USWNT Star Crystal Dunn Retires at 33

The World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist is stepping away from professional soccer to focus on family.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:23am

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Crystal Dunn, one of the most accomplished players in the history of the U.S. women's national team, announced on Thursday that she is retiring from professional soccer at the age of 33 after a remarkable 12-year career. Dunn shared the news in a heartfelt Instagram post, explaining that she is ready to focus more fully on life beyond the field, particularly time with her husband and their 3-year-old son.

Why it matters

Dunn is one of the most decorated players of her generation, having won a World Cup, Olympic gold, and numerous domestic titles. Her retirement marks the end of an era for the USWNT, as she was a key contributor to the team's success over the past decade. Dunn's decision to prioritize family life over her professional career also highlights the challenges that elite female athletes face in balancing their personal and professional lives.

The details

Dunn competed in three FIFA youth World Cups, winning the U-20 title in 2012, and captured an NCAA championship with the University of North Carolina. She was selected first overall by the Washington Spirit in the 2014 NWSL Draft and quickly became one of the league's brightest stars, leading the NWSL in scoring with 15 goals in 2015 and earning both the Golden Boot and MVP honors. Her club career later included successful stints with the North Carolina Courage, Portland Thorns, Gotham FC, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain, where she won three NWSL championships, three NWSL Shields, and a Women's Super League title in England.

  • Dunn announced her retirement on Thursday, January 30, 2026.
  • Dunn's son, Marcel, was born in 2022.

The players

Crystal Dunn

A former U.S. women's national team player who announced her retirement from professional soccer at the age of 33 after a 12-year career.

Pierre Soubrier

Dunn's husband.

Marcel

Dunn and Soubrier's 3-year-old son.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Crystal Dunn (Instagram)

“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.”

— Crystal Dunn (Instagram)

What’s next

Dunn's retirement marks the end of an era for the USWNT, and the team will now need to find a way to replace her contributions on the field. The federation will likely begin the process of identifying and developing the next generation of players to fill the void left by Dunn's departure.

The takeaway

Dunn's retirement is a bittersweet moment for the sport of women's soccer. While she leaves the game as one of the most decorated players of her generation, her decision to prioritize family life over her professional career serves as a reminder of the challenges that elite female athletes face in balancing their personal and professional lives. Dunn's legacy as a trailblazer and role model will continue to inspire future generations of players.