Jess Fishlock retires after Seattle Reign lose NWSL quarter-final

Jess Fishlock's playing career has ended after Seattle Reign lost 1-0 to Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League play-off quarter-finals. BBC Sport reported that Sunday's defeat was the final appearance for the 39-year-old midfielder, who had announced in April that this season would be her last.

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Seattle entered the play-offs as the eighth-placed team in the regular season, taking the final qualifying spot before facing top-seeded Gotham. Fishlock came off in the 74th minute as Reign's season ended with a narrow defeat. The result brought her 14-season association with the club as a player to a close.

Fishlock joined Seattle in 2013, the NWSL's inaugural season, and won three NWSL Shields during her time there. She was also named the league's Most Valuable Player in 2021. Her career had begun with hometown club Cardiff City in 2002 and took her to eight countries, with Champions League winners' medals at both FFC Frankfurt and Olympique Lyonnais.

Her departure from club football follows her international retirement in October 2025. Fishlock finished with 166 Wales appearances and 48 goals, records unmatched by any Welsh player in either the women's or men's national teams. She helped Wales reach their first women's major tournament in 2025 and became the oldest scorer at a Women's European Championship when she scored in the 4-1 defeat by France.

Speaking after the Gotham match, Fishlock said she was comfortable with the end of her playing career but saddened by the prospect of no longer spending time with her Seattle teammates. She credited the younger players with bringing her joy and said the squad's experienced members had developed closer relationships through relying on one another.

Reign defender Sofia Huerta praised Fishlock's professionalism and character, describing her as the best player she had seen. Reflecting on her own career, Fishlock emphasised her long commitments to Wales and Seattle, saying that success alongside people with whom she had also experienced setbacks carried particular meaning.

Fishlock's next role will keep her involved with Wales. According to BBC Sport, she will join Rhian Wilkinson's coaching staff for December's two-leg World Cup play-off against Norway. She has previously combined playing and coaching duties at Cardiff City Ladies and Melbourne Victory.