Carli Lloyd announces retirement from professional soccer

A legend is hanging up her boots. Today, Carli Lloyd announced her impending retirement from professional soccer this fall.. She will be leaving the international game after the United States Women’s National Team plays 4 friendly matches in September and October, while she will finish out the 2021 NWSL season with NJ/NY Gotham FC.

Carli Lloyd’s time with the USWNT has spanned 17 years and 312 caps, the 2nd-most ever. She’s one of 4 players that have played 300 times for their country in international soccer history. She has scored 128 goals, which currently has her 4th on the all-time USWNT list.

“When I first started out with the National Team in 2005, my two main goals were to be the most complete soccer player I could be and to help the team win championships.” said Lloyd in a statement released by U.S. Soccer. “Every single day I stepped out onto the field, I played as if it was my last game. I never wanted to take anything for granted, especially knowing how hard it is to get to the top, but even harder to stay at the top for so long.

“I would like to thank U.S. Soccer for helping to provide the opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime. I am forever grateful to have represented the crest and to be able to play for my country for the last 17 years.”

Carli Lloyd’s list of accomplishments are as long as any player in the history of the game: 2-time Women’s World Cup winner, 3-time Olympic medalist (2 gold, 1 bronze), 6-time Algarve Cup winner, 4-time SheBelieves Cup winner, 2-time FIFPro Best XI (2015, 2016), the recipient of the 2015 Women’s World Cup Golden Ball, the 2015 FIFA World Player of the Year, and a Women’s FA Cup winner. She played for 12 clubs over the course of her professional career, including Manchester City, the Chicago Red Stars, Western New York Flash, the Houston Dash, and two stints with Sky Blue FC/Gotham FC.

Carli Lloyd will go down as one of the legendary players to wear the red, white and blue, and she’ll forever be known for this masterpiece of a goal in the 2015 Women’s World Cup Final:

For USWNT fans, there will be 4 more chances to say goodbye to Carli Lloyd in a U.S. jersey when the team plays their friendlies this fall, 2 in September and 2 in October. Gotham FC fans can circle that October 31st season finale at home against Racing Louisville as the final chance to see Carli Lloyd play on the soccer field.