Tobin Heath, a key player in the US Women’s National Team’s victories at the 2015 and 2019 Women’s World Cup, officially announced her retirement on Thursday, ending an impressive career. Her last game was in August 2022, where she faced Seattle’s Reign, with her final appearance for the national team occurring in October 2021 in a friendly match against South Korea. At 37 years old, Heath struggled with a significant left knee injury during her final year, hindering her return to the pitch.
“By the New Year, I fully accepted that playing again was not going to happen. This has been a lengthy acceptance over the last couple of years,” Heath shared in an episode of her podcast, RE-CAP, which she co-hosts with former teammate Kristen Press. “I invested a lot, both financially and personally, attempting to recover through two surgeries and one extensive procedure.
Heath is celebrated as one of the most impactful athletes of her time, featuring in 181 matches for the USWNT, clinching gold medals at the Olympics and two World Cup championships, as well as earning the title of US Soccer Female Athlete of the Year twice in 2016. Her accolades include two NWSL championships and two shields, achieved while playing with Portland Thorns and others. Throughout her club career, Heath also played for Manchester United, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Heath is recognized for her exceptional technical skills on the field, being a standout player known for her ability to score and provide assists; she recorded 36 goals and 42 assists for the national team, including a memorable performance in the 2015 World Cup final against Japan, where the USWNT triumphed 5-2.
In recent years, Heath has diversified her interests off the field, engaging in various roles including podcasting, and serving as the sole woman on FIFA’s technical research team during the Men’s Club World Cup.
As Tobin Heath retires, her departure not only marks the end of an era for the USWNT but also highlights the challenges athletes face in recovering from injuries. For soccer fans, her legacy and influence on the game will resonate, inspiring future generations and sparking conversations about women’s sports at large.
