USWNT Great Julie Ertz Announces Her Retirement From Soccer

One of the greats in U.S. women’s soccer history is hanging up her cleats.

After announcing her retirement from international competition following a loss in the 2023 World Cup knockout stage, U.S. Women’s National Team great Julie Ertz had another announcement Thursday. The midfield revealed that she’s hanging up her cleats across all levels of competition for good.

“With immense emotion and processing, I’ve decided it is time to hang up the boots,” Ertz said in a statement.

Ertz thanked her family, fans and the game of soccer for all that it gave to her in her illustrious career.

“Representing this country on the National Team has been the greatest honor. To play for the USWNT means you chase greatness every day while you wear the crest. I hope that I was able to leave an impact that reflects that. …To the game of soccer. You have shaped every part of who I am. My relationship with my faith, my character, friendships, travel, college, heck just my daily routine. It’s a sad thing to reflect and know the game just moves on without you. The game doesn’t owe you anything but it has given me so much. What a truly beautiful game it is. I’m just grateful for the time we had.”

Ertz concludes her career with two World Cup titles in 2015 and ’19, as well as 20 goals across 122 international appearances for the USWNT.