Jeff Kasouf
Jess Fishlock of Seattle Reign FC has announced her retirement from international play after two decades representing Wales, but she’s not stepping away from club soccer. The midfielder has inked a one-year extension to stay with the Reign through 2026, continuing her nearly 14-year journey with the team.
“After returning from the Euros, I felt a change within me,” Fishlock shared with ESPN. “I think my goals and ambitions have shifted a bit. I still believe I can compete at a high level, and I am eager to win a championship for Seattle.”
Fishlock is the only player currently active in the NWSL who has been with the same team since the league’s inception in 2013.
Her longtime teammate, Lauren Barnes, also played every season in Seattle since 2013. Barnes hung up her boots at the end of the 2025 season, while the Reign were knocked out of the playoffs by the Orlando Pride in the quarterfinals.
Other players still in the league from that inaugural season include Chicago Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Nair and Angel City forward Sidney Leroux, both who have played for various teams. Nair is currently a free agent, while Leroux is taking a break for mental health reasons and will not participate in the 2025 season.
Throughout her stay with the Reign, Fishlock was instrumental in the team’s NWSL Shield victories in 2014 and 2015, earning the title of NWSL MVP in 2021.
She has received NWSL Best Eleven honors seven times and holds the club record with 48 goals and 30 assists for Seattle.
As she approaches her 39th birthday in January, Fishlock led the Reign in scoring during the 2025 season with six goals and two assists. She expressed her excitement about the club’s evolution, highlighting the influx of young talent and new ownership bringing fresh energy both on and off the field.
“It’s always been about how my body feels,” Fishlock remarked. “The experience and tactical knowledge is innate, but the real question is if my body can keep pace with my mind. So far, it has.”
She credited the club’s governance for allowing her the flexibility to manage her health effectively and maintained that her longstanding ties to Seattle play a significant role in her decision-making.
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The one-year contract gives Fishlock the opportunity to continuously assess her physical condition.
“Jess understands the game on a level few do, which comes from her extensive experience,” said Reign head coach Laura Harvey. “Her tactical acumen, adaptability in crucial moments, and dedication to enhancing her teammates will drive our team forward. She sets a standard every day, and her presence will be invaluable as we move into 2026.”
Fishlock recently announced her retirement from international play after leading Wales to the final stage of the 2025 Women’s European Championship, marking their first major tournament appearance. She scored a historic goal during this event, becoming the oldest scorer in Women’s Euro history.
She shared with ESPN that while the experience invigorated her, she is excited to shift her focus entirely to club commitments, a first in her career.
Fishlock has experienced the peaks of success with Seattle, including three NWSL Shield wins, and the disappointments of three NWSL Championship losses. She has witnessed the evolution of teams within Seattle, navigating relocations, ownership changes, and branding shifts as the club sought to maintain its identity.
It’s this deep connection that drives Fishlock. Although she has considered playing elsewhere to chase titles, she emphasizes the importance of loyalty and the rich experience of building her career with a single club.
“There’s something special about this journey, enduring the highs and lows, rebuilding, and working to connect with our fan base throughout Washington,” she articulated. “This relationship enhances the experience significantly. The struggles feel tougher, yet the victories are far sweeter because of this bond.”
“Perhaps it’s due to my European roots, where stability is more common. From the very start of my time in Seattle, I knew this was where I wanted to establish my career, as it held profound significance for me.”
Fan Take: Fishlock’s decision to extend her career with the Reign speaks volumes about loyalty in sports, illustrating the deep connections players can build with their teams and communities. Her continued presence in the NWSL not only enhances the league’s competitive spirit but also inspires a new generation of players and fans to appreciate the journey over the destination.
