The two-time winner of the Women’s World Cup, Carli lloyd, officially announced her international retirement with the United States on Monday, ending a historic career as the second most capped player in world soccer history with 128 goals and two Olympic gold medals.
He will retire after the Stars and Stripes team’s fall friendlies and the end of the NWSL season.
Lloyd, 39, had hinted at retirement after the Olympics. She will go on a farewell tour for US Soccer, playing in two USWNT friendlies in September and two in October, which will serve as her final games.
She will also finish the remainder of the National Women’s Soccer League season with her club, NJ / NY Gotham FC, before ending her 12-year, six-club career.
Lloyd scored the last of his 128 international goals when he scored a double in the United States’ 4-3 loss to Australia in the bronze medal match in Tokyo.
Her 312 international appearances rank her second all-time in the US and in the world only behind Kristine Lilly (354).
Lloyd is one of four international soccer players to play 300 or more times for her country.
“When I started with the national team in 2005, my two main goals were to be the most well-rounded soccer player I could be and to help the team win championships,” Lloyd said in a statement. “Every day that I went out on the field, I played like it was my last game. I never wanted to take anything for granted, especially knowing how difficult it is to get to the top, but even more difficult to stay on top for so long.” added.
She is one of two Americans to win the FIFA Player of the Year award twice, earning the honors in 2015 and 2016 (Mia Hamm won in 2001 and 2002).
His 128 career international goals are the fourth most in USWNT history. She holds the team record for the most Olympic goals (10) and is the third in team history for most WWC goals (also 10). Lloyd is also tied with Mia Hamm for most USWNT hat tricks with eight.
“Finishing my career knowing that my family could be by my side and share this last chapter with me could not have been more special. We will all have much more time to spend together now, and especially with my husband, Brian, who has been my ‘rock. ‘and my greatest support system during all these years, “he said.