In a stunning revelation that has drawn national interest, Christen Press retirement has been confirmed: the decorated athlete will end her playing career after the 2025 season. She made the announcement in a televised interview, saying this will be her final stretch and that she feels “a mix of everything” as she prepares to step away.
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The Announcement & Immediate Reaction
On October 15, 2025, Press appeared on Good Morning America and officially declared her intention to retire. She said,
“I’m retiring … this is my last season and my last few games,”
adding that relief, excitement, and grief all weigh on her decision.
Her final home event will be held in her adopted hometown, giving fans and city supporters a chance to pay tribute.
Across sports media outlets, the reaction has been emotional and respectful. Analysts emphasize that her decision underscores her control over her own story — she chose when to conclude her career.
A Career Defined by Milestones
Though this summary avoids explicit references to “soccer,” the breadth of Press’s achievements is undeniable. The stature she earned came from elite performance, resilience, and leadership. Here is a summary of her standout achievements:
- Represented the U.S. in 155 international appearances, scoring 64 goals
- Helped her national program win two global championships and bring home an Olympic bronze medal
- Played professionally in multiple countries and top leagues, including a spell at Manchester United
- Earned the Golden Boot in the Swedish league in 2013, becoming the first American to do so
- Over her domestic league career, she amassed nearly 50 regular-season goals and well over 100 appearances
Her path was never smooth. In 2022, she suffered a serious ACL injury that sidelined her across multiple seasons. She underwent multiple surgeries and spent over two years in recovery. Her return in late 2024 was triumphant.
In January 2025, she re-signed to play one more season.
How the Final Season Has Unfolded
This season, Press’s playing time has been limited, reflecting a transitional role. In roughly 399 minutes played, she has scored one goal.
That goal came in a moment of brilliance: she was subbed in, and within 30 seconds, struck a game-winner with her signature style. Commentary lauded that moment as vintage Press, a reminder of her capacity to change a match.
Her club is honoring her venerable contributions. The final home game will include a formal tribute, giving fans, teammates, and coaches an occasion to recognize her impact.
Though playoff prospects are slim, she still has two more chances to take the field: one at home, one away.
Beyond the Field: Influence, Advocacy, and Identity
Christen Press’s influence extends well beyond her athletic output. She has used her platform to push for accountability and better conditions in her sport. Her name came up in the disclosures surrounding player treatment and misconduct in the league, helping precipitate reform.
She also co-founded the brand RE-INC and co-hosts The RE-CAP Show podcast with her partner, Tobin Heath. Their relationship is well known now; they’ve also partnered in business, media, and advocacy efforts.
Press has said that her retirement is about agency — choosing when to stop rather than being forced into it by circumstance. She leaves behind not just stats, but a blueprint of integrity, visibility, and leadership.
What Remains to Be Seen
- Tribute planning: Her final home appearance will be a centerpiece for celebrations of her career.
- Farewell communications: Expect public statements, video montages, and personal messages from those she’s worked with.
- Next chapter: Press has many paths open: media, entrepreneurship, board service, mentorship, nonprofit work.
- Enduring legacy: Her departure closes one chapter but her influence — on equity, welfare, representation — will persist.
Her timing matters. Her voice matters. And her legacy — across performance and principle — will resonate far beyond her final match.