Crystal Dunn announced her retirement from professional football at 33, bringing to an end one of the most decorated careers in women’s football history.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Dunn explained that she was “at peace and deeply fulfilled” with her achievements as a footballer. The former Chelsea and PSG star said that she is looking forward to spending more time with her family, including her husband Pierre Soubrier and their 3-year-old son Marcel.
Dunn’s retirement ends an amazing journey that lasted more than ten years at the highest levels of the sport, from dominating in college to winning international tournaments and many club championships.
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Her impact on and off the field has changed women’s football forever, inspiring young players and changing what people expect from versatility and leadership in the modern game.
Early Days: From Raleigh to National Fame
Crystal Dunn was born on July 3, 1992, in New York. She loved football from a young age. Before becoming a household name at the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, one of the best women’s soccer programs in the US, she did well in youth leagues.
During her time at Tar Heels, the versatile player helped her side win the NCAA national championship and clinched the MAC Hermann Trophy in 2012 as the best college player in the country. This prestigious individual award foreshadowed her future professional success.
During her college years, she showed off her natural ability in front of goal, her positional intelligence, and her ability to adapt—traits that would define her career. After a great college career, Dunn decided to play professionally and joined the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in its early years.
First Pro Game and NWSL Star
The Washington Spirit picked Crystal Dunn first overall in the 2014 NWSL College Draft. This was the start of her professional career. She had an immediate impact in her first season, but it was in 2015 that she really made a name for herself in the league by winning both the NWSL Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards.
Her attacking prowess, technical ability, and relentless work ethic made her one of the most feared forwards in the league.
Dunn’s career path changed after she showed amazing versatility, even though she started out as a successful scorer. She would go on to play in many positions, including winger, attacking midfielder, and eventually one of the best left backs in the world. This change showed her tactical intelligence and team-first attitude.
Club Glory: NWSL and International Stint
After having great seasons in the NWSL, Crystal Dunn moved to England’s Women’s Super League in 2017 and joined Chelsea FC. There, she played at the highest levels of European club football, which helped her gain valuable experience and raise her international profile.
Dunn then came back to the US after one season and became a key player for the North Carolina Courage, helping them win the NWSL Championships and Shields in 2018 and 2019. Her leadership, consistency, and two-way play were central to the Courage’s dominance.
She joined the Portland Thorns FC in 2020 and won another NWSL Championship in 2022, solidifying her status as one of NWSL’s most important players.
After that, she signed with Gotham FC and then also had a short spell with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2025. During her time in the NWSL, she played nine games and scored and assisted goals before announcing her retirement.
A USWNT Legend: Winning the World Cup and the Olympics
Crystal Dunn’s club career was amazing, but it was her time with the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) that made her a world-famous football player.
She made her senior debut in 2013 and went on to earn 160 caps, scoring 25 goals for her country. These are impressive numbers that show she was able to stay at the top level for a long time.
Dunn started every game as a left back at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which was a big change from her original attacking role. She played a key role in the USA’s march to their fourth World Cup title. Her performance illustrated her tactical adaptability, defensive reliability, and immense stamina.
Dunn’s decorated international career continued with the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she helped the United States win the gold medal. This solidified her place among the best players in the history of the sport.
Beyond the Stats: A Role Model
Crystal Dunn’s influence goes far beyond the awards and trophies she won. She was one of the first Black stars in USWNT history to play in a field role, and she became a strong role model for young athletes, especially girls of color who wanted to succeed in football.
Her presence and success in a sport that hasn’t always had a lot of diversity helped change people’s minds and make things easier for future generations.
Her path from college star to professional MVP, world champion, and Olympic gold medalist shows that she is strong, adaptable, and always striving to be the best. Dunn became a fan favorite and a respected voice in the football community because of her leadership, fun personality, and ability to play better when it mattered most.
The Decision to Retire
Dunn said in her retirement announcement that she was very thankful for her time as a player and wanted to focus on her personal life outside football. She said she was happy with everything she had done and that she had “achieved nearly everything” she had ever wanted to do in the sport and “given all she had to give.”
Her choice also shows a trend among athletes who want to live life outside of sports, especially those with young families.
“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.” Crystal Dunn wrote on Instagram.
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Dunn said she wants to be a better mom to her son Marcel and spend more time with her husband. This is something that many of her fans, who followed her career as both a player and a person trying to balance her personal life with her professional life, could relate to.
Influence and Legacy
Crystal Dunn’s legacy is clear as she leaves professional football: she changed what it means to be versatile in modern women’s soccer, made fans around the world happy, and inspired many young players.
The American great had the qualities of a top athlete: talent, dedication, humility, leadership, and resilience. She also had a charm that made her popular with teammates, coaches, and fans.
Many commentators and former teammates talked about how she set a standard of professionalism and passion for the game, not just in big games and trophy celebrations, but also in everyday life.
Dunn played well on offense, defense, and in high-pressure situations, and his performances will be remembered and talked about for years to come.
A Legacy That Will Last
Crystal Dunn’s retirement ends a great chapter in women’s football, but the effects of her career will last. Dunn’s journey, from dominating at North Carolina to having her best moments on the world stage, shows how the women’s game has changed over the years and become much more popular since she started playing.
She leaves behind a legacy of excellence, versatility, and inspiration that will last for generations of footballers in locker rooms, youth academies, and international competitions. Crystal Dunn didn’t just win titles; she changed the way the game is played.
