Jess Fishlock, midfielder for the Seattle Reign, announced on Tuesday that the upcoming 2026 NWSL season will mark the end of her professional career. This season will be her 14th with the club since the league’s inception in 2013.
Fishlock stands out as one of only three players remaining from the league’s inaugural year, joined by Alyssa Nair of Chicago Stars and Sidney Leroux of Angel City FC. Notably, she is the only player who has spent her entire career with a single team.
Her impending retirement solidifies her status as one of the greatest players in the history of the league. Recently, she reflected upon how close she was to quitting the NWSL after her first match, which took place at an amateur venue near Chicago; however, head coach Laura Harvey encouraged her to stay committed, assuring her that training awaited the following day.
Reflections on a Challenging Journey
In an exclusive interview with ESPN, Fishlock admitted there have been times when she questioned her ability to continue. “There have definitely been moments in the past where I was like, ‘No, I can’t do this,'” she shared. “But the truth is I love the NWSL. I think it’s the best league in the world and it’s definitely pushed me to reach higher levels of myself.”
Throughout her career, Fishlock has received numerous accolades, including the 2021 NWSL MVP award and five selections to the NWSL Best Eleven. Her leadership helped the Reign secure three NWSL championships, with the 2014 season spotlighting one of the most formidable teams in both league and global contexts.
Coach Harvey praised Fishlock as not only one of the greatest players in league history but also emphasized her character. “Jess sets the standard with her work ethic, competitive spirit, and love of the game,” Harvey stated, adding that Fishlock’s insightful understanding of soccer has significantly contributed to the team over the years.
After nearly two decades representing Wales on the international stage, Fishlock hung up her national team boots last year. Although she contemplated retirement earlier, the energy and passion of the younger players inspired her to remain in Seattle for one last season.
Looking Ahead to the Future
Fishlock decided to disclose her retirement before the regular season concludes on November 1 to mitigate ongoing speculation about her future. At the age of 39, she feels physically and mentally capable of continuing her sport, having scored Seattle’s first goal of the 2026 season in a match against Orlando Pride.
As the season progresses, she has experienced the unique situation of an international break without the need to travel for matches. “I’ve enjoyed these little breaks and vacations,” she remarked, noting that now feels like the right time to transition to the next chapter of her life.
While specifics on her post-retirement plans remain unclear, Fishlock holds a UEFA A coaching license and is pursuing a master’s degree in sports leadership. She is eager to stay involved in women’s sports, though she is still exploring what that involvement will entail.
Fishlock shared her belief that the long-term success of women’s teams depends on investing in foundational roles, such as sporting and technical directors. Reflecting on the evolution of the NWSL from its early days—where players earned minimum salaries of $6,000—to the present, where contracts can reach $1 million, she aims to highlight the progress of the sport to inspire younger generations.
Looking back, she remembers the challenges of her first game played in a Chicago suburb, dealing with delays caused by a youth soccer event. She humorously remarked on past struggles, including a notorious “diabolical” baseball stadium in Rochester, New York, that hosted one of the league’s most infamous games.
As her playing career draws to a close, Fishlock finds herself reflecting on countless memories. While she aims to help Seattle secure its first NWSL championship this season, she also emphasizes the importance of embracing the process rather than fixating on outcomes. “Without that process, you won’t reach your goals,” she reflected, expressing her gratitude for the journey she has taken.
