United States Women's National Soccer Team star Ali Krieger is nabbing another prestigious title this week in addition to the FIFA World Cup: ESPN Magazine's The Body Issue model.
Krieger, along with other athletes with impeccably toned physiques, like Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love and tennis star Stan Wawrinka, was chosen for the special edition of the magazine, which celebrates the athletic form. To pose for the edition, the models stripped down completely.
"It's important to show your vulnerabilities," Krieger told the magazine about why she decided to bear it all. "I'm proud of my body, I'm proud of my sport, I'm proud of being a female athlete. Being naked is just another aspect of that. It's real. It's raw. It's honest."
Krieger's spread is part of The Bodies We Want photo portfolio, which, ESPN said, "features roughly 20 of the world's most elite athletes posing (tastefully) nude." Also included in the portfolio are swimmer Natalie Coughlin, Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and WNBA star Brittney Griner.
This is the seventh year the magazine has created the special issue. Past models include Krieger's USWNT teammate Hope Solo, Michael Phelps and Venus Williams.
Here are some more highlights from this year's issue:
Kevin Love:
DeAndre Jordan:
Chantae McMillan:
Odell Beckham Jr:
See covers of past issues:
ESPN The Magazine's The Body Issue hits newsstands Friday.
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