Established in 2012, the National Women's Soccer League is the premier professional women's league in the United States soccer league system. The NWSL's top individual honor is the NWSL MVP award, presented annually to the league's top player.
Lauren Holiday was named NWSL MVP in the league's inaugural season in 2013. The FC Kansas City midfielder led the league in both goals (12) and assists (nine). Holiday, who retired in 2015, was the first player in NWSL history to have her jersey retired.
Temwa Chawinga took home back-to-back MVP awards in 2024 and 2025. She also won back-to-back NWSL Golden Boot awards in 2024 and 2025.
Here's a look at the league's MVP winners by season:
2025: Temwa Chawinga, Kansas City Current
2024: Temwa Chawinga, Kansas City Current
2023: Kerolin, North Carolina Courage
2022: Sophia Smith, Portland Thorns FC
2021: Jess Fishlock, OL Reign
2020: Canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2019: Sam Kerr, Chicago Red Stars
2018: Lindsey Horan, Portland Thorns FC
2017: Sam Kerr, Sky Blue FC
2016: Lynn Williams, Western New York Flash
2015: Crystal Dunn, Washington Spirit
2014: Kim Little, Seattle Reign FC
2013: Lauren Holiday, FC Kansas City
Check out the ESPN NWSL hub page for the latest news, scores, stats, schedules and more.
