Crystal Dunn Retires After Storied USWNT And NWSL Career

Crystal Dunn, one of the brightest stars in U.S. women’s soccer history, has officially announced her retirement at the age of 33, closing the book on a remarkable career that spanned over a decade and inspired countless fans and teammates alike. The announcement came Thursday, January 29, 2026, via an Instagram post, where Dunn expressed both gratitude and peace with her decision to step away from the game she’s loved since childhood.

“This decision has not come easily, but I am at peace and deeply fulfilled with all that I have accomplished,” Dunn shared in her post. “I’ve achieved nearly everything I dreamed of in this sport and gave all I had to give. I’m ready to embrace the life that awaits me on the other side. I look forward to spending more time with my family and being a more present mom.”

The New York native, who first kicked a soccer ball at age four, leaves behind a legacy few can match. Dunn’s journey from a standout college athlete to a global soccer icon is marked by resilience, versatility, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. She was a four-time All-American at the University of North Carolina, winning three ACC Player of the Year awards and the MAC Hermann Trophy in 2013. That same year, she helped lead UNC to an NCAA national championship, cementing her status as one of the best collegiate players in the nation.

Her collegiate success set the stage for a professional career that would see her drafted No. 1 overall in the 2014 NWSL Draft by the Washington Spirit. Dunn’s impact was immediate, and she quickly became known for her ability to play virtually any position on the field. Whether as an attacking midfielder, winger, or left back, she brought energy and skill to every role, often sacrificing personal preference for the good of her team. “My journey wasn’t perfect, but it was beautiful — filled with trophies, medals, lessons, and the indescribable joy of welcoming a baby along the way,” Dunn wrote, reflecting on her career’s highs and lows.

After three seasons with the Spirit, Dunn took her talents overseas to Chelsea in England, further expanding her repertoire and international experience. She returned to the NWSL with the North Carolina Courage, where she won back-to-back league championships in 2018 and 2019, as well as NWSL Shields in 2018 and 2019. Her time with the Courage was punctuated by winning the NWSL Golden Boot and MVP in 2015, a year she was notably left off the U.S. World Cup roster—a setback that only fueled her drive.

Dunn’s club journey also included stints with the Portland Thorns, Gotham FC, and, most recently, Paris Saint-Germain. At Portland, she added another NWSL title in 2022, scoring a dramatic winning goal in the playoff semifinal just months after giving birth to her son, Marcel. Her resilience and determination made her a role model, not just for her on-field achievements but for her ability to balance motherhood and elite competition. In 2023, she was one of three mothers representing the U.S. at the Women’s World Cup.

Internationally, Dunn’s career is nothing short of legendary. She debuted for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) in February 2013 and earned 160 caps, scoring 25 goals by 2025. She helped lead the USWNT to victory in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where her defensive prowess at left back was critical to the team’s success. She also played a vital role in securing the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, following a bronze medal performance at the 2020 Games. Her versatility allowed her to shift seamlessly between roles, always putting the team’s needs first.

“Her effervescent personality, selflessness for her team and penchant for dancing at the drop of a beat always endeared her to teammates and coaches for club and country,” U.S. Soccer said in a statement. Dunn was also recognized as one of the first Black stars of the USWNT, paving the way for greater representation and inspiring a new generation of players. “As one of the first Black stars of the U.S. Women’s National Team, especially as a field player, Dunn has long been a role model to many young players of color across the country who aspired to reach the highest levels of the game,” the U.S. soccer federation stated.

Her club career concluded with Paris Saint-Germain, where she signed in January 2025 after mutually parting ways with Gotham FC. Dunn made nine appearances for PSG, scoring two goals and providing two assists before the club and player agreed to end their collaboration upon her retirement.

Off the field, Dunn’s impact was equally profound. She was known for her vivacious locker room presence, often starting impromptu dance parties or sharing her DJ skills, and for mentoring younger players. Her leadership and positivity resonated everywhere she played, and her willingness to speak openly about motherhood and representation in women’s sports has left a lasting impression on the game.

“To my teammates: Thank you for impacting me both professionally and personally. You pushed me to be better every day, supported me through tough moments, and helped me cross every finish line,” Dunn wrote in her farewell. “To my coaches and support staff: Thank you for guiding, challenging, and believing in me. The lessons you’ve given me extend far beyond soccer and I will carry them into this next chapter of my life.”

As the USWNT looks ahead to a new era under manager Emma Hayes, Dunn’s absence will be felt both on and off the pitch. Her 12-year international career, marked by adaptability, leadership, and a relentless commitment to her teams, sets a high bar for those who follow. For now, Dunn is looking forward to spending more time with her husband, Pierre Soubrier, and their 3-year-old son, Marcel—a new chapter awaits, but her legacy in American and world soccer is firmly established.

The soccer world bids farewell to Crystal Dunn, a true legend whose influence will be felt for generations. As she steps away from the field, the memories, championships, and inspiration she leaves behind ensure her place among the game’s greats.