Mary Abigail Wambach, widely known as Abby Wambach, is one of the most iconic figures in women's soccer history. A forward with an unparalleled ability to score, Wambach is the second-highest all-time international goal scorer, with 184 goals, trailing only Christine Sinclair of Canada. Her career with the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) spanned from 2001 to 2015, during which she became a six-time U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year. Wambach's contributions to the sport were recognized globally when she was named the 2012 FIFA World Player of the Year, making her the first American woman to win the award in a decade.

Wambach's international career is marked by her participation in four FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments and two Olympic Games. She was instrumental in the U.S. team's success, helping them secure gold medals at the 2004 Athens and 2012 London Olympics. In the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, Wambach played a key role in leading the U.S. to victory, capping off her illustrious career with a World Cup title. Over the course of her international career, she played in 29 matches across these major tournaments, scoring 22 goals, many of which were decisive in the U.S. team's success.

One of Wambach's most memorable moments came during the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinal against Brazil. In the 122nd minute, she scored a dramatic equalizer with a diving header, a technique she had perfected over the years. This goal, which set a record for the latest goal ever scored in a World Cup match, helped the U.S. advance to the final after a penalty shootout victory. Her performance earned her the Bronze Boot and Silver Ball at the tournament, and the goal was later awarded ESPN's 2011 ESPY Award for Best Play of the Year.

After announcing her retirement in October 2015, Wambach played her final match in December of that year during the U.S. team's Victory Tour following their World Cup triumph. Post-retirement, she has continued to inspire through her writing and public speaking. Her autobiography, "Forward," became a New York Times bestseller, as did her second book, "Wolfpack," which was based on her viral commencement speech at Barnard College. Wambach's legacy extends beyond the soccer field, as she remains a powerful advocate for equality and leadership.

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