LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 21: Clarisse Le Bihan #29 of Angel City FC and Christen Press #23 of Angel City FC hug following a game against the Kansas City Current at Banc of California Stadium on May 21, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images for Angel City FC)
Getty Images for Angel City FC
Following a legendary playing career, Angel City FC forward Christen Press has announced her retirement following the end of the 2025 NWSL season. Press represented the U.S. Women’s National Team for over a decade where she recorded 155 international caps and scored 64 goals.
“It’s hard to find the words to say goodbye to a sport that has defined my life for over three decades,” said Press. “Football has given me everything, and I will miss being on the pitch so very much. Thank you to my family, friends, teammates, coaches, and community for this beautiful ride. I promise we will continue to reimagine sports in this next life!!”
Impact of Press in the NWSL and Beyond
Press is one of the most notable players as she was a key figure in winning two consecutive FIFA World Cup titles in 2015 and in 2019. Additionally, she also earned an Olympic bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Throughout her club career, Press played for the Chicago Red Stars, Utah Royals FC, and was the first player signing for Angel City FC as she returned back home to Los Angeles in 2022.
Press is one of the original NWSL players in the league and also participated in the WPS. Her career also spanned internationally as she played in Sweden and in England.
Ahead of their inaugural season in 2022, Press was the first player signing for Angel City FC. Previously, her rights belonged to Racing Louisville FC and although Press never played for Louisville, Angel City FC acquired her rights and officially signed her in August 2021.
However, in the following year, Press once again dealt with Louisville as she tore her ACL just several months into the club’s first season while playing against Racing. It wasn’t until August 2024 that she made her first appearance for the club following her injury.
Press Paves the Way for Reimagining Women’s Sports
In addition to her playing career, Press and her partner, Tobin Heath, have paved the way with their company Re-Inc., which is a global sports media brand that strives to better the world through the unifying power of sport.
The duo also launched the RE–CAP show ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup World Cup where they discussed the tournament on a consistent basis and later on, covered the NWSL playoffs.
Their podcast show has also won awards as the No. 1 soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts and is ranked as the No. 3 most popular sports podcast on Spotify. Their show also features soccer players within the NWSL, former USWNT players, and key figures within the soccer community.
Christen Press represented the U.S. Women’s National Team for over a decade where she recorded 155 international caps and scored 64 goals.
Getty Images
As a key player in soccer history, Press has left a legacy for players and generations to come as she was also a key figure for the Equal Pay fight. Her drive for advocacy, equality, and inclusivity has made the game better by challenging the status quo in ways that go beyond the game.
“Christen retires as one of the most decorated and respected forwards in U.S. soccer history, a pioneer whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of our club,” said ACFC CEO and Co-Founder, Julie Uhrman. “As Angel City’s first signing, Christen’s contributions to the club have been unparalleled. From her extraordinary skill and relentless competitiveness on the pitch to her unwavering commitment to making the game and our community more equitable, inclusive, and impactful. On behalf of everyone at Angel City, we thank Christen for everything she has given to the sport, our club, and future generations of athletes and fans.”
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackiegutierrez/2025/10/15/angel-city-fc-forward-christen-press-announces-retirement/
