USWNT legend Julie Ertz retires from professional football | OneFootball

Two-time Women’s World Cup winner Julie Ertz has announced her retirement from professional football.

The 31-year-old defender called time on a decade-long spell where she became a mainstay of the USA national side.

Ertz was also part of her country’s successive World Cup-winning sides in 2015 and 2019 as well as featuring in this summer’s tournament.

“As an athlete you’re always singularly focused on the next goal, the next tournament and rarely do you get time to reflect on your career,” said Ertz.

“However, over the past couple of months my heart has been filled with gratitude as I’ve thought about the amazing experiences soccer has given me.

“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. 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.”

Prior to the World Cup, Ertz’s international teammate Megan Rapinoe confirmed her intention to retire this summer.