USWNT legend, defensive stalwart Becky Sauerbrunn announces her retirement.
The esteemed captain of the U.S. women’s national soccer team, recognized as one of the finest defenders in the team’s rich history, is stepping away from the game. She now joins a distinguished group of athletes, including Alex Morgan, Kelley O’Hara, and Alyssa Naeher, who have also declared their retirement this year.
At 39 years old, Sauerbrunn shared her retirement news on social media.
With an impressive total of 219 caps for the USWNT, she concludes her career as a two-time World Cup champion and a gold medalist from the 2012 Olympics. Sauerbrunn participated in three World Cups, and although she was poised for a fourth, a foot injury kept her off the roster for the 2023 tournament.
Reflecting on her journey, Sauerbrunn stated, “I learned early on that we were all just renting our jerseys. That I got to wear the U.S. Soccer crest once was an honor and a privilege for which I’m forever grateful. The fact that I got to do it over 200 times is truly humbling. I competed with and learned from some of the greatest players and leaders this sport has ever seen, and I consider myself beyond lucky to have been able to play a small part in this program’s storied history.”
However, Sauerbrunn’s contributions extend far beyond the field. Known affectionately as the “people’s captain,” she served as the president of the USWNT Players Association for several years. Her efforts in advocating for equal pay have been significant, with teammates often acknowledging that while Morgan and Megan Rapinoe represented the face of the movement, Sauerbrunn was the strategic mind behind it.
In her retirement announcement, Sauerbrunn made it clear that she will remain involved in soccer. “I love this game too much,” she expressed. Currently, she co-hosts “The Women’s Game” podcast alongside Sam Mewis, and it’s anticipated that she will continue to influence the sport in various capacities.
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