Jess Fishlock, Wales' record cap-holder and goalscorer, has retired after a record-breaking career, with Seattle Reign eliminated from the NWSL play-offs. Having previously held player-coach roles at Cardiff City Ladies and Melbourne Victory, Fishlock joined Seattle Reign in 2013 for the inaugural NWSL season. This year, Reign finished eighth to claim a play-off berth and pushed Gotham close, with Fishlock leaving the field in the 74th minute.
Fishlock reflected on her retirement, saying that two years ago she felt too old to play, but her teammates have given her joy. "I am devastated that I will not get to spend more time with this group because they will win," she stated. Reign defender Sofia Huerta called it a privilege to play with Fishlock, describing her as the best player she had ever seen and saying she put the league on the map.
Fishlock helped Wales qualify for their first major finals in 2025, becoming the oldest scorer at the Women's European Championship. She expressed pride in her 20-year commitment to Wales and 14 years with Seattle Reign, emphasizing the feeling of winning with people she has struggled with. "There is no better feeling in the world," she said.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing