Seattles Fishlock to…

Seattle Reign FC midfielder Jess Fishlock announced on Tuesday that the 2026 NWSL season will be her final one as a professional player, marking her 14th year with the club since the league’s inception in 2013.

Fishlock is one of only three active players remaining from the league’s inaugural season, joining Chicago Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and Angel City FC forward Sydney Leroux. Notably, she is the only one to spend her entire career with just one team.

She retires as one of the league’s most celebrated players.

Reflecting on her early days, Fishlock jokingly noted that she nearly exited the NWSL after her first match, played at an amateur venue outside Chicago. However, head coach Laura Harvey’s humorous response to her concerns kept her motivated.

“There have definitely been moments where I’ve thought about stepping away, but I truly love the NWSL,” Fishlock shared in an exclusive ESPN interview. “It’s, in my opinion, the best league in the world, and it has motivated me to continuously improve.”

“I enjoy stepping onto the field and assessing my opponents, knowing that I have to be at my best or risk being outperformed, as everyone here is talented.”

Fishlock was awarded the 2021 NWSL MVP and has been selected for the NWSL’s Best XI five times. She contributed significantly to Seattle’s success, helping them secure three NWSL Shields, including during the 2014 season when they were hailed as one of the best teams globally.

“Jess is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in this league’s history, but what truly distinguishes her is her daily presence,” Harvey stated. “Her work ethic, competitiveness, and passion for the game set the standard. Moreover, her keen football intelligence has been invaluable to our team over the years. She has often carried this club on her back with immense pride, and her influence on the team, the city, and the sport overall is immeasurable.”

Last year, Fishlock concluded her international career with the Welsh national team after nearly two decades.

“I contemplated retirement last year,” Fishlock admitted, but she chose to extend her time with Seattle for one more season, drawn by the joy she finds among her younger teammates.

She decided to announce her retirement ahead of the regular season’s conclusion on November 1, aiming to avoid the ongoing speculation about her future.

Now 39, Fishlock believes both her physical and mental game remain sharp.

She netted Seattle’s first goal of the 2026 season on March 15, contributing to a 2-1 victory over the Orlando Pride.

Over the past two weeks, she experienced her first FIFA international break without lengthy travel commitments to play for her country.

“Experiencing a break without international obligations has been amazing,” Fishlock expressed. “I feel it’s simply time for me to move on and explore new opportunities in my life.”

What lies ahead for Fishlock remains uncertain.

While most of her family is in Wales and her partner resides in New Jersey, she now considers Seattle her home.

Having obtained her UEFA A coaching license, she is also pursuing a master’s degree in sports leadership.

Fishlock feels confident about remaining active in women’s sports, though the specifics are still unclear.

She emphasized the need for women’s teams to enhance their staffing structures with sporting and technical directors for long-term success.

Fishlock noted the tremendous progress the NWSL has made from its early days, mentioning how minimum player salaries have evolved from just $6,000 to million-dollar contracts.

She strives to share the story of those humble beginnings with young players to highlight how far the sport has come.

Fishlock recalls her first game in the suburbs of Chicago, which was postponed due to youth soccer events, and her initial experience on a multi-line turf field.

She also remembers the infamous “diabolical” baseball field in Rochester, New York, from 2016.

Reflecting on the league’s history, she emphasized the importance for newcomers to understand it. “Anyone joining carries a responsibility to recognize our league’s background. It’s crucial,” Fishlock asserted. “Same holds true for the national team; understanding our history shapes our culture.”

As her career approaches its conclusion, Fishlock finds herself reminiscing daily.

She still has the entire season ahead to strive for Seattle’s elusive first NWSL Championship. Regardless of the outcome, she feels a sense of peace: “I focus on the journey rather than just the end result because only through that journey can we achieve our goals.”