Mia Hamm: The most powerful woman in football?

By Tom McGowan, CNN

Updated 1256 GMT (2056 HKT) February 5, 2015

Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds.

Is this the greatest U.S. soccer player of all time? Mia Hamm is a world and Olympic champion who was a prolific goalscorer during a lengthy playing career.

Photos: Mia Hamm's glittering soccer career

Mia Hamm's glittering soccer career – Is this the greatest U.S. soccer player of all time? Mia Hamm is a world and Olympic champion who was a prolific goalscorer during a lengthy playing career.

Hide Caption

1 of 9

Nowadays, Hamm is a dedicated mother to her three children. But her achievements in the game mean she occupies a special place in American football history.

Photos: Mia Hamm's glittering soccer career

Mia Hamm's glittering soccer career – Nowadays, Hamm is a dedicated mother to her three children. But her achievements in the game mean she occupies a special place in American football history.

Hide Caption

2 of 9

Hamm was part of the U.S. team which won the inaugural Women's World Cup in 1991 and she was the star attraction when the competition arrived on American soil in 1999.

Photos: Mia Hamm's glittering soccer career

Mia Hamm's glittering soccer career – Hamm was part of the U.S. team which won the inaugural Women's World Cup in 1991 and she was the star attraction when the competition arrived on American soil in 1999.

Hide Caption

3 of 9

The 1999 tournament ended in glory for Hamm and her teammates, who were crowned world champions for the second time.

Photos: Mia Hamm's glittering soccer career

Mia Hamm's glittering soccer career – The 1999 tournament ended in glory for Hamm and her teammates, who were crowned world champions for the second time.

Hide Caption

4 of 9

The Alabama native is also no stranger to Olympic success. Her first gold medal arrived at the Atlanta Games of 1996 as the host nation beat China in a tight final match.

Photos: Mia Hamm's glittering soccer career

Mia Hamm's glittering soccer career – The Alabama native is also no stranger to Olympic success. Her first gold medal arrived at the Atlanta Games of 1996 as the host nation beat China in a tight final match.

Hide Caption

5 of 9

But there have also been moments to forget during Hamm's career. She was inconsolable following the United States' 3-0 defeat to Germany in the semifinals of the 2003 World Cup.

Photos: Mia Hamm's glittering soccer career

Mia Hamm's glittering soccer career – But there have also been moments to forget during Hamm's career. She was inconsolable following the United States' 3-0 defeat to Germany in the semifinals of the 2003 World Cup.

Hide Caption

6 of 9

For many years, Hamm was the poster girl for women's soccer in America, making her an idol to young female football fans.

Photos: Mia Hamm's glittering soccer career

Mia Hamm's glittering soccer career – For many years, Hamm was the poster girl for women's soccer in America, making her an idol to young female football fans.

Hide Caption

7 of 9