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Christen Press, two-time World Cup champion for USWNT, to retire

Christen Press, a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion for the US women’s national team (USWNT) and forward for Angel City FC, will retire following the conclusion of Angel City’s 2025 season.

“I’m retiring from professional soccer, and I’ve decided that this is my last season and my last few games,” Press told ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Wednesday. 

After an extraordinary career defined by brilliance, resilience, and grace, Christen Press has announced that she will retire from professional soccer at the end of the 2025 NWSL season. Her club, Angel City FC, confirmed the news on Wednesday, closing the final chapter of one of the most inspiring journeys in U.S. women’s soccer history.

At 36, Press leaves behind a legacy few can match — two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles, an Olympic bronze medal, and a reputation as one of the United States’ most dynamic and beloved forwards. Known for her creativity, intelligence, and calm precision in front of goal, she has been a symbol of persistence and passion both on and off the pitch.

A Career Defined by Excellence

Christen Press’ impact on the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) cannot be overstated. With 64 goals and 155 international caps, she ranks among the top scorers in team history, helping define a golden era that included legends like Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe, and Alex Morgan.

Her international debut in 2013 marked the beginning of a decade of success that saw her become one of the team’s most versatile attackers. Whether playing as a striker, winger, or creative playmaker, Press’s technical finesse and composure in tight spaces made her a constant threat.

Her performances at the 2015 and 2019 World Cups helped solidify her place among the all-time greats. In both tournaments, the U.S. lifted the trophy, and Press’s contributions — from clutch goals to game-changing assists — played a crucial role in those triumphs.

A Message from the Heart

In a heartfelt statement shared through her club, Press reflected on her decision to retire, saying:

“It’s hard to find the words to say goodbye to a sport that has defined my life for over three decades. 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.”

Her message encapsulates what made Press such a beloved figure — humility, gratitude, and authenticity. Even at the peak of her fame, she remained grounded, viewing soccer as a gift rather than a platform for ego.

On Instagram, she added another emotional note:

“I won’t leave this game believing I was ever the best player in the world. But I will leave feeling like I was one of the most loved.”

That sense of connection — between player and fans — is exactly what has defined Christen Press’s career. She was not only admired for her technical skill but also cherished for her warmth, honesty, and openness about mental health, identity, and personal growth.

Overcoming Adversity: The Road Back

Press’s story is also one of courage and perseverance. In June 2022, she suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, one of the most feared injuries in sports. The setback led to multiple surgeries and more than two years away from the pitch — a period that might have ended most careers.

But Press refused to let it define her. She fought her way back, returning to action late in 2024 for Angel City FC in what she called a “back from the dead” comeback. Her return wasn’t just about playing again; it was about reclaiming her identity as an athlete and proving that resilience could be just as powerful as victory.

That comeback will forever stand as one of the defining moments of her legacy — a reminder that greatness isn’t only measured in trophies but also in the strength to rise after falling.

The Legacy of Christen Press

Press’s retirement marks the end of an era, but her influence will continue to ripple throughout the sport. Beyond her achievements with the USWNT, she was a trailblazer for women’s professional soccer in the United States and abroad.

Before joining Angel City FC, Press played for Manchester United in England’s Women’s Super League, helping expand the reach of American talent internationally. Her time overseas not only elevated her own game but also strengthened the growing bridge between U.S. and European women’s soccer.

Off the field, she co-founded RE—INC, a lifestyle and purpose-driven brand with former teammates Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath, and Meghan Klingenberg, advocating for gender equality and inclusivity in sports and business.

Press’s dedication to using her platform for good has made her more than an athlete — she’s become a role model for empowerment, creativity, and self-expression.

The Final Whistle

For fans of both Angel City FC and the U.S. national team, Christen Press’s retirement is bittersweet. She represents the heart and evolution of modern women’s soccer — from grassroots beginnings to global superstardom — and her journey mirrors the growth of the game itself.

Her decision to retire doesn’t mark an end, but rather a transition. Whether she moves into coaching, media, or continues her advocacy work, Press’s impact will extend far beyond her playing days.

As she walks away from the pitch, she leaves behind not just records and medals, but memories of a player who inspired countless young athletes to dream big and play fearlessly.

A Farewell Worth Celebrating

Christen Press’s story is one of artistry, courage, and love — love for the game, love for her teammates, and love from the fans who watched her journey unfold. Few players have embodied the soul of the sport as fully as she has.

Her words, “I will leave feeling like I was one of the most loved,” ring true not just for her, but for the countless people whose lives she touched through her passion and perseverance.

As she steps away from professional play, the soccer world salutes her — a champion, a leader, and a beacon of inspiration.

For ongoing coverage of Christen Press’s farewell season, player tributes, and reflections on her legendary career, stay tuned to Sports Channel. From her first goal to her final game, Sports Channel will continue to celebrate her remarkable legacy and the indelible mark she leaves on women’s soccer.

Thank you, Christen Press, for everything.