Quick Facts:
| Full Name | Michelle Anne Akers |
| Birth Date | February 1, 1966 |
| Birth Place | Santa Clara, California, U.S. |
| Nick Name | Michelle |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Education | Shorecrest High School |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Father’s Name | Robert Akers |
| Mother’s Name | Anne Akers |
| Siblings | None |
| Age | 56 years old |
| Height | 5’10 ″ (1.79 m) |
| Weight | 68 kg (150 lb) |
| Shoe Size | Not available |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Grey |
| Body Measurement | Not available |
| Build | Ectomorph |
| Married | Yes |
| Boyfriend | No |
| Spouse | Yes (Name: Unknown) |
| Position | Midfield/Forward |
| Profession | Football Player |
| Net Worth | $12 million |
| Clubs | UFC Knights (College); Tyreso FF, Orlando Lions Women (Senior) |
| Jersey Number | #10 |
| Social Media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram |
| Children | Yes (Son: Cody) |
| Last Update | September, 2022 |
Michelle Akers demonstrated that a woman is capable of more than her male counterpart and is not merely confined to a small number of professions.
Akers went a long way toward becoming a soccer star despite being a lady from a conventional 60s environment. In addition, making a name for oneself in a field where men predominate is a laudable accomplishment.
Michelle has also won the FIFA Female Player of the Century award, been inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame, and won the Women’s World Cup twice, in 1991 and 1999.
In fact, it does. The American men’s soccer team currently struggles to compete internationally and qualify for the World Cup.
Women, on the other hand, have triumphed a total of four times. We are here to discuss Michelle Akers, the legend herself.
We will talk about her early years, profession, illness, net worth, and personal life in this article. So, shall we begin to move?
Childhood, Family, and Education
Michelle Anne Akers was born on February 1, 1996, in Santa Clara, California (United States), to parents Anne and Robert Akers.
Despite being from California, the Akers family moved to Seattle, Washington, and now lives there in a suburb called Shoreline.
Michelle grew up in Seattle, where she spent the majority of her youth and adulthood. The American enrolled in Shorecrest High School at the same time and fervently participated in school soccer.
The 1970s weren’t tolerant of women, in contrast to now. Women who participate in sports are subject to stigma.
It’s obvious that a society where men predominated couldn’t stand the idea of women dressed down, sporting shorts, and having fun on the football field.
Despite living in a progressive environment, men were the only ones hyped for sports enthusiasm.
But people like Michelle Akers and Mia Hamm managed to shatter stereotypes and make their mark in the world of sports despite this.
A women’s soccer squad also developed when Akers entered college after graduating from high school.
What is the Physical Measurement of Michelle Akers?
The 56-year-old American soccer legend is currently enjoying her retirement in the company of her loved ones.
While this might be the case, Michelle was a genuine beast in her heyday.
The legendary soccer player was a towering 5’10” (1.79 m) tall, commanding a commanding presence on the pitch. Akers also has amazing physical qualities like strength, ferocity, and endurance.
To put it another way, Michelle may be one of the strongest women on the field, and if she ever considered switching to another sport, she would have no trouble passing for a rugby player.
She also had a never-give-up attitude, which was another similarity. Similar to how Akers, who once weighed a substantial 68 kg (150 lbs), does today, she manages her weight to stay in shape.
The iconic baller is most recognizable for her big smile, slender yet strong build, and curling brown hair.
How does Michelle Akers Start Football Career?
The center-forward in particular began her football career at the University of Central Florida.
Akers received multiple confidence-boosting honors while playing as a college athlete, and she also attended the college on a scholarship.
Michelle left for Stockholm, Sweden, where she played for Tyreso FF from 1990 till 1994 as her college endeavors came to an end.
Professional training wasn’t as extensive as it is now, in contrast to men’s football. As a result, the American soccer sensation joined the Swedish Women’s Football team.
As a result, Akers may learn how to hone her abilities, cover up her flaws, and leverage her advantages.
Michelle moved to Orlando once more in 1992 for a brief time to play with the Orlando Lions Women for two whole seasons. She would eventually go back to Sweden after completing her contractual obligations.
