Los Angeles – Crystal Dunn, a key player for the U.S. Women’s National Team and member of the 2019 Women’s World Cup championship team, announced her retirement on Thursday, concluding a remarkable 12-year professional career.
From 2016 to 2024, Dunn represented the national team in two World Cups and three Olympics. She played a significant role in the team’s triumph during the 2019 World Cup, participating in six matches, and was a regular starter during their gold medal achievement at the 2024 Paris Olympics. At 33 years old, Dunn’s impact extended to the NWSL, where she secured three league titles—two with the North Carolina Courage and one with the Portland Thorns.
She also had stints with Gotham FC and Chelsea, winning the WSL title in 2017 alongside current USWNT coach Emma Hayes. Her most recent contract was with Paris Saint-Germain.
“This was a tough decision, but I feel at peace and genuinely fulfilled with everything I’ve achieved. I’ve accomplished almost all my dreams in this sport and gave it my everything,” Dunn shared in an Instagram post. “I’m ready to embrace the next chapter of my life and I’m eager to spend more time with my family and be more involved as a mother. This decision wasn’t taken lightly, but it comes with immense gratitude for my experiences as a professional soccer player.”
Originally from New York, Dunn was a gifted youth athlete who captured the NCAA championship with the University of North Carolina in 2012 and was part of the last U.S. team to claim the U-20 Women’s World Cup that same year. She made her senior team debut in 2013 after being drafted by the Washington Spirit in 2014.
Dunn made a name for herself in her second season with the Spirit by scoring 15 goals in 20 matches, earning both the Golden Boot award and league MVP honors. After being overlooked for the 2015 Women’s World Cup squad, she galvanized her performance by transitioning to left back due to the USWNT’s strong offensive depth, where she excelled for the majority of her national team tenure.
Mallory Swanson, who scored the winning goal in the 2024 gold medal match in Paris, reflected on Dunn at the NWSL’s media day, recalling her exceptional abilities, especially when Brazil mounted a tough challenge against the USWNT.
Dunn’s versatility made her a standout player in any position, showcasing offensive skills as a left-back while also briefly returning to play as a forward leading up to the 2024 Olympics, occasionally even stepping in as a number 10 during her tenure with the Thorns.
“She’s definitely one of the greatest of all time in soccer, though her contributions as an outside back often go unnoticed,” noted fellow USWNT player Trinity Rodman.
As her career drew to a close, Dunn managed to balance motherhood with her professional life, welcoming her son Marcel in 2022. She benefited from the USWNT’s 2022 Equal Pay Settlement with U.S. Soccer, which includes guaranteed childcare for all national team players, and was among the players previously involved in a lawsuit against the federation.
“I witnessed Crystal go through a lot,” said Sophia Wilson, who also recently became a mother. “Seeing her have a baby inspired me to pursue my own path. Her journey serves as a tremendous motivation for many of us in the game. We’ll certainly miss her; there truly isn’t another like her.”
Dunn acted as a mentor for younger players as an era in the USWNT transitioned. Wilson described her as an older sister figure, while Rodman likened her to a “cool aunt” to new players.
“Crystal and I easily clicked since we both share demanding personalities. But she brought a unique leadership style to the team, different from Becky Sauerbrunn. She was vocal in leading by example and efficiently connected with both the younger and older teammates, empathizing with newcomers while maintaining relationships with veterans,” Rodman added.
Her fun-loving nature will also be missed by her teammates.
“I will miss her dancing in the locker room and the lively atmosphere she created,” Swanson reflected. “Just watching her with Marcel was heartwarming. She made me a better player than I ever thought possible. Her infectious joy and playful spirit will be greatly missed.”
Dunn last played for the USWNT in May, appearing in her 160th match during a 3-0 victory over China, and wrapped up her professional stint in September, facing Reims as a part of PSG in another 3–0 league win.
Fan Take: Crystal Dunn’s retirement marks the end of a pivotal chapter in women’s soccer, one that reminds fans of the hard work and dedication that paved the way for future generations. Her legacy will undoubtedly motivate young players striving to reach their own goals in the sport while emphasizing the importance of versatility and resilience both on and off the field.
