MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 06: Kelley O'Hara of USA misses her team's seventh penalty in the ... [+]
Twice World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist Kelley O’Hara will retire from professional soccer at the end of the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League season, bringing an end to her illustrious career.
O’Hara played in every senior world championship for the United States from 2011 to 2023, a period that spanned four Women’s World Cups and three Olympic Games.
She was part of the USA squad that won the World Cup in 2015 and 2019 and the Olympic gold medal at the London Games in 2012.
O’Hara made 160 appearances for the USWNT and was one of only 12 players in team history to play in four World Cups when she made the 2023 World Cup roster.
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 07: Kelley O'Hara poses with USA's fourth world title which they won at the 2019 ... [+]
The 35-year-old also tasted success at the club level, winning the NWSL with Washington Spirit in 2021 and Gotham FC in 2023.
O’Hara announced her decision to retire through Just Women’s Sports’ video series “Kelley On The Street”.
“This 2024 season will be my last,” O’Hara said on the episode. “I want to say thank you to every single person who has cheered me on and supported me through the years.
“I've been playing soccer since I was four years old, and it's been an absolute joy," she said.
"But as they say, 'Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.' And I know there will be a lot of tears by me and probably some of y'all, but I hope there are more smiles."
“So, love y’all.”
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 11: Kelley O'Hara celebrates after Gotham FC won the NWSL ... [+]
A key member of the USA’s defense, O’Hara made her international debut in 2010 and captained the team four times during her 14-year international career. She played in her final USWNT game on August 6, 2023, against Sweden at the World Cup.
O'Hara joins Megan Rapinoe, Julie Ertz and Sam Mewis among recent major USWNT retirements.
“It has been one of the greatest joys to represent my country and to wear the U.S. Soccer crest,” O’Hara said in a statement released by US Soccer.
“As I close this chapter of my life, I am filled with gratitude. Looking back on my career I am so thankful for all the things I was able to accomplish but most importantly the people I was able to accomplish them with.”
