Jess Fishlock will retire at the end of the 2026 NWSL season after a legendary career with Seattle Reign FC. She is the club's second all-time leading scorer and a key figure in NWSL history.
Key points
Jess Fishlock will retire after the 2026 NWSL season
She is the second all-time leading scorer for Seattle Reign FC
Fishlock has 166 international caps for Wales
She won three NWSL Shields with Seattle Reign
The club plans celebrations for her final season
Jess FishlockSeattle Reign FCNWSL
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 15: Jess Fishlock #10 of Seattle Reign FC celebrates scoring her team's first goal during the NWSL match between Orlando Pride and Seattle Reign at Inter&Co Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/NWSL via Getty Images) | NWSL via Getty Images
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 15: Jess Fishlock #10 of Seattle Reign FC celebrates scoring her team's first goal during the NWSL match between Orlando Pride and Seattle Reign at Inter&Co Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/NWSL via Getty Images) | NWSL via Getty Images
Today, Jess Fishlock and the Seattle Reign announced that the midfielder will be retiring at the end of the 2026 NWSL season after a legendary career.
âItâs hard to put into words what Seattle and this club mean to me,â said Fishlock. âThis  is where Iâve grown, where Iâve fought, where Iâve experienced some of the best  moments of my career. Weâve built something that goes far beyond football, and Iâm so  proud to have been a part of it from day one. Iâll never take for granted the people, the  fans and the city that have supported me through it all, and Iâm going to give everything  I have in this final season.â
In October, Fishlock announced her retirement from international play. She was the most decorated player in her countryâs history as Walesâ all-time leader in caps (166) Â and goals (48) across both the womenâs and menâs programs and was the first ever to 100 appearances.
She is second in club history and third in NWSL history in starts (205) and minutes played (17,785).
With the Seattle Reign, she scored 49 goals (second most in club history and ninth most in league history) and recorded 30 assists (most in club history and fifth most in league history).
âJess represents everything this club stands for,â said Seattle Reign FC General  Manager Lesle Gallimore. âHer loyalty, her passion and her relentless drive have  helped shape Reign FC into what it is today. Sheâs not only one of the best players in  NWSL history, but one of the most influential figures our game has seen. We are  incredibly grateful for everything she has given to this club and this community.â
She was apart of three NWSL Shields with Seattle (2014, Â 2015, 2022) and three appearances in the NWSL Championship (2014, 2015, 2023).
Fishlock was also named the 2021 NWSL MVP and named NWSL Best XI seven times â the most in club history and second-most in league  history.
âJess is one of the greatest players to ever play in this league, but what makes her truly  special is who she is every single day,â said Seattle Reign FC Head Coach Laura Harvey. âShe sets the standard with her work ethic, her competitiveness and her love  for the game, but itâs also her football brain that sets her apart. She sees things others  donât, and that understanding of the game has been invaluable to this team for so many years. She has carried this club on her shoulders at times and has always done it with  pride. Her impact on this team, this city and the sport as a whole is immeasurable.â
The Seattle Reign fully plan on celebrating the legend throughout the remainder of their season including at the clubâs second annual Queenâs Match on Friday, October 2 (7:00 p.m. PT / Victory+) and her final regular season game in Seattle set for Sunday, November 1.
Q&A
When will Jess Fishlock officially retire from soccer?
Jess Fishlock will retire at the conclusion of the 2026 NWSL season.
What are Jess Fishlock's career achievements with Seattle Reign FC?
Fishlock scored 49 goals, recorded 30 assists, and won three NWSL Shields during her time with Seattle Reign FC.
How many international caps does Jess Fishlock have for Wales?
Jess Fishlock has 166 international caps, making her the all-time leader for Wales.
What events are planned to celebrate Jess Fishlock's career?
The Seattle Reign will celebrate Fishlock throughout the remainder of the season, including the Queen's Match on October 2 and her final regular season game on November 1.
Related Articles
NBA·Feature
NBA MVP: Who will win between Jokic, SGA and Wemby?
NBA MVP Race: Who will take the title - Jokic, SGA, or Wemby?
ESPN News··1 min read
Sports
Crew owners get 18th NWSL team for record fee
Columbus gets NWSL expansion team for $205 million, starting in 2028!
ESPN News··1 min read
NFL·Injury Update
Colts QB Jones (Achilles) back to throwing again
Colts QB Daniel Jones back to throwing as he recovers from Achilles injury
ESPN News··1 min read
Cricket
Banned for playing in Goa! ECB blocks Peter Siddle, Samit Patel from T20 Blast
ECB blocks Siddle and Patel from T20 Blast due to unsanctioned play
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Feature
MLB to introduce brand new 3-on-3 event at 2026 All-Star game
Exciting news! MLB is launching a 3-on-3 event called MLBx at the 2026 All-Star Game in Philadelphia.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL
Bryce Young: There's no carryover from last season
Bryce Young emphasizes a fresh start for the Panthers this season.