Crystal Dunn, one of the most accomplished players in the history of the U.S. women’s national team, announced Thursday that she is retiring from professional soccer at age 33, bringing an end to a remarkable 12-year career.
Dunn shared the news in a heartfelt Instagram post, explaining that she is ready to focus more fully on life beyond the field, particularly time with her husband, Pierre Soubrier, and their 3-year-old son, Marcel. “This decision has not come easily, but I am at peace and deeply fulfilled with all that I have accomplished,” Dunn wrote. “I’ve achieved nearly everything I dreamed of in this sport and gave all I had to give.”
She added, “I’m ready to embrace the life that awaits me on the other side. I look forward to spending more time with my family and being a more present mom. This was not a decision made lightly, but was one made with immense gratitude for everything I’ve experienced as a professional soccer player.”
Dunn competed in three FIFA youth World Cups, winning the U-20 title in 2012, and captured an NCAA championship with the University of North Carolina, where she was a four-time All-American and a three-time ACC Player of the Year. She also claimed the MAC Hermann Trophy as college soccer’s top player.
Selected first overall by the Washington Spirit in the 2014 NWSL Draft, Dunn quickly became one of the league’s brightest stars. In 2015, she led the NWSL in scoring with 15 goals, earning both the Golden Boot and MVP honors. Her club career later included successful stints with the North Carolina Courage, Portland Thorns, Gotham FC, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain. Along the way, she won three NWSL championships, three NWSL Shields, and a Women’s Super League title in England.
Dunn leaves the game as one of the most decorated players of her generation. Over 160 international appearances, she helped lead the United States to the 2019 Women’s World Cup title and Olympic gold in 2024, after also earning a bronze medal in Tokyo in 2021. Known for her adaptability, she starred across multiple positions — forward, attacking midfielder, and left back — often shifting roles to meet her team’s needs. Her final professional stop came with PSG during the 2025–26 season, where she made limited appearances after transferring from Gotham FC earlier in 2025.
U.S. Soccer praised Dunn’s impact, calling her 12-year international career “brilliant,” and highlighting her energy, leadership, and joyful presence. “Her effervescent personality, selflessness for her team and penchant for dancing at the drop of a beat always endeared her to teammates and coaches for club and country,” the federation said in a statement.
Beyond trophies, Dunn leaves a lasting legacy as a trailblazer and role model. One of the most prominent Black players in U.S. women’s soccer, she helped broaden the sport’s cultural footprint and was widely admired for balancing elite performance with motherhood after the birth of her son in 2022. “I leave the game with a sense of peace and deep fulfillment for all that I’ve accomplished,” Dunn wrote. “I’m grateful for the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work with, from teammates and coaches to family and friends, and all the amazing moments we’ve shared. I’m very much looking forward to my next chapter ahead.”
Editorial credit: Jose Breton- Pics Action / Shutterstock.com
