One of the most-accomplished soccer players in recent memory is hanging up her cleats. Crystal Dunn — who won an NCAA title with UNC, two NWSL championships, a World Cup and a gold medal with Team USA — made the surprising announcement in an Instagram post Thursday.
Dunn, 33, said she wanted to spend more time with her husband and three-year-old son. Dunn added she was “at peace” with the decision as part of her lengthy statement.
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Dunn’s full statement read:
“Today, I am announcing my retirement.
“This decision has not come easily, but I am at peace and deeply fulfilled with all that I have accomplished. I’ve achieved nearly everything I dreamed of in this sport and gave all I had to give.
“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. I’ve grown through challenges, celebrated incredible triumphs, and cherished every part of the journey.
“I first kicked a soccer ball at the age of four, never knowing it would change my life and bring me so many moments beyond my imagination. Every stage of my career taught me the importance of humility, resilience, and gratitude. My journey wasn’t perfect, but it was beautiful — filled with trophies, medals, lessons, and the indescribable joy of welcoming a baby along the way.
“Of course, I did not travel this road alone. I was constantly fueled by the love and support of my family, friends, truly remarkable teammates, and amazing coaches. The locker room became my home away from home.
“To my teammates: Thank you for impacting me both professionally and personally. You pushed me to be better every day, supported me through tough moments, and helped me cross every finish line.
“To my coaches and support staff: Thank you for guiding, challenging, and believing in me. The lessons you’ve given me extend far beyond soccer and i will carry them into this next chapter of my life.
“Turning the page is never easy. There is so much history, so many memories tied to spaces I’ll never experience again. The life of a professional athlete can never truly be replicated but I’m excited to continue impacting the game from new perspectives.
“Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey.
“Former NWSL MVP, GOLDEN BOOT winner, 3xShield Winner, 3xChampion, World Cup Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist.”
Dunn was a star from the moment she took the field at the University of North Carolina. She was a four-time All-American at the school, and won the ACC Player of the Year award three times. She also won the MAC Hermann Trophy as a junior, the same year she helped lead UNC to an NCAA title.
Her success in college led to Dunn being drafted by the Washington Spirit with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NWSL Draft. After three seasons with the team, she left for Chelsea, eventually returning to the NWSL with the North Carolina Courage. She helped the team win the NWSL championship in both 2018 and 2019.
Dunn also played for the Portland Thorns, Gotham FC and Paris Saint-Germain. She won another NWSL championship with Portland in 2022.
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During her time in college, the NWSL and overseas, Dunn became a fixture of Team USA. She first represented the country numerous times before turning pro, and was featured as part of the U-17, U-18 and U-20 women’s national teams.
She was called up to the USWNT in 2013 and played a handful of games with the team in 2013 and 2014. Despite her early-career success, Dunn was a surprising cut from the 2015 Women’s World Cup team. The team won the World Cup without Dunn.
Four years later, Dunn made and started for the team, leading it to another World Cup win. She appeared in both the 2020 and 2024 Olympic games, winning a bronze medal in 2020 and a gold medal in 2024.
After the 2024 Olympics, Dunn rejoined Gotham FC for the rest of the season. While she was supposed to spend two more seasons with the team, she mutually parted ways with it and signed with Paris Saint-Germain.
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Dunn appeared in just five games with the team in 2025, scoring two goals.
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