In a heartfelt announcement that has sent ripples through the women’s soccer world, USWNT icon Christen Press revealed on Wednesday that she will retire from professional soccer at the conclusion of the 2025 NWSL season.
The 36-year-old forward, a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion and Olympic bronze medalist, shared the emotional news during an exclusive interview on Good Morning America, marking the end of a stellar 14-year career filled with triumphs, advocacy, and resilience. Press, currently with Angel City FC, will lace up for her final two games, including a poignant home farewell against the Portland Thorns this Sunday.
“I’m retiring from professional soccer, and I’ve decided that this is my last season and my last few games,” Press said, her voice steady yet reflective. “I thought I would wait until I didn’t want to play anymore, but I realized… that time is never going to come.” At 36, Press chose to step away on her terms, embracing a new chapter alongside her wife, fellow USWNT alum Tobin Heath, who retired earlier this year.
A Career of Milestones: From Stanford Star to Global Icon – Christen Press Retirement
Press’s journey began at Stanford University, where she shattered records as the all-time leading scorer before launching into the pros in 2011 with magicJack in the now-defunct Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league. Her path took her across the Atlantic to Sweden’s Göteborg FC and Tyresö FF, where she honed her craft amid the European elite.
Returning stateside in 2014, Press became a cornerstone of the NWSL, suiting up for the Chicago Red Stars, Utah Royals, and now Angel City FC—her hometown club, where she was the inaugural signing in 2022. Across 122 regular-season appearances, she netted 49 goals, earning four NWSL Best XI selections and cementing her status as one of the league’s deadliest forwards.
Internationally, her 155 caps for the USWNT yielded 64 goals and 40 assists, including the iconic opener in the 2019 World Cup semifinal against England—a strike that propelled the U.S. to victory and etched her name in history.
A devastating ACL tear in 2022 sidelined her for over a year, but Press staged a triumphant comeback last season, proving her unbreakable spirit. Her final USWNT appearance came in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics bronze-medal win over Australia, capping a golden era alongside legends like Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe.
Off the Pitch: Advocacy, Partnership, and Legacy
Beyond the pitch, Press has been a trailblazer. She co-founded RE-INC., a platform championing equity in women’s sports, and co-hosts the wildly popular The RE-CAP Show podcast with Heath—now her wife after their 2025 marriage announcement. As a vocal advocate for equal pay and better NWSL conditions, Press played a pivotal role in landmark settlements that transformed the sport.
“I feel a mix of everything,” Press admitted of her retirement emotions. “Gratitude, sadness, excitement—it’s all there.” Her off-field ventures, including the Re-Cap brand, signal a seamless transition, where she’ll continue amplifying women’s voices in soccer and beyond.
Angel City plans a fitting tribute during Sunday’s home finale, a stone’s throw from where Press’s love for the game first ignited in California. As she bows out, tributes poured in from peers: Megan Rapinoe called her “a warrior and a poet,” while Alex Morgan echoed, “Your impact will echo forever.”
Christen Press Career Stats and Goal Record: USWNT and NWSL Highlights
USWNT legend Christen Press, who announced her retirement from professional soccer after the 2025 NWSL season, leaves behind an incredible legacy as a prolific forward. Below is a concise overview of her career stats and goal record across her USWNT and NWSL tenure –
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| USWNT (2013-2021) | 155 | 64 | 43 |
| NWSL (2014-2025) | 122 | 49 | 22 |
| Damallsvenskan (Sweden, 2012-2018) | 35 | 40 | Not Available |
| College (Stanford, 2007-2010) | 98 | 71 | 41 |
Key Highlights
- USWNT: 64 goals in 155 caps, ranking 9th all-time in USWNT history. Scored in the 2019 World Cup semifinal vs England.
- NWSL: 49 goals across Chicago Red Stars, Utah Royals, and Angel City FC, with one goal in 16 matches in her final 2025 season.
- Sweden: First American to win the Damallsvenskan Golden Boot in 2013 with 23 goals for Tyresö FF.
- Stanford: All-time leading scorer with 71 goals, winning the 2010 Hermann Trophy.
What’s Next for Women’s Soccer Without Press?
Press’s departure comes amid a booming era for the USWNT and NWSL, with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon. Her legacy? Inspiring a generation to fight for more—on and off the field. As Angel City eyes the playoffs, all eyes will be on Press’s swan song.