USWNT Icon Christen Press Announces Retirement, Marking End of an Era in Women’s Soccer

In a heartfelt announcement that reverberated across the soccer world, Christen Press—one of the most prolific forwards in the history of U.S. women’s soccer and a visible LGBTQ+ icon—has declared her retirement from professional play. The news, shared by both Angel City Football Club and Press herself, marks the conclusion of a career that has shaped the sport both on and off the pitch .

Press’s career is a testament to excellence and resilience. She earned 155 international caps and scored 64 goals for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), making her one of the top scorers in team history . Her technical prowess and creative play were integral to the USWNT’s back-to-back FIFA Women’s World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019. Press also contributed to the team’s Olympic bronze medal win in 2021, consistently delivering in high-pressure moments .

At the collegiate level, Press was a standout at Stanford University, where she became the all-time leading scorer with 71 goals and set school records for points, assists, and shots. Her collegiate achievements included winning the prestigious Hermann Trophy and leading the team to two NCAA Women’s College Cup runner-up finishes .

Professionally, Press’s career spanned both U.S. and European leagues. She was named 2011 Rookie of the Year in the now-defunct Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league and later played for Göteborg FC and Tyresö FF in Sweden’s Damallsvenskan. In 2013, she became the first American to win the Damallsvenskan Golden Boot, scoring 25 goals in 26 games for Tyresö FF .

Returning stateside, Press played for the Chicago Red Stars and Utah Royals FC before becoming the first player signed to Angel City FC, where she served as both a star forward and an ambassador for the club’s mission of equity and inclusion .

Press’s influence extends far beyond her on-field accomplishments. As an openly lesbian athlete, she has been a visible and affirming presence for LGBTQ+ fans and teammates. Her relationship with fellow soccer star Tobin Heath has been widely recognized and celebrated within the LGBTQ+ community, offering much-needed visibility for queer athletes in elite sports.

Throughout her career, Press has used her platform to advocate for equity, representation, and mental health awareness. As an Angel City FC ambassador, she championed initiatives aimed at making soccer accessible to all, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation . Her commitment to social justice and inclusion has inspired countless fans and contributed to a broader cultural shift within women’s sports toward greater acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ identities.

Press’s retirement comes at a time when women’s soccer is experiencing unprecedented growth in popularity and visibility. Her career has paralleled and, in many ways, propelled the sport’s transformation. As one of the most recognizable faces in the game, Press helped drive the expansion of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and played a formative role in establishing Angel City FC as a model for equity and community engagement in professional sports .

In reflecting on her decision, Press emphasized gratitude for her experiences and the communities that have supported her journey. “I am deeply thankful for every moment, every teammate, and every supporter who believed in me. Soccer has given me a platform to be myself and to advocate for others. As I step away from playing, I look forward to continuing this work in new ways,” Press stated in her official retirement message .

Press’s retirement signals not only the end of an extraordinary playing career but also a transition to new forms of leadership and advocacy. As women’s soccer continues to evolve, her legacy sets a powerful example for the next generation of athletes—especially those navigating their identities in the public eye. The outpouring of support from fans, fellow players, and organizations reaffirms the vital role of LGBTQ+ visibility in sport and highlights the progress made toward greater inclusivity .

As Press moves into her next chapter, her journey stands as a beacon for sports communities striving for acceptance, empowerment, and equality.