United States women’s national team player Crystal Dunn announced her retirement from professional soccer at the age of 33 on Thursday.
“Today, I am announcing my retirement,” Dunn said on her Instagram account.
“This decision has not come easily, but I am at peace and deeply fulfilled with all that I have accomplished. 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. This was not a decision made lightly, but was one made with immense gratitude for everything I’ve experienced as a professional soccer player. I’ve grown through challenges, celebrated incredible triumphs, and cherished every part of the journey.”
“I first kicked a soccer ball at the age of four, never knowing it would change my life and bring me so many moments beyond my imagination. Every stage of my career taught me the importance of humility, resilience, and gratitude. 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.”
“Of course, I did not travel this road alone. I was constantly fueled by the love and support of my family, friends, truly remarkable teammates, and amazing coaches. The locker room became my home away from home.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Turning the page is never easy. There is so much history, so many memories tied to spaces I’ll never experience again. The life of a professional athlete can never truly be replicated but I’m excited to continue impacting the game from new perspectives.”
“Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey.”
A World Cup champion, Olympic gold medalist, NWSL MVP, Golden Boot winner, and a 3x Shield winner, Dunn’s trophy cabinet is about as full as one could ask for now that her career is complete. Her career spanned multiple continents, and included stops with the Washington Spirit, Chelsea, North Carolina Courage, Portland Thorns FC, and Gotham FC. She also had a brief cup of coffee with Paris Saint-Germain, though she made few appearances after inking a contract with the club back in January of 2025.
“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 prepared statement.
A former number 1 pick out of the University of North Carolina in the 2014 NWSL Draft, Dunn dominated the college ranks as well, helping the school capture an NCAA title, and the MAC Hermann Trophy as the nation’s top collegiate player.
The veteran forward said she’s most looking forward to spending more time with her husband Pierre Sourer, and 3 year old son Marcel now that she’s taken a step back from the grinding professional soccer schedule.
Photo: Taylor Vincent. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.