Headline: Jess Fishlock Set for Potential Farewell Match with Seattle Reign Against Orlando Pride
On Sunday, November 1, Wales football icon Jess Fishlock will step onto the field for Seattle Reign as they face Orlando Pride, uncertain if this game will mark the end of her illustrious career.
Fishlock, who has been with the Reign since 2013, contends with NC Courage and Denver Summit for the last available spot in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) playoffs. A victory over Orlando would secure Seattle’s eighth playoff appearance in Fishlock’s 14-season journey in Washington state.
Currently, NC Courage and Denver Summit are ahead in goal difference and trail Seattle by two and three points, respectively, with their matchup taking place on the final day of the regular season. Fishlock shared her insights, saying, “I’ve been in this league long enough to understand how this works. I think we’ve had a couple of situations like this before. The beauty of it is you just get to focus on football, which is ultimately all we want to do as players.”
All Fishlock desires is to lead her team into another playoff round and see what unfolds afterward. She commented, “There’s a lot going on, which is so fun and so exciting.”
After announcing her retirement from international play in October 2025, Fishlock achieved a personal milestone by representing Wales 166 times, a record among both men and women. Following this announcement, she renewed her contract with Seattle and confirmed in April her intention to retire after the conclusion of the 2026 NWSL season.
Throughout her career, Fishlock has finished as a runner-up in the NWSL playoffs three times—in 2014, 2015, and again in 2023—without securing a championship title. Should Seattle progress to the eight-team knockout stage, Fishlock would have an opportunity to conclude her club career on a high note. Her accomplishments include two Champions League titles.
The Reign plans to honor Fishlock with various activities around the stadium, such as a commemorative photo booth and themed merchandise, as they anticipate a crowd of around 16,000 at Lumen Field. Fishlock expressed her excitement about her family joining her for this milestone occasion, stating, “I don’t think I’ve had this many family out, ever. It’s been a little crazy.”
Looking ahead, she mentioned her focus on the match while also sharing gratitude for the support she has received, both from fans and the club. Fishlock reflected, “I’m extremely grateful and so appreciative of everybody showing out for me. Everything that the Reign has done has been undeniably incredible and beautiful.”
The upcoming match not only signifies a potential farewell for Fishlock but also marks the end of an era for the Reign, as she is the last of the club’s original trio of stars, alongside Megan Rapinoe and Lauren Barnes, to retire. Her departure ends a significant chapter in league history, as Fishlock has been a prominent figure, overcoming serious injuries to continue her legacy.
Retirement will also allow Fishlock to visit her home in Wales more frequently. She has plans to return as part of Rhian Wilkinson’s coaching staff for the national team’s World Cup play-off final against Norway. Following Wales’ recent semi-final success against Albania, Fishlock humorously conveyed her eagerness for a role in the upcoming match.
“My message was in jest, and I know that Rhian would not do that to me, bless her. She is too understanding as a coach,” Fishlock stated. She expressed her excitement for the upcoming match, believing that Wales can achieve victory.
