Crystal Dunn, one of America's most decorated female soccer players, has announced her retirement from professional soccer after a storied career that spanned over two decades. The 33-year-old Olympic champion and World Cup winner made the announcement on Thursday, signaling the end of an era for US women's national team.
Dunn, known for her versatility and skill on the field, played in 160 games for the USWNT, scoring 25 goals since her debut in 2013. She was a key player in the US team's historic 2019 World Cup win and their 2024 Olympic triumph, hoisting the championship trophy three times with different teams. In addition to her national team success, Dunn won multiple NWSL championships, including three titles with North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns.
Dunn's impressive career was marked by numerous accolades, including NWSL MVP and Golden Boot honors in 2015. She also became a critical piece of the USWNT defense, shining at left back despite it not being her preferred role. The New York native will be remembered as one of the greatest players in US women's soccer history.
In a statement, Dunn expressed her gratitude for the incredible people she has worked with and the amazing moments they shared. She also spoke to the impact she had on young players, particularly those from underrepresented communities. "I first kicked a soccer ball at the age of four, never knowing it would change my life," she said. "My journey wasn't perfect, but it was beautiful."
Dunn's retirement marks the latest chapter in a series of high-profile retirements by players from the US women's soccer program's modern golden age. Her legacy will be remembered for generations to come, and her impact on the sport will continue to inspire young players long after she hangs up her cleats.
Dunn, known for her versatility and skill on the field, played in 160 games for the USWNT, scoring 25 goals since her debut in 2013. She was a key player in the US team's historic 2019 World Cup win and their 2024 Olympic triumph, hoisting the championship trophy three times with different teams. In addition to her national team success, Dunn won multiple NWSL championships, including three titles with North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns.
Dunn's impressive career was marked by numerous accolades, including NWSL MVP and Golden Boot honors in 2015. She also became a critical piece of the USWNT defense, shining at left back despite it not being her preferred role. The New York native will be remembered as one of the greatest players in US women's soccer history.
In a statement, Dunn expressed her gratitude for the incredible people she has worked with and the amazing moments they shared. She also spoke to the impact she had on young players, particularly those from underrepresented communities. "I first kicked a soccer ball at the age of four, never knowing it would change my life," she said. "My journey wasn't perfect, but it was beautiful."
Dunn's retirement marks the latest chapter in a series of high-profile retirements by players from the US women's soccer program's modern golden age. Her legacy will be remembered for generations to come, and her impact on the sport will continue to inspire young players long after she hangs up her cleats.
she's literally one of my all time fave players ever! i mean can u believe she won 3 olympic gold medals 
and a world cup title 
? that girl was a total beast on the field 
. i love how she spoke about the impact she had on young girls, especially from underrepresented communities - it's so inspiring 
. and let's be real, 160 games is no joke 
. rest in peace, crystal 
I'm not surprised Crystal Dunn is retiring already... all these high-profile retirements are just a sign that professional sports are losing their luster 
. The NWSL and USWNT need to do something more than just pay players to keep the talented ones coming back for another season 
. I mean, don't get me wrong, Dunn is a legend on the field, but it's time to rethink how we're supporting these athletes 
. Maybe she'll go into coaching or sports management after retirement? That would be a more sustainable way to keep her involved in the sport 
.
! I mean, she won THREE OLYMPIC TROPHIES 
. My heart is breakin' thinkin' about her retirin', but I know her legacy will live on and inspire a whole new generation of soccer players 
! Crystal Dunn, you're a GOAT in my book 
!
... just kidding, kinda. Seriously though, it's wild to think about how much talent and dedication went into that soccer field over the years. I mean, 160 games? 25 goals? That's some serious work 
). RIP Crystal Dunn - you'll be deeply missed on the pitch 
.
. It's going to be tough for the USWNT to fill those shoes 
! 
OMG, Crystal Dunn is retiring? That's so sad! She had an amazing career, you know? I mean, 160 games in the USWNT alone is insane! 
And scoring 25 goals isn't bad either 
. Her versatility and skill on the field were everything. Plus, she was such a key player in those big wins for the US team - Olympic champion, World Cup winner... girl, you did it all! 
but at the same time, I think it's a bit weird that she's retiring now when she's still playing like 90% as good as ever lol 
.
i was literally screaming at my screen when she scored that goal 
now she's gonna be remembered as one of the greatest players in us women's soccer history and that's just insane to me 
, but at the same time I'm super proud of everything she's achieved! 
#RespectForTheLegend The woman was a total boss on and off the field 
. Her dedication to the sport is truly inspiring 
. She's had an incredible career and has been such a big inspiration to me, especially as a woman in sports 
. I love how she's spoken about the impact she's had on young players from underrepresented communities - it's so important that we keep pushing for equality and opportunities for everyone 
.
.
can't believe Crystal Dunn is retiring 
and so many accolades 
especially those from underrepresented communities 
it's like a piece of history is being written off the field... 2 decades of awesomeness 
. And can we talk about her career highlights? 3 Olympic championships? NWSL MVPs? Girl, you're the GOAT 
but I know her legacy will live on and inspire a new gen of players 
. But seriously, it's a bit sad to see her go... she was always so underrated for how great she was on the field 
she was more than just a player, she was a role model and inspiration to so many girls around the world 
️. And it's not like she's done anything wrong... she just decided to hang up her boots 
.
. 20 years is a long time, and I'm sure it's taken a toll on her body. But at the same time, it's sad to see an era come to an end