USA, PSG star Crystal Dunn to retire from soccer

Jan. 29 (UPI) -- United States Women's National Team and Paris Saint-Germain star Crystal Dunn will retire from soccer at age 33, she announced Thursday.

Dunn, a three-time World Cup winner, Olympic gold medalist and former NWSL MVP, cited family as a reason for her departure.

"This decision has not come easily, but I am at peace and deeply fulfilled with all that I have accomplished," Dunn wrote on social media. "I've achieved nearly everything I dreamed of in this sport and gave all I had to give.

"I'm ready to embrace the life that awaits me on the other side. I look forward to spending more time with my family and being a more present mom. This was not a decision made lightly, but was one made with immense gratitude for everything I've experienced as a professional soccer player.

"I've grown through challenges, celebrated incredible triumphs and cherished every part of the journey."

Dunn said her decorated soccer tenure brought her "moments beyond my imagination." The versatile defender, midfielder and forward also thanked her family, coaches, teammates and support staff.

"Every stage of my career taught me the importance of humility, resilience and gratitude," Dunn wrote. "My journey wasn't perfect, but it was beautiful -- filled with trophies, medals, lessons and the indescribable joy of welcoming a baby along the way.

"Of course, I did not travel this road alone. I was constantly fueled by the love and support of my family, friends, truly remarkable teammates and amazing coaches. The locker room became my home away from home."

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Dunn, a New Hyde Park, N.Y. native, won three state championships at South Side High School. She went on to become a four-time All-American at North Carolina and helped the Tar Heels win a national title.

Dunn followed that run by becoming the No. 1 overall pick by the Washington Spirit in the 2014 NWSL Draft. She also spent time with Chelsea, the North Carolina Courage, Portland Thorns and Gotham FC.

Dunn, who signed with PSG last January on a free transfer from Gotham FC, totaled 25 goals over 160 appearances for the United States Women's National Team.

She helped the Americans win the 2019 World Cup, finish third at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and win gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"Turning the page is never easy," Dunn wrote. "There is so much history, so many memories tied to spaces I'll never experience again. The life of a professional athlete can never truly be replicated, but I'm excited to continue impacting the game from new perspectives."

United States Women's National Team coach Emma Hayes and several of Dunn's teammates commented on her social media posts. Hayes said it "was an honor" to coach Dunn. Naomi Girma, Sophia Wilson and Trinity Rodman were among those who offered well wishes.

Dunn, who married athletic trainer Pierre Soubrier in 2018, is the mother to a 3-year-old son, Marcel.