Julie Ertz, the celebrated two-time World Cup champion and standout player for Angel City FC, officially declared her retirement from both international and club soccer on Thursday.
In a heartfelt social media post, Ertz conveyed her decision with deep emotion, stating, “With profound reflection, I’ve made the choice to hang up my boots. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to meet and train alongside some of the most exceptional and inspirational women I’ve ever known. I’ve had the privilege of experiencing diverse cultures while representing my country on the world stage. I dedicated every ounce of myself to the sport I love, and as I step away, I do so with no regrets. Soccer gave me more than I could ever give it, and for that, I will always be grateful.”
Ertz, a stalwart in the US Women’s National Team (USWNT), recently participated in the 2023 Women’s World Cup tournament, where the USWNT unfortunately exited in the round of 16, losing to Sweden in a penalty shootout. This match signaled her farewell from international competition.
Her international career leaves an indelible mark, with 122 appearances for the U.S. and 20 goals scored. Notably, Ertz was an integral part of the World Cup-winning squads in 2015 and 2019.
In a remarkable return to professional soccer earlier this year, Ertz made a triumphant comeback after giving birth to her son, Madden, in August of the prior year. She rejoined the U.S. team for a pair of friendly matches against Ireland in April and subsequently signed with Angel City FC in April 2023 for their second season. Her remarkable progress led to her inclusion in the U.S. World Cup roster in June.
Julie Uhrman, co-founder and president of Angel City FC, expressed their deep appreciation, saying, “Julie has forever left a positive mark on Angel City, and we are truly honored to call her one of our first alums. The impact she has had goes beyond time; it’s about her unwavering commitment to supporting her team and community throughout her tenure.”
At 31 years old, Ertz made her debut for the USWNT in 2013, and her international career spanned a decade. Over 122 caps, the USWNT achieved an impressive record of 100 wins, 17 draws, and 5 losses. Ertz played and started in 17 World Cup matches, contributing to 13 victories and 4 draws, while keeping 11 clean sheets.
“As I’ve grown older and become a mother, the sacrifices of being away from my family for extended periods have become increasingly challenging, especially with so many factors at play,” Ertz reflected. “These teammates have given me an invaluable gift that I can never fully repay, and I’ve had the privilege of living out a dream that I wish for everyone: falling in love with a sport you’ve played your entire life and sharing it with your child. Representing this country on the National Team has been the greatest honor. Playing for the USWNT means relentlessly pursuing greatness while wearing the crest. I hope that my legacy reflects that pursuit of excellence.”