Wales Football Icon Jess Fishlock Retires from Playing Career After NWSL Playoff Loss
Wales football legend Jess Fishlock has officially ended her playing career following a tough 1-0 defeat for Seattle Reign against Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) playoff quarter-finals.
The 39-year-old midfielder began her journey in football with her hometown club, Cardiff City, in 2002. Over her illustrious career, she played in eight different countries and won Champions League winners’ medals with FFC Frankfurt and Olympique Lyonnais.
Fishlock announced her retirement from international football in October 2025, concluding her international appearances with a record of 48 goals in 166 matches for Wales.
During her 14-season tenure with Seattle, Fishlock secured three NWSL Shields but had previously declared that this season would be her last. Following the playoff match on Sunday, she expressed her emotions: “I’ve loved it,” she said while wiping away tears. She added, “And the truth is I’ve loved that my last year was with this group, because they have just given me so much, and not just on the field.”
Looking ahead, Fishlock will join Rhian Wilkinson’s coaching staff for Wales in December as they prepare for a two-leg World Cup playoff against Norway.
Previously, Fishlock held player-coach roles at Cardiff City Ladies and Melbourne Victory before joining Seattle for the inaugural NWSL season in 2013. This year, the Reign finished eighth in the regular season standings, earning them a playoff spot. They fought hard against the top-seeded Gotham, with Fishlock departing the field in the 74th minute.
Reflecting on her career, Fishlock remarked, “Two years ago I was just ‘I can’t work with these kids,’ as in I’m too old for it, but they have given me so much joy.” She noted that the relationships she forged with teammates have been deeply rewarding. “Even today I’m not upset that I’ll never play football again – I’m ok with that, I’ve played enough – but I am devastated that I will not get to spend more time with this group because they will win.”
Reign defender Sofia Huerta praised Fishlock, calling it a privilege to play alongside her. “She came into this league and it was so lucky to have her,” said Huerta. “She put this league on the map.”
Fishlock played a critical role in helping the Wales women’s team qualify for their first major finals in 2025 and made history as the oldest scorer at a Women’s European Championship in a game against France.
As she reflects on her career, Fishlock finds it challenging to pinpoint a singular memory that captures her journey. “I look back and there’s just so much to think about, not only with Reign but with Wales,” she shared. “All I know is what I’m most proud of deeply in my soul is that… I’ve stayed with Wales – that was difficult for 20 years, wouldn’t do it any other way – stayed with the Reign for 14 years, wouldn’t do it any other way.”
“For me, when you win with your people – with the people that you’ve struggled with, the people that you’ve lost with, the people that you’ve failed with – when you win with your people, there is no better feeling in the world.”
