U.S. Women’s National Team legend Christen Press will retire from soccer at the end of the 2025 NWSL season, she announced Wednesday.
Press, 36, helped lead USWNT to winning the World Cup in 2015 and 2019, as well as a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. She appeared in 155 games for USWNT and scored 64 goals, which ranks ninth in USWNT history.
Press will be honored by Angel City FC, her NWSL club, in her final game at BMO Field in Los Angeles on Sunday.
“It’s hard to find the words to say goodbye to a sport that has defined my life for over three decades,” Press said in a news release from Angel City FC. “Football has given me everything, and I will miss being on the pitch so very much. Thank you to my family, friends, teammates, coaches, and community for this beautiful ride. I promise we will continue to reimagine sports in this next life!!”
Press, a 14-year NWSL veteran, also played for the Chicago Red Stars (2014-17), where she served as team captain for her final two seasons, and the Utah Royals (2018-20). She was the first player to sign with Angel City FC in August 2021 after the franchise entered NWSL as an expansion team.
She also played internationally for Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC (2012), Tyresö FF (2013-14), Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC (2018), and Manchester United (2020-21), according to her team bio.
“Christen retires as one of the most decorated and respected forwards in U.S. soccer history, a pioneer whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of our club,” Angel City CEO and co-founder Julie Uhrman said in the release. “As Angel City’s first signing, Christen’s contributions to the club have been unparalleled. From her extraordinary skill and relentless competitiveness on the pitch to her unwavering commitment to making the game and our community more equitable, inclusive, and impactful. On behalf of everyone at Angel City, we thank Christen for everything she has given to the sport, our club, and future generations of athletes and fans.”