USA’s Julie Ertz announces her retirement from soccer
Julie Ertz retires, joining Megan Rapinoe as U.S. veterans saying goodbye to the sport ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Two-time U.S. World Cup winner and Angel City FC star Julie Ertz officially announced her retirement from the international and club game on Thursday.
“It is with immense emotion and processing that I have decided it is time to hang up my boots,” Ertz said in her social media post. “I have been fortunate to meet and train with some of the best and most inspirational women I have ever known, and have experienced different cultures while traveling the world to compete at the highest level.
“I gave everything I had to the sport I love. With that I can walk away with no regrets because while I gave soccer every ounce of myself, soccer gave me even more, and for that I will always be grateful.”
Two-time @FIFAWWC Champion @julieertz announces retirement from professional soccer » https://t.co/bMUQwSQHdH#ThankYouJulie pic.twitter.com/C0Y1sMQ4Bd
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) August 31, 2023
Ertz was part of the U.S. national team’s defense at the 2023 World Cup tournament. After the U.S. lost to Sweden in the round of 16 on penalty kicks, Ertz indicated that the match would be her last with the United States.
He finishes his international career with 122 appearances for the U.S. and scored 20 goals. Ertz was part of two World Cup-winning teams in 2015 and 2019.
Ertz made a sensational return to professional soccer earlier this year after giving birth to her son, Madden, last August. She wore the U.S. uniform for the first time in a pair of friendlies against Ireland in April, and soon after signed with NWSL side Angel City in April 2023 for the club’s second season. She then made enough progress to be called up to the U.S. roster for the World Cup in June.
“Julie has always left a positive mark on Angel City and we are truly honored to call her one of our first alumni,” said Angel City FC co-founder and president Julie Uhrman. “Time is not the only measure of influence; what matters is one’s commitment to supporting their team and community during their tenure.”
Ertz, 31, made his U.S. national team debut in 2013 and his career with the national team spanned 10 years. In his 122 international appearances, the U.S. had a 100-17-5 record. Ertz played and started 17 World Cup matches, in which the U.S. accumulated 13 wins and four draws and kept 11 clean sheets.
“As I got older and became a mother, it’s clear that sacrifices of time away from my family no longer seem feasible with so many factors at play,” Ertz said. “These girls gave me a gift I could never repay and I was able to live a dream I wish for everyone: to fall in love with a sport you’ve played your whole life and be able to share it with your child.
“Representing this country on the National Team has been the greatest honor. Playing for the U.S. means pursuing greatness every day while wearing the shield. I hope I’ve been able to leave an impact that reflects that.”