Sydney Leroux
A fierce and speedy American striker whose relentless goal-scoring and tough persona have made her a fan favorite and a national team stalwart.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American soccer player·Birthday: May 7·Millennials
Biography
Sydney Leroux's path to soccer stardom was forged through sheer will and a palpable love for the battle on the pitch. Born in Canada to a mother who was a professional softball player, she fought for the right to represent the United States, her father's nation, a choice that defined her resilient character. Her game is one of direct, punishing athleticism—a blur of speed and aggression that terrorizes defenses. Leroux carved out crucial roles on two World Cup-winning US squads, often as a game-changing substitute whose energy could shift momentum in an instant. Her club career has seen her become a foundational player for new NWSL franchises, most notably as a marquee signing for Angel City FC, where her combative style and visible passion resonate deeply with fans. Through injuries and competition, she has remained a symbol of tenacity, a forward who scores as much with force of personality as with her feet.
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.
Sydney was born in 1990, 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 Sydney Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Sydney's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
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
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
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
2006Could drive
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
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the FIFA Women's World Cup with the United States in 2015 and 2019.
- Scored the game-winning goal in the final of the 2012 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
- Was the NWSL Rookie of the Year in 2013 while playing for the Boston Breakers.
- Became a founding player and key offensive weapon for Angel City FC upon their NWSL entry in 2022.
Did You Know?
Her mother, Sandi Leroux, was a Canadian Olympic softball player who won a silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
She holds dual citizenship in the United States and Canada.
She has a large tattoo of a wolf on her right arm, which she has said represents her family.
She played collegiate soccer at UCLA, where she was a first-team All-American in 2010.
“I play because I love it. I play because it's who I am.”
