Wales icon Jess Fishlock will retire at the conclusion of the current National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, as announced by her club, Seattle Reign.
The 39-year-old ended her international career last October but secured a new one-year contract with Reign the subsequent month.
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The NWSL team remarked that “one of the most legendary careers in club and league history” will come to an end later this year, with Reign’s last regular season match scheduled for November 1.
“It’s difficult to express what Seattle and this club mean to me,” Fishlock stated on the club’s website.
“This is where I’ve developed, where I’ve battled, and where I’ve experienced some of the highlights of my career.”
“I will always cherish the people, the fans, and the city that have stood by me throughout this journey, and I am committed to giving my all in this final season.”
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Fishlock has been part of Reign since their inaugural season in 2013.
She is the last remaining player from the original squad, having made 219 NWSL appearances to date.
During her time with Reign, Fishlock has contributed to three NWSL Shields and three NWSL Championship matches, earning the league MVP title in 2021.
Reign general manager Lesle Gallimore praised Fishlock as “not just one of the finest players in NWSL history, but also one of the most influential figures the game has ever seen.”
Head coach Laura Harvey added: “She has at times carried this club on her shoulders, always with pride. Her influence on this team, this city, and the sport overall is immeasurable.”
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Fishlock, regarded as Wales’ greatest female footballer, began her club career at Cardiff City and had stints at AZ, Bristol Academy, and Melbourne Victory before joining Reign.
While with the American team, she has also been loaned to Glasgow City, Frankfurt, Lyon, Melbourne City, and Reading.
She holds the record for the most appearances and goals for her country, having scored 48 times in 166 international matches.
In March, she joined Wales’ coaching staff as a technical assistant for the Women’s World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic.
Currently, there is no permanent role for her with Wales as she focuses on her remaining playing career.