After a remarkable 16-year international career, Becky Sauerbrunn, the former captain of the U.S. women's team, has decided to retire from professional soccer. The 39-year-old athlete, who participated in three Olympics and three Women’s World Cups, made the announcement on Tuesday.
Sauerbrunn's illustrious career includes playing in the National Women’s Soccer League for every year of its existence. She was honored as the league's Defender of the Year four times and secured championships with FC Kansas City and the Portland Thorns, in addition to playing with the Utah Royals.
In a reflective statement, Sauerbrunn expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to represent the U.S. Soccer crest over 200 times, acknowledging the privilege of playing alongside some of the sport's greatest players and leaders.
During her tenure with the national team, Sauerbrunn emerged as a consistent starter, appearing in 182 games between 2013 and 2024, with 167 starts. Her international career culminates with 219 caps, placing her 10th in national team history.
Sauerbrunn played a pivotal role in the United States' successful World Cup campaigns, contributing to the team's triumphs in 2015 in Canada and 2019 in France. Notably, she played every minute in the 2015 tournament and missed only one game in 2019, with the U.S. conceding just three goals in each competition.
Becky Sauerbrunn's retirement marks the conclusion of an exceptional career marked by dedication, skill, and numerous accolades, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of women's soccer.
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