Also Read About Francesca Chiesa
International Career And Stats & Goals
The American legend also began competing for her nation while still a college student. Most importantly, her accomplishments with Tyreso FF and the UCF Knights increased her value among American military personnel.
Since the USWNT’s founding in 1985, Akers has been a crucial team player.
Despite missing the first game due to an ankle ailment, the midfielder returned against Denmark and scored twice to lead the USWNT in goals.
Moving on, from 1985 to 1990, Michelle made 24 appearances and scored 15 goals.
The midfielder then set a country record in 1991 by scoring 39 goals in an amazing 26 games.
In fact, the USSF honored her with the Female Athlete of the Year title for her achievements.
Akers gradually maintained her form throughout the FIFA Women’s World Cup, scoring five goals in a single game and accumulating ten goals overall.
Ultimately, the USWNT defeated Norway 2-1 to claim the women’s world championship victory. Her athleticism would also endanger her health because she had previously played as a forward for a long time.
Career Achievements
For the nation,
Olympic gold medal from 1996 (Atalanta)
1991 Women’s World Cup gold medalist (China)
the 1995 Women’s World Cup bronze medal (Sweden)
a 1999 Women’s World Cup gold medal (USA)
individual accolades
1988–1999: Central Florida’s Athlete of the Year
1988 Hermann Trophy
NCAA All-American four times
1990 and 1991: USSF Female Athlete of the Year
FIFA Merit Order: 1998
2002: FIFA Women’s Player of the Century
(2004) National Soccer Hall of Fame
2004 FIFA 100 List
How was the Networth Value of Michelle Akers?
First off, Michelle’s 15-year career naturally resulted in an astounding $12 million net worth.
Although her actual pay is still undisclosed to the general public, given her accomplishments, we may presume it to be a considerable sum.
The American midfielder is also a member of the legendary women’s team that won the World Cup.
As a result, World Cup winners received significant six-figure salaries as compensation for their efforts, which is only 7.5% of what men still make now.
Women’s football is becoming more popular as of [current year] despite the enormous salary disparity, which is properly credited to Michelle and other pioneering and successful female athletes.
Animal Rescue
After retiring, Akers entered the field of social work. An example of an animal rights activist is a world cup-winning athlete who works to save horses and other animals.
In 2007, she founded the Michelle Akers Horse Rescue and Outreach Foundation, a modest nonprofit organization.
She also donated a large portion of her career mementos to the auction in order to raise money for the horse rescue nonprofit.
Her farm occasionally acts as a training field for the women’s rugby team instead, as the animal rescue is solely motivated by love for animals.
Above all, the energetic American wanders around volunteering as a spokeswoman to promote women’s sports despite her older body. At the same time, she faced the most incredible challenges from life.
Most significantly, she decided to write a book on that trip as a result of her failing marriage, health difficulties, and overall life experience as a woman and a player.
What is the Relationship Status of Michelle Akers?
The famous soccer player is married. Michelle has actually married twice in her life. Her first marriage, which also had numerous negative effects for both parties, ended bitterly.
After being divorced, Michelle Akers-Stahl, her previous name, was dropped.
Nevertheless, Akers discovered love once more with an unidentified man, with whom she has a healthy kid named Cody and works in animal rescue.
Illness.
It is difficult to envision the once-dominant midfielder suffering from infirmities. But since we are all human, sickness and disease cannot be prevented.
A shoulder injury at that time ended Akers’ illustrious career. Akers was suffering Chronic Fatigue Syndrome during the 2000 Olympic Games.
As a result, the Illness frequently interfered with her training and made her feel lethargic.
Even though Michelle’s successful career came to an agonizing end, she recovered by placing her confidence in God.
Finally, Akers now travels and takes part as a motivational speaker in various events and through her local church because she has a natural desire to do so and is aware of such disabilities.
Some Popular Quotes
- Soccer isn’t brain surgery, have fun.
- I think the challenge is to take difficult and painful times and turn them into something beneficial, something that makes you grow.
- It’s the struggle that makes you triumphant.
Social Media
Twitter has 20.3k users.
13.4k Instagram followers
Facebook has 7.8k fans.