“I wanted one last major tournament,” is what Alex Morgan had remarked after announcing her retirement. Many US Soccer fans agreed, with calls like “Absolutely deserves a sendoff game” being made for the iconic forward to have one final moment of joy donning a USWNT jersey before bidding farewell on the domestic front. And then there’s Becky Sauerbrunn, who chose to hang up her boots quietly without any ‘flowers and celebrations.’

Another end-of-an-era moment in the history of American soccer! Sauerbrunn has officially announced her call to retire from the beautiful game at the age of 39. While the decision was anticipated and even expected, the former defender is rather keen to do without any final dance. “I am retiring,” begins the USWNT icon while speaking to Sam Mewis on The Women’s Game podcast.

Reflecting on what she called a remarkable year, Becky remembered starting the year by hoisting a trophy with the USWNT at the W Gold Cup, followed by a full season battling alongside Portland, a team that holds a special place in her heart. Becky highlighted the thrill of pushing for the playoffs and making it there one final time.

Recalling her last game against Gotham, she expressed pride in how she concluded her career, saying, “I got to leave my soul on the field—that’s a soccer player ending.” Furthermore, she then touched upon the nature of her retirement from the game, where she hardly insisted on doing so by getting massive tributes or playing final games.

“We saw so many of our colleagues and peers retire and get their flowers and have the celebrations. I think I wanted those quiet moments with the game where I could just sit in the moment and just really appreciate it,” explained Becky about her decision. “That’s why I feel like this is kind of the time and the way that I wanted to make this announcement that it was just the season’s done, playoffs are over. It’s just like a quiet moment and yeah, just felt right.”

Further reflecting on her decision, Sauerbrunn admitted that she had hoped for a year where she could properly say goodbye to the game. She shared that as the season neared its end, she looked back and realized, “This is it. I’ve got to do what I’ve wanted to do.”

Though we understand why Becky wanted to have a low-key send-off from the beautiful game, we are sure many fans won’t be settled by this fact. Then again, it’s her decision, something that, in a way, suits her.

Becky Sauerbrunn just had to announce her retirement this way!

The former Portland Thorns defender had hinted at her retirement earlier this year, even before the time Alex Morgan had done. Heck, in the same podcast, the iconic center-back was hardly keen to share her desire to get back on the international stage, let alone a domestic return. Notably, the seasoned defender missed out on the 2023 FIFA World Cup due to injury.

Now, as she approached the twilight of her career, Emma Hayes denied the 39-year-old the chance for a final appearance on the international stage in the 2024 Paris Olympics alongside Alex Morgan. Unfortunately, it was too late to reverse the decision, as Sauerbrunn had already made up her mind to retire.

Then again, it’s her final message that constantly comes into our minds to think about what’s next for her in life after soccer, as Becky said, “The ending is sad and a little scary but I am also kind of excited to see what’s next and maybe it won’t be as awesome as playing but maybe it’ll be damn close.”

What do you think it can be? Let us know in the comments while also sharing your thoughts on Becky Sauerbrunn’s retirement.