Becky Sauerbrunn, a former captain of the U.S. women’s national team and a veteran of three Olympics and three Women’s World Cups, announced her retirement from professional soccer on Tuesday, concluding a distinguished 16-year international career.
At 39, Sauerbrunn leaves behind an impressive legacy in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), having played every season since its inception. She was recognized as the league’s Defender of the Year four times and won championships with FC Kansas City and the Portland Thorns, in addition to her time with the Utah Royals.
Reflecting on her career, Sauerbrunn expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the U.S. Soccer crest. “I learned early on that we were all just renting our jerseys,” she stated. “That I got to wear the U.S. Soccer crest once was an honor and 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.”
Sauerbrunn was a mainstay for the national team, starting 167 of her 182 appearances from 2013 to 2024. She concludes her international career with 219 caps, ranking 10th all-time in U.S. national team history. A pivotal figure in the team’s success, she played every minute of the 2015 World Cup in Canada and missed only the opening match of the 2019 tournament in France, during which the U.S. conceded just three goals in total.
In addition to her World Cup triumphs, Sauerbrunn also earned a bronze medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
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