U.S. Legend Will Play Final National Team Match on Dec. 16 in New Orleans
Soccer News: Abby Wambach, the leading scorer in the history of international soccer and one of the world’s all-time greatest players, has announced her retirement.
Wambach, 35, will end a spectacular 15-year international career that began in September of 2001 at the age of 21 when she debuted against Germany. She currently has 252 caps, which is fifth all-time in U.S. history, and 184 goals, far and away the most scored by any man or woman in international soccer.
Related Article: TIME 100: ABBY WAMBACH
Wambach will be with the team for all four of its December matches, but her final game for the USA will come on December 16 against China PR in New Orleans as the USA plays its last match of the 10-game Victory Tour to celebrate the championship at the 2015 Women’s World Cup.
“After much deliberation and talking with my friends, family, teammates and our coaching staff, I’ve decided to finally bring my soccer career to an end,” said Wambach. “While we still have more work to do for women’s soccer, after bringing the World Cup back to the United States this summer, I’m feeling extremely optimistic about the future of our sport. It’s been an amazing, wonderful ride and I can’t wait to see what the next chapter of my life brings.”
Wambach, long known as one of the most intense competitors in U.S. history whose years of clutch goal scoring made her a fan favorite, led the USA in scoring in every world championship she played until the most recent Women’s World Cup this summer in Canada. During the 2015 Women’s World Cup, she scored the winning goal in a crucial 1-0 victory against Nigeria in the final game of group play.
Always one to embrace her position as a role model, as her athletic accolades grew over the years she became a leading voice for women’s sports as well as for her generation of female soccer players and athletes.
“Abby is a player who has transcended our sport and her legacy as one of the world’s greatest players is set forever,” said U.S. head coach Jill Ellis. “What she has done for women’s soccer and women’s sports overall with her amazing talents on the field and her personality off it has been inspiring to watch. I am just extremely happy that she could end her career with that elusive World Cup title and go out on top, right where she deserves to be.”
Among her many famous goals is of course the header against Brazil in the 122nd minute of the 2011 Women’s World Cup quarterfinal which will go down as one of the most dramatic goals in soccer history and played a major role in spurring the current popularity of this group of U.S. WNT players.
“She has become a tremendous friend,” said Hope Solo, US WNT Goalkeeper. “She is a free spirit with the biggest heart. In some of my hardest moments, I’ve gone to her, and in some of hers, she’s come to me. We’ve talked about our marriages, and our struggles in life. We’re very strong women who have an understanding of many different areas in life because of our experiences. We both know that life isn’t easy. There’s a great amount of respect for one another. It’s really touching to me to know that I can always go to her, and I know she feels the same way.”
Check out what teammates, opponents and some very famous fans posted to their social media accounts. #ThanksAbby:
Alex Morgan: “A true professional, a real friend, a legend. Thank you Abby for bringing me along in your journey.”
Sydney Leroux: “My best friend, you’ve changed the game forever.”
Mia Hamm: “Congrats Abby Wambach for an amazing career. You have given every ounce of your being to this game, your team, fans, and the U.S. jersey.”
Christine Sinclair: “So much respect for Abby Wambach. You helped pave the way for thousands of youngsters. I will miss the battles.”
Sunil Gulati: “Thanks Abby for your monumental impact on U.S. Soccer, on and off the field. You will be missed.”
Megan Rapinoe: “This team has been on your back since the day I got here. Of course you will be missed, but more than that you will remembered Abs. Thank you for everything.”
Carli Lloyd: “Two words…Legend and Champion. You will be missed.”
Lisa De Vanna: “Only one word can sum up Abby Wambach ‘legend’. Another player I’m going to miss.”
Kobe Bryant: “Thank you Abby Wambach for all that you are, have been and will be. You are a true muse.”
Vice President Biden: “Proud to be there when you won the World Cup and when you brought it home to the WH.”
