Miami (AFP) – USA women's national team midfielder Sam Mewis has retired from the game at the age of 31 after a series of knee injuries.
Mewis was part of the USA team that won the 2019 Women's World Cup in France, scoring twice in the tournament.
She also won four league titles in the National Women's Super League and a women's FA Cup with Manchester City in 2020, the year she was voted US Soccer Female Player of the Year. In total, she made 83 appearances for the USA, scoring 24 goals.
"Unfortunately, my knee can no longer tolerate the impact that elite soccer requires," Mewis told US Soccer's website.
"Though this isn't what I wanted, this is the only path forward for me. I want to thank everyone who has been on my team throughout this journey. Soccer has put so many wonderful things in my life, but the most wonderful thing has been the people.
"To all my family, friends, teammates, and fans, I truly feel that we did this together and I'm extremely grateful."
Mewis underwent major knee surgery in January, 2023, but was not able to return to action. The Massachusetts native said she will be taken up a role with a media company, The Men in Blazers Network, where she will lead women's coverage.