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Carli Lloyd, two-time winner of the Women’s World Cup officially announced his retirement of the United States Women’s National Team on Monday, ending a long career as the second-most capped player in world football history with 128 international goals and two Olympic gold medals.
She will retire from international play after the USWNT fall friendlies and from club play at the end of the NWSL season.
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Lloyd, 39, had alluded to his retirement after the Olympics. She will be touring US Soccer farewell, playing in two USWNT friendlies in September and two in October, which will serve as her final matches in a USWNT uniform.
She will also end the remainder of the National Women’s Soccer League season with her club, NJ / NY Gotham FC, before ending her 12-year career with six clubs.
Lloyd scored the last of her 128 international goals when she netted a brace in the United States’ 4-3 loss to Australia in the bronze medal match at the Tokyo Olympics.
Her 312 international caps rank her second all-time in the United States and the world behind only Kristine Lilly (354). Lloyd is one of four international footballers to have played 300 or more times for her country.
“When I started with the national team in 2005, my two main goals were to be the most complete football player possible and to help the team win championships.” Lloyd said in a press release. “Every day that I stepped onto the pitch I played like it was my last game. I never wanted to take anything for granted, especially knowing how hard it is to get to the top, but even harder to stay on top for so long. “
She is one of two Americans to have won the FIFA Women’s Player of the Year award twice, taking top honors in 2015 and 2016 (Mia Hamm won in 2001 and 2002).
His 128 career international goals are fourth in USWNT history. She holds the team record for most Olympic goals (10) and is third in team history for most WWC goals (also 10). Lloyd is also tied with Mia Hamm for most USWNT hat tricks with eight.
Lloyd began her career days before she turned 23 when she made her debut against Ukraine in Portland, Oregon.
“I want to thank US Soccer for helping to provide opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime. I am always grateful to have represented the crest and been able to play for my country for the past 17 years.” Lloyd said. “I will continue to support and encourage this team and continue to find ways to help develop the game and inspire the next generation.
“Ending my career knowing that my family was able to be by my side and sharing this final chapter with me couldn’t have been more special. We will all have a lot more time to spend together now, and especially with my husband, Brian , which has been my rock and my biggest support system for all these years. We both can’t wait to start this next chapter of our lives without my daily grind of training and playing, but I will probably have need another outlet for my competitiveness! Could it be golf? “
Lloyd played for five different USWNT head coaches. She won 124 caps under Jill Ellis and 100 under Pia Sundhage.
“I am grateful to the five head coaches I have played for as they have all helped me become the player I have become over the years,” said Lloyd. “We shared some amazing times and also some difficult times, but it all made my trip so special and rewarding.”
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