The curtain is set to fall on one of the most influential careers in American soccer history. Christen Press, a two-time World Cup champion and a foundational figure for the U.S. Women's National Team, revealed Wednesday that she will hang up her cleats at the end of the current National Women's Soccer League campaign. The announcement has ignited a firestorm of appreciation across social media, with supporters celebrating not just the goals, but the profound legacy she leaves behind.
A Legendary Career Winds Down
Press, 36, first burst onto the international scene over a decade ago, quickly establishing herself as a dynamic and clinical forward. Her remarkable tenure with the USWNT, spanning from 2013 to 2021, yielded 155 caps, 64 goals, and 43 assists—numbers that only tell part of the story of her impact. In recent years, she has been a cornerstone for Angel City FC in the NWSL, bringing her veteran leadership and flair to the burgeoning club.
In a poignant and reflective letter shared via The Athletic, Press framed her retirement as both an ending and a beginning. "I'm one of the last of a generation — the ones who lifted the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, who stood arm in arm in the fight for Equal Pay," she wrote. "Leaving has been hard because I know what it symbolizes: an era closing. But I hope you see it as the beginning of another one, too — one you helped build with your voices, your faith, and your relentless belief in what this game could be."
More Than Goals: A Personal Connection
Her message was deeply personal, directly addressing the fans who supported her journey. She expressed gratitude for "the letters, the chants, the awkward selfies in airports" and the unique connections forged over shared interests. Press eloquently defined what it meant to be a fan favorite, stating, "You taught me that being someone’s favorite player isn't about the goals. It's about showing up — again and again — even when it's hard, even when it's messy, even when it hurts." In return, she hoped to have given fans "belief, courage, joy, a sense of possibility… and some pretty nice goals to celebrate!"
The Fan Reaction: A Tidal Wave of Appreciation
Immediately, the digital world became a tribute wall for the retiring star. Fans flooded platforms like X with messages of admiration, highlighting both her on-field brilliance and her off-field influence. One supporter called her "iconic," blessing the chance to witness her magic live. Another noted, "Always underrated and not appreciated enough. Terrific numbers considering the minutes she had. Off the pitch if the USWNT achieved what they did a lot is due to her work. Wonderful player and human."
The sentiment of Press being historically underrated was a common thread. "The most underrated USWNT player and one of my favorites growing up, forever grateful I got to witness such talent," read one post. Others analyzed her technical evolution, with a fan adding, "One of the greatest pure scorers we've ever seen who transformed herself into one of the best wings we've ever seen." The collective voice painted a picture of a player whose value extended far beyond the stat sheet.
An Era's End and a Lasting Legacy
Christen Press retires as a bridge between generations—a key member of the squads that dominated the 2010s and a vocal leader in the pivotal fight for pay equity that reshaped the sport. Her career is inextricably linked with the rise of women's soccer's cultural and commercial footprint in the United States. As she steps away, she does so as a symbol of excellence, resilience, and authentic connection.
The final chapter of her playing days is imminent. With Angel City FC facing potential elimination, Press's last professional match could come as soon as November 2nd against the Chicago Stars. Whenever that final whistle blows, it will mark the close of a storied chapter for both the player and the countless fans she inspired. The tributes will undoubtedly continue, a fitting send-off for an athlete who gave the sport her all and, in her own words, showed up—again and again.
