Becky Sauerbrunn
The unshakeable defensive anchor of the US women's soccer dynasty, whose tactical intelligence and quiet leadership secured two World Cup titles.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American soccer player·Birthday: June 6·Millennials
Biography
In an era of American soccer defined by flashy forwards and charismatic stars, Becky Sauerbrunn was the indispensable foundation. Operating at center-back, her game was built on anticipation, flawless positioning, and a calmness that settled entire backlines. She didn't need to make last-ditch tackles because she was rarely out of position to begin with. Her club career, spanning stints in three professional leagues, was marked by consistency and titles, most notably with FC Kansas City. But her legacy is cemented with the US Women's National Team. As a co-captain and later captain, she provided a steadying hand for a squad in transition, starting every match in the 2015 and 2019 World Cup triumphs. Off the field, she was a powerful advocate for equality, serving on the US Soccer Federation's board and fighting tirelessly for equal pay, proving her leadership extended far beyond the touchline.
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.
Becky was born in 1985, 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 Becky Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Becky's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won two FIFA Women's World Cup titles with the United States (2015, 2019), starting every match in both tournaments.
- Earned over 200 caps for the US Women's National Team, serving as team captain from 2021-2023.
- Named U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year in 2013 and was a three-time NWSL Best XI selection.
- Won two NWSL championships (2014, 2015) with FC Kansas City.
Did You Know?
She majored in psychology at the University of Virginia.
Sauerbrunn is an avid board game enthusiast and has a large personal collection.
She played every minute of the 2015 World Cup without committing a single foul.
“I want to be known as someone who was reliable, who you could count on, who put the team first.”
