Tobin Heath, a distinguished figure in women’s soccer and a key player for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), has officially announced her retirement from professional soccer. This decision comes nearly three years after her last match and is the culmination of a lengthy struggle with a serious left knee injury that required multiple surgeries.
Heath, aged 37, enjoyed a remarkable career spanning over 13 years with the USWNT. During her tenure, she achieved significant milestones, including winning two FIFA World Cups and two Olympic gold medals. She made her final appearance for the national team in 2021, contributing to her impressive total of 181 caps.
In her club career, Heath had notable success as well. She helped the Portland Thorns secure two NWSL championships and won two NWSL Shields, one with the Thorns and another with the Seattle Reign. Her last professional match occurred on August 14, 2022, in a victory against Gotham FC.
Reflecting on her retirement, Heath spoke candidly on her podcast, “The RE-CAP Show,” which she co-hosts with fellow athlete Christen Press. “Over New Year’s, I actually came to the full acceptance that I wasn’t going to be playing, which was like a two-year, some might say three-year process of acceptance,” Heath expressed emotionally. She recounted the challenges she faced during her recovery, stating, “I tried f—ing everything to get back, I spent tens of thousands of dollars and [had] two surgeries, one crazy surgery. And the whole time I believed I was going to get back. The writing was definitely on the wall, I just couldn’t accept I think that that was my ending.”
Renowned for her exceptional skills and contributions to the sport, Heath was recognized as the U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year in 2016. Throughout her career, she emphasized her passion for the game rather than the fame that came with it. “I never played to be famous or for people to care about me,” she noted. “I just played because I loved it.”
In addition to her accomplishments in the United States, Heath had a successful stint in Europe, playing for clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain. Her legacy in women’s soccer will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on future generations of athletes.
As the soccer community reflects on Heath’s career, her contributions to the sport and her dedication to her craft will be remembered fondly by fans and fellow players alike.
