Crystal Dunn, an Olympic champion and World Cup winner who made 160 appearances for the US women’s national team, announced her retirement from professional soccer on Thursday.

A key figure in the United States’ 2019 World Cup win and their 2024 Olympic triumph, Dunn hoisted the NWSL championship trophy three times, with the North Carolina Courage in 2018 and 2019 and with the Portland Thorns in 2022.

She also earned NWSL MVP and Golden Boot honors in 2015 with the Washington Spirit, who selected her No 1 in the 2014 draft after her standout college career at the University of North Carolina.

Dunn signed with Paris Saint-Germain in January 2025 – her second European club after a stint at Chelsea from 2017 to 2018 – but had made just one appearance this season.

A versatile talent who was lethal in the midfield and forward positions, she later became a critical piece of the national team’s defense, shining at left back despite it not being her preferred role.

“I leave the game with a sense of peace and deep fulfilment for all that I’ve accomplished,” the 33-year-old said in a statement. “I’m grateful for the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work with, from teammates and coaches to family and friends, and all the amazing moments we’ve shared. I’m very much looking forward to my next chapter ahead.”

The New York native made 160 appearances for the US and scored 25 goals since debuting in 2013.

Dunn is the latest in a series of high-profile players from the United States’ modern golden age to retire. She played alongside the likes of Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan, cementing herself as a bedrock of the US back line.

Among the first Black stars to break through in a once overwhelmingly white US women’s soccer program, Dunn served as a role model for the next generation.

“I first kicked a soccer ball at the age of four, never knowing it would change my life,” said Dunn. “My journey wasn’t perfect, but it was beautiful.”