Christen Press retirement has officially become reality: today the two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion confirmed that she will step away from professional soccer at the conclusion of the 2025 NWSL season. In an emotionally honest appearance on Good Morning America, Press revealed that this campaign with Angel City FC will be her last — closing out a storied 14-year career on her terms.
A Moment She Chose for Herself
When asked, Press described her decision with the full weight of a life lived on the pitch.
“I’m retiring from professional soccer, and I’ve decided that this is my last season and my last few games,” she said.
“I feel a mix of everything. There’s relief, there’s joy, there’s excitement, there’s fear … so much grief. A part of me is losing someone I love.”
Rather than wait until she could no longer play, Press opted to choose her own moment. She acknowledged that her body can still perform and that delaying the decision could force a more painful ending.
Press will be honored by Angel City FC during a match at BMO Field in Los Angeles this Sunday — a fitting tribute in her hometown.
Career at a Glance: Stats, Highlights, and Legacy
International Success
- Caps / Goals: 155 appearances, 64 goals for U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT)
- World Cups: Member of U.S. squads that won in 2015 and 2019
- Olympics: Bronze medalist at Tokyo 2020 (played final match in 2021)
- Rankings: Her 64 goals place her ninth all-time in U.S. women’s international goal scoring
Club Career Across Continents
Press’s club career traveled across leagues and borders:
- Early pro years: Began in 2011 with magicJack in Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS)
- Sweden: Played for Göteborg and Tyresö; became the first American to win the Damallsvenskan Golden Boot in 2013
- Return to U.S. and NWSL: Joined Chicago Red Stars in 2014, became one of their all-time top scorers
- Utah Royals: Between 2018–2020
- England: Brief stints with Manchester United in 2020 and 2021
- Angel City FC: From 2022 through the current 2025 season
In January 2025, Press re-signed a one-year deal with Angel City, signaling her intention to close her career in Los Angeles — the city she calls home.
In league play, she ranks among the top NWSL scorers, with 49 regular season goals in 122 appearances as of her retirement announcement.
Battling Injury & Making a Comeback
One of the defining chapters in Press’s career was her fight back from injury. In June 2022, she suffered a torn ACL playing for Angel City — a setback that required four surgeries and sidelined her for over two full seasons.
Her return to the field was gradual and emotional. She resumed training in mid-2024, exactly two years after surgery, and made her on-field comeback on August 1, 2024, in a match against San Diego.
On October 12, 2024, she scored her first NWSL regular season goal post-injury — just minutes after entering the match. It marked her 100th NWSL regular-season appearance and signaled that the competitive spark was still alive.
During the 2025 season, she delivered moments of vintage brilliance. In May 2025, she came off the bench and scored less than 30 seconds later, chipping the goalkeeper from outside the box — a signature moment that reminded fans of her enduring quality.
Contributions Off the Field
Beyond goals and trophies, Press’s influence extends to advocacy and leadership.
- Equity & Accountability: She was outspoken during the U.S. women’s equal pay movement and publicly disclosed past experiences of abuse in the NWSL, helping spark deeper investigations into league conditions.
- Brand & Media: Press launched RE-INC, a gender-neutral lifestyle brand, and co-hosts The RE-CAP Show podcast alongside her spouse, Tobin Heath.
- Philanthropy: She has served on the board of Grassroot Soccer, an organization that uses soccer to promote health education in underserved communities worldwide.
What’s Next: Final Appearances
Press’s final two appearances will come during Angel City’s remaining matches. She is expected to make one more home appearance in Los Angeles against the Portland Thorns this coming Sunday.
Off the pitch, she will leave a blueprint. Her legacy will live on through her advocacy efforts, creative work, and impact on future generations.
Christen Press retirement ushers in the closing chapter of a career defined by excellence, resilience, and purpose. Her absence will be felt far beyond scorelines.