Crystal Dunn, the esteemed former player of the United States women’s national soccer team, announced her retirement on Thursday at the age of 33.
The announcement, which surprised many, was shared on her Instagram account. Dunn expressed her desire to spend more quality time with her husband, Pierre Soubrier, and their 3-year-old son, Marcel.
“This decision was not made lightly, but I feel at peace and am truly fulfilled with everything I’ve achieved,” Dunn shared.
“I’ve accomplished nearly all the dreams I had in this sport and left it all on the field.”
“I am eager to embrace the new opportunities that lie ahead. I look forward to spending more time with my family and being more present as a mom. This choice came with immense gratitude for all I have experienced as a professional athlete.”
Dunn joined Paris Saint-Germain from Gotham FC in January 2025, but had limited playtime, making only one appearance in the 2025-26 season.
She was a key member of the U.S. team that secured victory in the 2019 World Cup and the 2024 Olympic gold medal.
In a statement, U.S. Soccer celebrated Dunn’s illustrious career, referring to her 12 years on the senior international stage as “brilliant.”
Dunn participated in the 2008 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, and the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where she played a pivotal role in leading the United States to victory in Japan.
“Her vibrant personality, dedication to her team, and knack for dancing at any moment endeared her to teammates and coaches alike, both for club and country,” U.S. Soccer remarked in its tribute.
Over her career, Dunn represented six professional clubs, starting with the Washington Spirit before moving to Chelsea, where she played under current U.S. head coach Emma Hayes. She later returned to the NWSL to play for the North Carolina Courage, Portland Thorns FC, and Gotham FC.
Dunn was instrumental in the Courage’s NWSL Championship wins in 2018 and 2019, scoring in both the semifinal and final matches. She also contributed to the Thorns’ NWSL title victory in 2022 and won the NWSL Shield three times (2018, 2019, and 2021).
Dunn was the top overall pick in the 2014 NWSL draft after a notable career at the University of North Carolina, where she won the MAC Hermann Trophy for college soccer’s best player during her junior year and helped lead UNC to the NCAA title, finishing second to future U.S. teammate Morgan Brian in her senior year.
Throughout her time with the Tar Heels, Dunn earned All-American honors four times and became the first player since Mia Hamm in 1993 to win ACC Player of the Year three times.
“As I step away from the game, I carry with me a sense of peace and deep fulfillment for all I’ve achieved,” Dunn stated. “I am thankful for the wonderful individuals I’ve had the pleasure to collaborate with, from teammates and coaches to family and friends, and for all the fantastic moments we’ve experienced together. I’m excited about the new chapter ahead.”