Sam Mewis: USA and former Manchester City midfielder retires aged 31

World Cup-winning USA midfielder Sam Mewis has retired aged 31.

Mewis scored 24 goals in 83 appearances for the United States, helping them lift the 2019 World Cup, and netted in Manchester City's FA Cup final win over Everton in 2020.

She had been hampered with injuries since 2017 and had knee surgery in August 2021 and January 2023.

"Unfortunately, my knee can no longer tolerate the impact that elite soccer requires," said Mewis.

"Though this isn't what I wanted, this is the only path forward for me."

Mewis, who won three NWSL titles, was a key part of USA's 2019 World Cup win, playing six of their seven matches and assisting Rose Lavelle's goal in the final.

She joined Manchester City before the 2020-21 season and helped them beat Everton in the delayed 2020 final in November that year.

In 2021 she returned to North Carolina Courage but was traded to Kansas City Current six months later.

Since leaving City Mewis made just five league appearances for North Carolina and did not appear in the NWSL for Kansas City.