Tobin Heath Announces Retirement from Professional Soccer

On Thursday, Tobin Heath shared her retirement from professional soccer during her podcast, 'The RE-CAP Show.' The 37-year-old's decision follows years of struggling with a serious left knee injury that necessitated several surgeries, ultimately leading to her career's conclusion. Her last appearance on the field was in August 2022 while playing for the Seattle Reign in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

Heath discussed the emotional turmoil surrounding her retirement, revealing that despite spending significant amounts of money and undergoing two surgeries—one being particularly intense—she had held onto the hope of returning to the game. She admitted on her podcast that while she was in denial about the reality of her situation, the inevitability of her retirement was becoming more apparent.

Throughout her 13-year career with the US Women's National Team, Heath emerged as one of the most accomplished players, accumulating 36 goals and 42 assists across 181 matches by 2021. She will be remembered for her pivotal contributions to the team, particularly her goal during the 2015 Women's World Cup final against Japan, which sealed the Americans’ third title. Additionally, she played a key role in securing the 2019 Women's World Cup victory and earned Olympic gold medals in both 2008 and 2012.

In club competition, Heath achieved great success as well, winning two NWSL Championships with the Portland Thorns. She also had notable stints in Europe, representing teams such as Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Arsenal.