Christen Press Bids Farewell : In a heartfelt announcement that has sent shockwaves through the soccer world, Christen Press—the electrifying forward and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion—has revealed plans to retire at the conclusion of the 2025 NWSL season. The 36-year-old Angel City FC standout shared the news on Good Morning America, marking the end of a 14-year professional journey defined by dazzling goals, trailblazing advocacy, and unbreakable resilience. As fans brace for her final games, Press’s legacy as a USWNT great cements her as one of women’s soccer’s most beloved figures.
This retirement comes just months after her wife and fellow USWNT legend Tobin Heath stepped away from the game earlier in 2025, closing a chapter on one of the sport’s most dynamic power couples. For Press, who ranks eighth in NWSL history with 49 regular-season goals, the decision feels like a full-circle moment: returning to her Los Angeles roots to bow out on her terms.
From Stanford Phenom to Global Trailblazer: Christen Press’s Early Rise
Christen Press’s story begins in the sun-soaked fields of Southern California, where her passion for soccer ignited at a young age. Born in Los Angeles on December 29, 1988, Press honed her skills at Chadwick School before exploding onto the collegiate scene at Stanford University from 2007 to 2010. There, she shattered records, amassing 71 goals and 41 assists in 91 appearances, earning her the prestigious Hermann Trophy as the nation’s top player in 2010.
Her professional debut came swiftly in 2011 with magicJack in the short-lived Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league. When WPS folded, Press refused to be sidelined. She ventured to Europe, joining Sweden’s Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC in 2012 and then Tyresö FF for the 2013-14 seasons. It was in Sweden where she claimed the Damallsvenskan Golden Boot in 2013, scoring 23 goals and proving her mettle on the international stage. These early moves showcased Press’s fearless spirit—a forward unafraid to chase bigger challenges abroad.
Conquering the World Stage: USWNT Glory and Unforgettable Moments
Press’s international breakthrough arrived in 2013 when she earned her first USWNT cap. Over the next eight years, she became a cornerstone of the team, logging 155 appearances and etching her name in history with back-to-back World Cup triumphs in 2015 and 2019. Her clutch performances, including a semifinal assist in 2019, helped solidify the USWNT’s dynasty status.
Beyond the pitch, Press was a vocal advocate for equal pay and equity, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with teammates during the landmark 2019 lawsuit against U.S. Soccer. Off the field, her charisma shone through in viral celebrations and her signature flair—remember the “Press Cam” antics that lit up social media? She also clinched Olympic bronze in Tokyo 2021, capping a career that blended artistry with activism.
In the NWSL, Press’s impact was equally profound. Drafted to the Chicago Red Stars in 2014 as an allocated player, she quickly became a fan favorite, captaining the side and earning NWSL Best XI honors in 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2021. Her stints with the Utah Royals (2018-2020) and a loan to Manchester United (2020-2021) added 49 goals across 122 regular-season matches, placing her among the league’s elite scorers.
Triumph Over Adversity: The ACL Battle and Angel City Homecoming
No story of Christen Press would be complete without acknowledging her grit. In June 2022, just months into Angel City FC’s inaugural NWSL season—where she was the franchise’s first-ever signee—Press suffered a devastating ACL tear. The injury sidelined her for over two years, forcing her to miss the entire 2023 and 2024 campaigns. Yet, true to form, she transformed the setback into a platform for mental health advocacy and community building.
Her triumphant return came in October 2024 with a goal against the North Carolina Courage, a moment that reignited hope for fans. Re-signing with Angel City for one final 2025 season, Press has played a pivotal role in the club’s push, appearing consistently despite the team’s playoff challenges. “I thought I would wait until I didn’t want to play anymore, but I realized… that time is never going to come,” she reflected on GMA. This season marks her swan song in a league she helped elevate.
Beyond the Boots: Advocacy, RE•CAP, and Life with Tobin Heath
Press’s influence extends far beyond goals and assists. As co-founder of RE•GRND—a media company championing underrepresented voices in sports—she and Heath host the wildly popular RE•CAP podcast, ranked No. 1 in soccer on Apple Podcasts and No. 3 in sports on Spotify. The show dives into NWSL drama, World Cup recaps, and candid conversations with stars, blending humor with hard-hitting insights.
Her marriage to Heath, announced publicly earlier in 2025 after years of quiet support, has inspired countless fans. From subtle “Dogs for Christen” fan campaigns to the viral #BringCP23toLA push that lured her back to L.A., Press’s off-field story is one of authenticity and empowerment. Angel City owner Willow Bay praised her as “one of the most decorated and respected forwards in U.S. soccer history,” highlighting her commitment to equity and inclusion.
In exclusive letters shared with The Athletic, Press penned touching notes to her younger self, the sport, and her supporters—thanking fans for “believing in Tobin and me before we ever said the words ourselves.” It’s a poignant reminder of the community she’s built.
A Hero’s Exit: Christen Press’s Final NWSL Chapter
As the 2025 NWSL regular season winds down, Press has just two games left: a home finale against the Portland Thorns this weekend and a poignant away match versus the Chicago Red Stars—where her NWSL story truly began. Angel City sits six points out of playoffs, but win or lose, these matches will be celebrations of a career that redefined forward play.
Press’s retirement isn’t a storybook ending—it’s a raw, real journey of highs, heartbreaks, and heroism. She leaves the game richer, having scored not just goals but progress for women’s soccer. As she steps into her next act—perhaps expanding RE•GRND or mentoring the next generation—fans can only say: Thank you, Christen. You’ve Pressed the pedal to the metal for us all.
