Soccer Star Crystal Dunn Retires to Be With Family

Crystal Dunn is walking away from soccer at the top of her game, and she couldn't be happier about it. The 33-year-old star announced Thursday that she's retiring to focus on being a more present mom to her 3-year-old son.

"I am at peace and deeply fulfilled with all that I have accomplished," Dunn wrote in an Instagram post. "I've achieved nearly everything I dreamed of in this sport and gave all I had to give."

Her trophy case backs that up. Dunn won an NCAA championship with UNC, three NWSL titles, a World Cup with Team USA in 2019, and Olympic gold in 2024. She also earned NWSL MVP honors and the league's Golden Boot award during her decorated career.

The journey wasn't always smooth. In 2015, Dunn was surprisingly cut from the World Cup roster despite her early success. She watched from home as her teammates lifted the trophy without her.

Four years later, she made the team and started in the 2019 World Cup, helping lead the U.S. to another championship. That resilience defined her career from her first kick at age four through her final season with Paris Saint-Germain.

Dunn became known for her versatility on the field, excelling at multiple positions. She played 145 games for the national team and became a leader both on and off the pitch.

Why This Inspires

Dunn's retirement letter didn't just list accomplishments. She thanked teammates who became family, coaches who believed in her, and celebrated "the indescribable joy of welcoming a baby along the way." Her words remind us that success isn't just measured in medals.

Her decision to step away while still competing at the highest level shows a different kind of courage. Choosing family time over one more season or championship takes confidence that her legacy is already secure.

"The life of a professional athlete can never truly be replicated but I'm excited to continue impacting the game from new perspectives," she wrote. Translation: she's not disappearing, just changing how she shows up.

Young athletes watching Dunn's career now see a complete picture of what winning looks like. Championships matter, but so does knowing when your next victory is simply being home for dinner.