USWNT Legend Crystal Dunn Hangs Up Her Cleats After Iconic Career
Crystal Dunn, the Olympic champion and World Cup winner who donned the US jersey for 160 appearances, announced her retirement from professional soccer in a statement that spoke to the sense of peace and fulfillment she's found. The 33-year-old New York native had an illustrious career, marked by numerous accolades including three NWSL championships with North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns, as well as NWSL MVP and Golden Boot honors in 2015.
Dunn's versatility on the field was a hallmark of her game, with the ability to thrive in both midfield and forward roles. While she may have started out playing in more attacking positions, it wasn't long before she became an integral part of the US back line, shining as a left-back despite not being her preferred role.
Throughout her career, Dunn played alongside some of the most iconic figures in women's soccer, including Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan. Her presence on the team was a stabilizing force, cementing her status as a bedrock of the US defense.
But Dunn's impact went far beyond her on-field accomplishments. As one of the first Black stars to break through in what was once an overwhelmingly white women's soccer program, she paved the way for future generations of players. Her story is one of perseverance and determination, from kicking her first soccer ball at the age of four to becoming a role model for countless young girls.
With a career that spanned over a decade, Dunn's decision to retire comes as no surprise. She had already announced her departure from Chelsea in 2018 and made just one appearance this season with Paris Saint-Germain. The move marks the end of an era for USWNT fans, who will miss the decorated defender but also take pride in knowing that they've watched a true legend of the sport hang up her cleats.
"I leave the game with a sense of peace and deep fulfillment," Dunn said in a statement. "I'm grateful for the incredible people I've had the privilege to work with, from teammates and coaches to family and friends, and all the amazing moments we've shared. I'm very much looking forward to my next chapter ahead."
As Dunn begins her next chapter, fans can take comfort in knowing that they've witnessed a true legend of women's soccer leave an indelible mark on the sport.
Crystal Dunn, the Olympic champion and World Cup winner who donned the US jersey for 160 appearances, announced her retirement from professional soccer in a statement that spoke to the sense of peace and fulfillment she's found. The 33-year-old New York native had an illustrious career, marked by numerous accolades including three NWSL championships with North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns, as well as NWSL MVP and Golden Boot honors in 2015.
Dunn's versatility on the field was a hallmark of her game, with the ability to thrive in both midfield and forward roles. While she may have started out playing in more attacking positions, it wasn't long before she became an integral part of the US back line, shining as a left-back despite not being her preferred role.
Throughout her career, Dunn played alongside some of the most iconic figures in women's soccer, including Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan. Her presence on the team was a stabilizing force, cementing her status as a bedrock of the US defense.
But Dunn's impact went far beyond her on-field accomplishments. As one of the first Black stars to break through in what was once an overwhelmingly white women's soccer program, she paved the way for future generations of players. Her story is one of perseverance and determination, from kicking her first soccer ball at the age of four to becoming a role model for countless young girls.
With a career that spanned over a decade, Dunn's decision to retire comes as no surprise. She had already announced her departure from Chelsea in 2018 and made just one appearance this season with Paris Saint-Germain. The move marks the end of an era for USWNT fans, who will miss the decorated defender but also take pride in knowing that they've watched a true legend of the sport hang up her cleats.
"I leave the game with a sense of peace and deep fulfillment," Dunn said in a statement. "I'm grateful for the incredible people I've had the privilege to work with, from teammates and coaches to family and friends, and all the amazing moments we've shared. I'm very much looking forward to my next chapter ahead."
As Dunn begins her next chapter, fans can take comfort in knowing that they've witnessed a true legend of women's soccer leave an indelible mark on the sport.
. I mean, it's crazy thinkin' about how far back her journey started - 4 yrs old and still grindin'! She paved the way for so many and we should be thankin' her for that 
. I'm actually gonna miss seein' her on the field, but I know she's exactly where she needs to be 
. Retirement can't come at a better time, fam - she left everything on the pitch and now it's time for her next adventure 
. We'll always remember Crystal Dunn as one of the greatest! 
it's crazy to think she won't be playing for us anymore. i mean, we got to see her dominate on the field and inspire so many young girls with her story... she was more than just a player, she was a leader and a role model 
i'm gonna miss seeing her out there, but i also gotta respect her decision to hang up her cleats and move on to the next chapter of her life 
. it's time for someone new to step up and fill her shoes, right? 
just saw the news about Crystal Dunn retiring from pro soccer and I gotta say it's bittersweet 
she was so dominant on the field, playing both defense & forward with ease 
but what really gets me is how she broke barriers for Black girls in soccer 
her story is truly inspiring and a testament to perseverance 
I'm gonna miss watching her play, but at 33, I guess it's time to hang up the cleats 
Crystal Dunn's retirement is like the last good cup of coffee at Starbucks – it's finally here 
. Seriously though, 33 and still kicking like a pro? That's what I call dedication 
), but we get to celebrate a legacy that's been years in the making 
. Bring on Crystal's next chapter – world, you're about to get some wisdom and sass from this soccer legend 
!
... And let's not forget her versatility – she could play anywhere and always brought a level of energy to the team 
Crystal Dunn's retirement is no shock, considering she's been coasting for years 
. But seriously, what a legend! 160 caps and still killing it (or at least, not getting destroyed 
). The fact that she paved the way for future generations of Black players in women's soccer is just amazing – I'm sure there are tons of young girls out there looking up to her as a role model 
. It's crazy to think about how far women's soccer has come since Crystal was kicking her first ball at 4 years old 
, but we'll always have the memories (and the highlights reel 
. Now she's hanging up her cleats, but her legacy lives on 
. She deserves every bit of peace and fulfillment she's talking about 
. Good luck Crystal, you're gonna be amazing in whatever comes next! 
she was always so underrated as a player, but now it makes total sense - she was all about that stability and leadership 
and to see her legacy live on will be so inspiring
she was such a big part of the team and her legacy will live on through all the young girls she inspired to play the game 
️ I remember watching her play in 2015, she had that golden boot and was dominating on the field 
she was more than just a great player, she was a leader and a trailblazer, paving the way for future generations of black players in women's soccer 
She was all about paving the way for future generations, but now we're left with this whole "retirement" narrative that just feels like another example of how our society values winning over well-being... 
Another soccer star hanging up their boots? Just kidding, kinda... 
Crystal Dunn's retirement is bittersweet for me, I'm not sure if it's weird but I never really got hyped about women's soccer being as big of a deal as the men's game. Don't get me wrong, she's an awesome player and all, but it feels like we're losing some of the best talent too soon. Like, can't they just play in the NWSL or something? 
i mean she played for some of the best teams in the nwsL and won championships left right and center 
. 33 years old and all those achievements... she did it with ease. I'm kinda bummed for USWNT fans, but at the same time, I'm so grateful for Crystal Dunn's legacy 
. It's not just about the goals and trophies; it's about the impact she made on the game and the lives of those around her