Sunseri-Warp and Carvalho win U.S. Soccer Beach Soccer Player of the Year awards

The two North Americans were recognised in the women’s and men’s beach soccer categories

Jeané Sunseri-Warp and Ricardo Carvalho have been named U.S. Soccer’s Female and Male Beach Soccer Players of the Year, respectively, following their performances with the national teams during the 2025 season.

Jeané Sunseri-Warp – Female Beach Soccer Player of the Year

A member of the first-ever U.S. Women’s Beach Soccer National Team formed in 2019, Jeané Sunseri-Warp (San Jose, California) claimed the award for the first time in her career.

The only player to feature in all 33 matches played by the national team to date, Sunseri-Warp continued to be a key figure in 2025, providing leadership and experience throughout the season. She captained the team in all three matches at the El Salvador Beach Soccer Cup, scoring twice and registering one assist.

During the tournament, the 43-year-old also demonstrated her versatility by stepping in as goalkeeper in the 2–2 draw against Switzerland, making two decisive saves in extra time before converting her penalty in the subsequent shoot-out. She followed this with a goal and three assists in a 7–1 victory over Costa Rica, and added another goal in the final match against hosts El Salvador.

At club level, Sunseri-Warp represented Cali Beach Soccer Club at the Women’s World Winners Cup in Sicily in September, featuring in four matches.

“”I am so humbled and blown away by this honor, but for me, I know it really represents the collective grind our team puts in when no one is watching, not to mention the endless amounts of sand I’ve had to shake out of my hair since 2019,” Sunseri-Warp told ussoccer.com . “Beyond this award, I play because I want to continue to help grow Beach Soccer in the U.S. and keep this pathway strong so the generations following after us have every opportunity to thrive on the sand. I’m so grateful to U.S. Soccer for the opportunity to represent the crest and grow into the athlete I’ve become on the sand. I truly wouldn’t be receiving this without my teammates, coaches and staff who have been the backbone of this journey. Most importantly, thank you to my husband for being my rock since my very first call-up, and to my family for supporting me every time I leave to go compete. This award belongs to all of us.”

Sunseri-Warp became the third different player to receive the Female Beach Soccer Player of the Year award since its introduction in 2021, securing 44.8 per cent of the weighted vote.

Ricardo Carvalho – Male Beach Soccer Player of the Year

Ricardo Carvalho was named Male Beach Soccer Player of the Year after a standout campaign with the U.S. Men’s Beach Soccer National Team.

In his third year with the squad, Carvalho was among the top performers at the 2025 Concacaf Beach Soccer Championship, scoring three goals and providing one assist in five matches. He netted the opening two goals, including the match-winner, in the decisive 5–1 group-stage victory over Panama, before adding another goal and an assist in the third-place match against the Bahamas.

Outside of beach soccer, Carvalho plays for Milwaukee Wave in the Major Arena Soccer League, where he recorded 13 goals and 14 assists in 18 appearances during the 2024–25 season.

“”No words can describe how I’m feeling right now. I’m just truly honored to receive this award,” Carvalho said in ussoccer.com. “After being away from beach soccer for over 10 years, I worked extremely hard to return to the same level as my teammates and to represent our flag at the highest level. I am deeply thankful and grateful for the unwavering support of my family, friends and coaching staff. This recognition motivates me even more to keep playing and pushing forward.”