USWNT World Cup Winner Crystal Dunn Retires at 33

The accomplished player is stepping away from professional soccer to focus on family life.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:23pm

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Crystal Dunn, a star player on the U.S. women's national soccer team who helped lead the squad to a World Cup title in 2019 and Olympic gold in 2024, has announced her retirement from professional soccer at age 33. Dunn, who played for multiple NWSL clubs and overseas, cited a desire to spend more time with her family as the primary reason for her decision.

Why it matters

Dunn is one of the most decorated players of her generation, known for her versatility and leadership on the field. Her retirement marks the end of an era for the USWNT and leaves a void in the sport, though she leaves behind a legacy as a trailblazer and role model, particularly as one of the most prominent Black players in U.S. women's soccer.

The details

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Dunn explained that the decision to retire "has not come easily, but I am at peace and deeply fulfilled with all that I have accomplished." Over her 12-year professional career, she won three NWSL championships, three NWSL Shields, and a Women's Super League title in England. Dunn also helped the USWNT capture the 2019 World Cup and 2024 Olympic gold medal.

  • Dunn announced her retirement on January 30, 2026.
  • She won the U-20 FIFA World Cup in 2012.
  • Dunn was drafted 1st overall by the Washington Spirit in 2014.
  • She led the NWSL in scoring with 15 goals and won MVP in 2015.
  • Dunn gave birth to her son Marcel in 2022.

The players

Crystal Dunn

A star player on the U.S. women's national soccer team who helped lead the squad to a World Cup title in 2019 and Olympic gold in 2024.

Pierre Soubrier

Dunn's husband.

Marcel

Dunn's 3-year-old son.

U.S. Soccer

The governing body for soccer in the United States, which praised Dunn's "brilliant" 12-year international career.

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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.”

— 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 illustrious career for one of the most accomplished players in USWNT history. Her versatility, leadership, and trailblazing presence on and off the field have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring the next generation of players and serving as a role model for balancing elite performance with motherhood.