Former U.S. Women's National Team Captain Becky Sauerbrunn Bids Farewell at 39 Years Old
Former U.S. Women's National Team Captain Becky Sauerbrunn Bids Farewell at 39 Years Old
U.S.A. soccer icon Becky Sauerbrunn, aged 39, announced her departure from the professional soccer scene, concluding her remarkable 16-year stint with the national team.
Regarded as one of the best defenders in U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) history, Sauerbrunn participated in three FIFA World Cups and three Olympic Games. She contributed to the USA's record-breaking Olympic three-peat at the 2012 London Games, with the team clinching gold.
Make way for the 10th-highest appearance record in USWNT history, as Sauerbrunn donned the national team jersey an impressive 219 times.
Remembering her tenure from 2008, the tough and gritty central defender broke her nose during her debut against China PR in Pia Sundhage's inaugural game as head coach.
Despite this, Sauerbrunn was poised to participate in her fourth World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, but an unfortunate foot injury prevented that from happening, as the team bowed out in the Round of 16.
In her club career, Sauerbrun's accolades encompass two championship titles in 2014 and 2015 with FC Kansas City, followed by two seasons with the Utah Royals, before gracing the Portland Thorns for five seasons. Her contributions to the team culminated in the Thorns clinching the 2022 NWSL title and the 2021 NWSL Shield.
Expressing gratitude in a press release, Sauerbrunn acknowledged the honor of representing the U.S. Soccer crest, stating, “I learned early on that we were just renting our jerseys.” Her gratitude ran deep due to her continued involvement with exceptional players and leaders in the sport.
As a cornerstone figure in the USWNT's victorious campaigns in 2015 and 2019 World Cups, Sauerbrunn also captained the team 42 times, ranking 5th for most capped armband wearers in USWNT history.
Due to her retirement announcement, Sauerbrunn joins an esteemed list of high-profile USWNT players, including the likes of Alex Morgan and Kelley O'Hara. Though Alyssa Naeher declared her intention to retire from international duty this past month, she indicated she would continue her club soccer career next year.
In her heartfelt Instagram post, Sauerbrunn revealed that, although her playing days draw to a close, her passion for soccer is far from waning.
“This isn't the end. I’ll be around. I love this game too much to leave it for good. But for the first time in sixteen years I’m going to find a quiet moment and close my eyes for a bit,” she wrote.
“Excited to see where I wake up next.”
- Alyssa Naeher, who declared her intention to retire from international duty recently, will continue her club soccer career next year, joining a list that now includes Becky Sauerbrunn following her retirement announcement.
- Despite Sauerbrunn's retirement, women's soccer in the USA continues to make headlines with the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) news frequently in discussion.
- Kelley O'Hara, a member of the USWNT, will undoubtedly look forward to playing alongside her teammates in upcoming US soccer events without the presence of veteran defender Becky Sauerbrunn.
- The USA's women's soccer team, known for its powerful performances in major tournaments, will undoubtedly miss the leadership and experience of Becky Sauerbrunn in their World Cup and Olympic Game campaigns.
- As women's soccer continues to grow in prominence in the USA, players such as USA's Becky Sauerbrunn, Alex Morgan, and Kelley O'Hara, among others, serve as notable figures inspiring future generations of soccer enthusiasts.