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.
“It’s hard to put into words what Seattle and this club mean to me,” said Fishlock. “This is where I’ve grown, where I’ve fought, where I’ve experienced some of the best moments of my career. We’ve built something that goes far beyond football, and I’m so proud to have been a part of it from day one. I’ll never take for granted the people, the fans
and the city that have supported me through it all, and I’m going to give everything I have in this final season.”
In October, Fishlock announced her retirement from international play. She was the most decorated player in her country’s history as Wales’ all-time leader in caps (166) and goals (48) across both the women’s and men’s 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).
“Jess represents everything this club stands for,” said Seattle Reign FC General Manager Lesle Gallimore. “Her loyalty, her passion and her relentless drive have helped shape Reign FC into what it is today. She’s 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.”
She was apart of three NWSL Shields with Seattle (2014, 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 – the most in club history and second-most in league history.
“Jess 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,” said Seattle Reign FC Head Coach Laura Harvey. “She sets the standard with her work ethic, her competitiveness and her love for the game, but it’s also her football brain that sets her apart. She sees things others don’t, 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.”
The Seattle Reign fully plan on celebrating the legend throughout the remainder of their season including at the club’s second annual Queen’s Match on Friday, October 2 (7:00 p.m. PT / Victory+) and her final regular season game in Seattle set for Sunday, November 1.
