USWNT Star Crystal Dunn Retires at 33

The World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist is stepping away from professional soccer.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 1:23pm

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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, helping lead the USWNT to a 2019 World Cup title and 2024 Olympic gold. Her retirement marks the end of an era for the national team and the NWSL, where she was a star player and champion. Dunn's impact goes beyond trophies, as she was a trailblazer and role model, particularly as one of the most prominent Black players in U.S. women's soccer.

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 won the U-20 FIFA World Cup in 2012.
  • Dunn was drafted first overall by the Washington Spirit in 2014.
  • Dunn led the NWSL in scoring with 15 goals in 2015.
  • Dunn helped the USWNT win the 2019 Women's World Cup and 2024 Olympic gold.

The players

Crystal Dunn

One of the most accomplished players in the history of the U.S. women's national team, who announced her retirement from professional soccer at the age of 33 after a remarkable 12-year career.

Pierre Soubrier

Dunn's husband, with whom she plans to spend more time after retiring.

Marcel

Dunn's 3-year-old son, with whom she plans to spend more time after retiring.

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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)

“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 (Statement)

The takeaway

Dunn's retirement marks the end of an era for the USWNT and the NWSL, as one of the most decorated players of her generation steps away from the game. Her impact, however, extends far beyond trophies, as she was a trailblazer and role model, particularly as one of the most prominent Black players in U.S. women's soccer.