USWNT star Julie Ertz retires from professional football

United States women’s national team and NWSL star Julie Ertz announced her official retirement from professional football after 10 seasons. 

"With immense emotion and processing, I've decided it is time to hang up the boots. I've been blessed to meet and train with some of the best and most inspirational women I've ever been around, and I've experienced different cultures while traveling the world to compete at the highest level,” Ertz said in her social media post.

"I gave everything I had to the sport that I love. With that I can walk away with no regrets because while I gave soccer every ounce of myself, soccer gave me even more, and for that I'll always be thankful."

The midfielder kicked off her professional career in 2014, after being drafted as the third overall pick of the NWSL College draft by the Chicago Red Stars. She featured for the team for seven years before taking a quick hiatus from football and returning in 2023 with Angel City FC. 

"Julie has forever left a positive mark on Angel City, and we are truly honored to call her one of our first alums," ACFC co-founder and president Julie Uhrman added. 

"Time isn't the only measurement of influence; what matters is one's commitment to supporting their team and community during their tenure."

Internationally, she concludes her career with 122 appearances for the U.S following her 2013 debut, scoring 20 goals and forming an integral part of the two World Cup-winning sides in 2015 and 2019. The midfielder recently played in her third World Cup, joining the 23-player roster for the 2023 tournament in New Zealand and Australia. 

Ertz previously teased the idea of hanging up her boots after the USWNT fell to Sweden in the Round of 16 on penalties, indicating it would “probably” be her last game sporting the crest. 

"As I have gotten older and become a mom, it's clear the sacrifices of time away from my family no longer seem doable with so many factors at play," Ertz said.

"These girls gave me a gift I could never repay and l got to live out a dream I wish for everyone: falling in love with a sport you have played your whole life and getting to share it with your son.

"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."