did not make her full debut for the U.S. national team until the age of 24.
She is a licensed pilot.
She and her former spouse, Ashlyn Harris, adopted their son in 2021.
She played every minute of the 2015 World Cup for the champion U.S. team.
“I hope that I've inspired people to be themselves and to love who they are.”
