Crystal

Dunn

Quick Facts

• Sport: Soccer

• Position: Defender / midfielder

Biographical Information

Crystal Dunn is an American soccer player and a key figure in both club and international soccer. She has the longest active streak of Olympics and World Cup play on the USWNT. Her ability to excel as both a defender and midfielder has made her one of the most valuable players in the game.

Olympic Highlights

Dunn made her Olympic debut with the U.S. Women’s National Team at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

At the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Dunn played a pivotal role as a left-back, where her defensive prowess and ability to transition quickly from defense to attack were vital to the U.S. team. Her performances against top teams helped the U.S. secure a bronze medal.

At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Team USA was undefeated through all three group matches to advance to the tournament's elimination round. During the quarterfinals against Japan, Dunn made a long pass downfield to forward Trinity Rodman for a goal, to win 1-0 in extra time and advance to the semifinals against Germany. She played a pivotal role in the gold medal win in the finals.

Club Highlights

Dunn has had a distinguished professional career, highlighted by her performances in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and with the U.S. Women's National Team. She has been a key player in helping her teams achieve success. 

Dunn was drafted first overall by the Washington Spirit in 2014. She won NWSL MVP in 2015 and led the league in scoring with 15 goals. In 2016, she helped the Spirit reach the NWSL Championship final.

Dunn played for Chelsea FC from 2017-2018, helping them win the FA Women’s Super League (WSL) Spring Series. She joined the North Carolina Courage in 2018 and won both the NWSL Shield and championship. In 2019, she won another NWSL Championship with Courage and a world cup with the U.S. Women's National Team.

Dunn played for Portland Thorns from 2020-2023. With the Thorns, she won an NWSL Shield in 2021 and championship in 2022. She scored five goals and had two assists in her final season with the Thorns. Dunn joined the NJ/NY Gotham FC in 2024.

Early Career

During her time at the University of North Carolina, Crystal Dunn had a remarkable collegiate career. At UNC, Dunn led her team to the NCAA Championship in 2012 and reached the NCAA Women's College Cup final in 2011. Her outstanding play earned her the ACC Player of the Year award in 2011.

In 2012, Dunn's excellence was recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including the Hermann Trophy and Soccer America Player of the Year. She was also named an NSCAA First-Team All-American that year.

Her professional career brought more accolades. Dunn won the NWSL Golden Boot and MVP awards in 2015. She continued to excel internationally, being named the 2021 CONCACAF Player of the Year.

Olympic Experience

• 3-time Olympian; 2-time Olympic medalist (1 gold, 1 bronze)
• Olympic Games Paris 2024, gold (Team - Women)
• Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, bronze (Team - Women)
• Olympic Games Rio de Janeiro 2016, 5th (Team - Women)

World Championships Experience

• Most recent: 2023 – 9th (Team - Women)
• Years of participation: Team - Women 2019, 2023
• Medals: 1 (1 gold)
• Gold – 2019 (Team - Women)