Mia Hamm is a global soccer icon who defined an era, inspiring generations of young players and making her mark as one of the greatest the game has ever seen.
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Her extraordinary success on the field and her charismatic presence off it made her a household name throughout her career and beyond.
Table of Contents
Who is Mia Hamm?
Mariel Margaret Hamm-Garciaparra, better known as Mia Hamm, is a retired American professional soccer player widely regarded as one of the best female soccer players of all time.
Hamm played as a forward for the United States women’s national soccer team (USWNT) for 17 years. As a prolific goalscorer and fierce competitor, she transformed the growth of women’s soccer on an international level.
Mia Hamm Bio
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mariel Margaret Hamm-Garciaparra |
| Nickname | Mia Hamm |
| Born | March 17, 1972 |
| Birthplace | Selma, Alabama, USA |
| Position | Forward |
| Teams | US Women’s National Team (1987-2004), Washington Freedom (WUSA) |
| Known For | International scoring record, 2x Olympic gold medalist, 2x FIFA Women’s World Cup champion |
| Honors | FIFA World Player of the Year (2001, 2002), First woman inducted into the World Football Hall of Fame |
| Spouse | Nomar Garciaparra (Former MLB shortstop) |
| Children | Twin daughters – Grace and Ava, Son – Garrett |
| Net Worth | Approximately $10 million |
How old is Mia Hamm?
Mia Hamm was born on March 17, 1972, making her 52 years old.
Career
Born in Selma, Alabama, Hamm was drawn to soccer at a very young age. Her innate skill and drive propelled her to the University of North Carolina, where she was instrumental in the Tar Heels winning four consecutive NCAA Women’s Soccer Championships.
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Hamm joined the USWNT in 1987 at the age of 15, the youngest player in the team’s history. Throughout her storied career, Hamm won two FIFA Women’s World Cups (1991, 1999) and two Olympic gold medals (1996, 2004).
How did Mia Hamm get famous?
Hamm’s path to fame started early in her career. However, the catalyst for international stardom was undoubtedly her stellar performance in the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991.
The USWNT captured the title, and Hamm solidified herself as a force to be reckoned with. Hamm’s goal-scoring brilliance combined with her unwavering spirit made her a fan favorite and helped launch women’s soccer into the global spotlight.
Do Mia Hamm have kids?
Yes, Mia Hamm has three children. She and her husband, former MLB shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, have twin daughters, Grace and Ava, born in 2007, and a son, Garrett, born in 2012.
Mia Hamm Net Worth
Mia Hamm’s estimated net worth is approximately $10 million. This considerable wealth resulted from her successful soccer career, numerous endorsement deals, and entrepreneurial ventures.
What happened to Mia Hamm?
Having retired from professional soccer in 2004, Mia Hamm remains an influential figure in the sports world. She is a prominent advocate for gender equality in sports and a global ambassador for FC Barcelona.
Hamm co-founded the Mia Hamm Foundation to raise awareness and funds for bone marrow research, inspired by her brother’s struggle with aplastic anemia. She even found herself part-owner of Los Angeles FC in the Major League Soccer league.
How many World Cups did Mia Hamm play in?
Mia Hamm played in four FIFA Women’s World Cups (1991, 1995, 1999, 2003). Her stellar leadership and skill were vital to the USWNT’s triumphs in 1991 and 1999.
Is Nomar still married to Mia Hamm?
Yes, Mia Hamm and Nomar Garciaparra have been married since 2003.
How many goals did Mia Hamm score?
Mia Hamm holds the record for the most international goals scored by any soccer player – male or female – with an incredible 158 goals throughout her career with the USWNT. This was until Abby Wambach surpassed her in 2013.
Conclusion
Mia Hamm was an unstoppable force in women’s soccer. Her legacy is not just confined to goal-scoring records and championship trophies; her immense influence went far beyond the playing field. Hamm broke down barriers and fueled the growth of a sport, demonstrating the captivating energy and power of women’s soccer.
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FAQs about Who is Mia Hamm? The Soccer Legend’s Goal-scoring Riches
- What other honors has Mia Hamm received? Hamm’s numerous accolades include two-time Women’s World Player of the Year (2001, 2002) and being the first woman inducted into the World Football Hall of Fame in Pachuca, Mexico.
- Did Mia Hamm ever play professional soccer? Yes, in the first professional women’s soccer league in the US, the WUSA, Hamm played for Washington Freedom for three seasons.
- Is Mia Hamm the most famous women’s soccer player? This title is debatable, but her impact on popularizing the sport cannot be argued.
- What were Mia Hamm’s other interests? Outside of soccer, Hamm was a talented baseball player.
- Why is Mia Hamm important? Hamm represents both athletic excellence and the fight for gender equality in sports.
