Quick Read
- Crystal Dunn, 33, announced her retirement from professional soccer on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
- Dunn won the 2019 Women’s World Cup and a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics with the USWNT.
- She secured three NWSL championships (two with North Carolina Courage, one with Portland Thorns) and was the 2015 NWSL MVP.
- Dunn cited a desire to spend more time with her husband and 3-year-old son, Marcel.
- Her career spanned 12 years, including 160 appearances for the USWNT and stints with six professional clubs.
NEW YORK (Azat TV) – Crystal Dunn, the highly decorated United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) star and a pivotal figure in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), announced her retirement from professional soccer on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the age of 33. The decision, shared via her Instagram account, brings an end to a remarkable 12-year career that saw her achieve a Women’s World Cup title, an Olympic gold medal, and multiple NWSL championships, solidifying her legacy as one of the sport’s most versatile and impactful players.
Dunn cited a desire to prioritize family time, stating in her post that she is “at peace and deeply fulfilled with all that I have accomplished,” and looks forward to “spending more time with my family and being a more present mom” to her 3-year-old son, Marcel, and husband, Pierre Soubrier. Her departure marks a significant moment for both the national team and the professional league, where she consistently demonstrated an unmatched ability to excel across various positions.
A Legacy of Versatility and Triumphs
Crystal Dunn’s career was defined by her extraordinary adaptability and consistent success at the highest levels of soccer. A fixture on the USWNT from 2016 through 2024, she earned 160 caps, making her last appearance in May 2025 during a 3-0 victory against China. Her international accolades include playing a crucial role in the USWNT’s 2019 Women’s World Cup triumph in France, where she started six matches, primarily at left back. She also helped secure a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2021 Olympics, consistently performing as a regular starter.
While known for her defensive prowess at left back for the national team, Dunn’s club career showcased her offensive capabilities. She was a dominant force in the NWSL, winning three championships: two with the North Carolina Courage in 2018 and 2019, and a third with the Portland Thorns in 2022. During her time with the Courage, she famously scored in both the semifinal and final of the 2019 championship run. She also contributed to the Thorns winning three NWSL Shields (2018, 2019, 2021).
Beyond the NWSL, Dunn played for Chelsea in 2017, where she won a Women’s Super League (WSL) title under current USWNT head coach Emma Hayes. Her journey also included stints with Gotham FC and, most recently, Paris Saint-Germain, where she signed in January 2025. She made just one appearance for PSG in the 2025-26 season, playing her final professional game in September 2025 during a 3-0 win at Lens in the Premiere Ligue, as reported by CBS Sports and ESPN.
From College Phenom to Professional Star
Dunn’s path to professional stardom began with an illustrious collegiate career at the University of North Carolina. A native of New York, she led the Tar Heels to an NCAA title in 2012, the same year she won the U-20 Women’s World Cup with the U.S. youth national team. She was recognized as college soccer’s top player, winning the MAC Hermann Trophy as a junior and earning four-time All-American honors. She remains the only player since Mia Hamm to win the ACC Player of the Year award three times, as highlighted by ESPN.
Drafted first overall by the Washington Spirit in the 2014 NWSL draft, Dunn truly “burst onto the scene” in her second professional season. In 2015, she scored 15 goals in 20 games, earning the NWSL Golden Boot and MVP honors. This attacking surge came after she was notably left off the 2015 Women’s World Cup roster, fueling her return to national team contention. Due to the USWNT’s formidable depth in attack, she transitioned to left back, a role she mastered while still bringing her offensive attributes to the defensive position, a testament to her unique skill set.
Balancing Motherhood and Elite Sport
In the later stages of her career, Crystal Dunn became an inspiring example of a professional athlete balancing the demands of elite sport with motherhood. After welcoming her son in 2022, she continued to compete at the highest level, benefiting from the USWNT’s 2022 equal pay settlement with U.S. Soccer. This landmark agreement notably guaranteed child care for all national team players, regardless of gender, a significant step forward for women in sports. Dunn had previously been a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the federation, advocating for equitable treatment.
U.S. Soccer, in a news release, celebrated Dunn’s “brilliant” 12-year senior international career, praising her “effervescent personality, selflessness for her team and penchant for dancing at the drop of a beat” that endeared her to teammates and coaches alike. Her journey underscores the evolving landscape of women’s professional soccer, where athletes are increasingly able to pursue both their athletic and personal aspirations with greater support.
Crystal Dunn’s retirement marks the end of an era for a player whose adaptability and consistent excellence across diverse roles set a new standard in women’s soccer. Her ability to seamlessly transition from an attacking phenom to an elite defender, while also advocating for and embodying the progress of female athletes as mothers, leaves an indelible mark on the sport, highlighting her impact beyond just her on-field achievements.