After 14 illustrious years, Christen Press, a two-time World Cup winner and trailblazing advocate, will retire from professional soccer at the close of the 2025 NWSL season. Her departure marks the end of an era defined by exquisite goal-scoring, fierce determination, and a profound commitment to reshaping the sport for future generations.
The soccer world received poignant news on Wednesday as Christen Press, a beloved and influential figure in the sport, officially announced her retirement. The two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion and forward for Angel City FC will conclude her illustrious 14-year professional career at the end of the 2025 NWSL season. This announcement, shared during an emotional interview on “Good Morning America,” revealed a mix of relief, joy, excitement, and profound grief for the athlete.
A Career Defined by Goals and Global Stages
Christen Press’s journey through professional soccer has been nothing short of extraordinary. From her standout collegiate career at Stanford, where she claimed the Mac Hermann Trophy in 2010 and remains the career leader in points (183) and goals (71), to her impactful international performances, Press consistently showcased her innate goal-scoring abilities, creative play, and versatility. Her professional path began in the now-defunct Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS), where she was named Rookie of the Year in 2011 for the magicJack team.
Her international career with the USWNT is highlighted by critical contributions to two World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019. Fans vividly remember her goal just 10 minutes into the semifinal victory over England in 2019. She amassed an impressive 64 international goals across 155 caps, placing her ninth on the all-time scoring list for the USWNT. Beyond the World Cups, she earned a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and was an alternate for the gold-medal-winning team in 2012.
Before the establishment of a robust professional league in the United States, Press ventured abroad, playing in Sweden for clubs like Tyresö FF and Göteborg FC. Her time with Tyresö FF in 2013 was particularly notable, as she became the first American to win the Golden Boot in Sweden’s Damallsvenskan, scoring 23 goals. She also helped Tyresö reach the UEFA Champions League final in 2014, demonstrating her prowess on the European stage.
The NWSL Journey and the Battle Against Injury
Upon her return to the U.S., Press became a prominent figure in the NWSL, playing for the Chicago Red Stars and Utah Royals. She was a pivotal player for these clubs before making history as Angel City FC’s first official signing in 2021, ahead of their expansion season. Playing for her hometown club was a dream come true, embodying the growth and potential of women’s soccer.
Her final years have been a testament to her resilience, marked by a challenging period of recovery. After suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in June 2022, Press endured more than two years on the sidelines, undergoing multiple surgeries. Her return to the field in 2024, albeit in a reserve role, was a significant personal triumph, a “back from the dead” career comeback as she described it. Despite the injury, her dedication allowed her body to “keep going,” a key factor in her decision to retire on her own terms, rather than waiting until she physically couldn’t play anymore.
Beyond the Pitch: Advocacy and a New Chapter
Christen Press‘s impact extends far beyond her athletic achievements. She was a vocal and instrumental participant in the USWNT’s groundbreaking fight for equal pay. In 2019, she was among the players who filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation, a movement that culminated in a $24 million settlement and an agreement to guarantee equal pay in 2022, as reported by CNN Sports. This commitment to justice is something she reflected on, stating, “I believe it was all so I could be there, behind the scenes, during our fight for Equal Pay. To learn how to organize, to unite, to lead in the name of justice,” in letters shared with The Athletic.
Her advocacy continued off the field with the co-founding of Re-Inc, a media company, alongside former teammates and her wife, Tobin Heath, Megan Rapinoe, and Meghan Klingenberg. Re-Inc is dedicated to reimagining sports culture and content, focusing on community, equity, and empowering women. The retirement of Tobin Heath earlier this year played a significant role in Press’s decision, as she acknowledged it was “time for my family to move on to our next chapter.”
The fan community has always embraced Christen Press, a sentiment she clearly cherishes. In an Instagram post announcing her retirement, she wrote, “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,” a sentiment echoed by countless fans who appreciate her skill, personality, and genuine connection to the sport. Her legacy, as she sees it, encompasses being a great goal scorer, a pioneer in the fight for equal pay, and a champion for diversifying the sport, a revolution she proudly helped create.
As Press steps away from professional play, her influence on the sport, both on and off the field, will undoubtedly continue to inspire. Her retirement marks the closing of a chapter, but as she suggests, it’s also the beginning of a new era, one built by the collective voices and belief in what women’s soccer can truly be.
