Julie Ertz, a two-time World Cup champion, announces retirement from professional soccer
A mainstay on the U.S. Women's National Team and a two-time World Cup champion, Julie Ertz officially announced her retirement from soccer on Thursday in an all-encompassing thank you post on social media.
Ertz, 31, previously said she was retiring as a member of the USWNT in the aftermath of the team's loss to Sweden in the Round of 16 at this year's World Cup.
The two-time U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year made her debut for the national team in 2013 and earned 122 caps over 10 years. The Arizona native also represented the U.S. in two Olympics.
"I gave everything I had to the sport that I love," Ertz said in a statement released by U.S. Soccer. "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’ll always be thankful.”
Ertz began her international career as a center back then later became one of the world's top defensive midfielders. After helping lead the USA to a bronze medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Ertz spent 18 months away from the game due to injuries and the birth of her son before returning to the USWNT for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Her husband, NFL tight end Zach Ertz, offered a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: "Over the past 11 years I’ve had a front row seat to your commitment, dedication, perseverance and sacrifice to the sport that you love so much,' he wrote. "You have truly given everything you have to soccer and Madden and I are so proud of you! You truly are one of the best to ever do it!"
Ertz also starred on the club level, spending much of her career with the NWSL's Chicago Red Stars. She played her final season in the NWSL as a member of Angel City FC, playing in seven matches before leaving for the World Cup.
Her retirement is effective immediately, so she will not return to Angel City for the conclusion of the season.