U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year

The U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year is given by the United States Soccer Federation to the American soccer players judged best in the calendar year. The U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year award originated in 1984 followed by the Female Athlete of the Year in 1985. Awards for Young Male and Young Female were added in 1998. An award for disabled athletes was added in 2012. The award is considered the highest American accolade for soccer players in the country.

Online votes for the Athlete of the Year awards are equivalent to 50 percent of the total votes. The other 50 percent are represented by votes compiled from members of the national media and U.S. Soccer representatives (from national team coaches to the National Board of Directors).