When Emma Hayes announced the Paris Olympics 2024 roster, everyone was busy questioning Alex Morgan’s omission. Though her absence was surprising, many forgot about another legend-Becky Sauerbrunn. First, the veteran defender lost the chance to play in the 2023 FIFA World Cup due to injury. Now, despite being in the final stages of her career, Hayes has denied the 39-year-old the opportunity for a last dance on the international stage. Sadly, it’s too late to call her up again, as Sauerbrunn has shockingly declared that her journey with the USWNT is officially ‘over.’

“It’s been good,” confessed Sauerbrunn while speaking about not making it into the Olympics team on ‘Good Game with Sarah Spain’ alongside Sam Mewis. Though the defender tried to give a go in the Hayes’ France roster, she eventually wasn’t called up. But that doesn’t mean the Thorns star ain’t enjoying the ‘new experience’ of being just one of the USWNT’s No. 1 supporters. Aside from shining bright in the NWSL for the Portland Thorns, off the pitch, Becky co-hosts The Women’s Game: Good Vibes FC podcast alongside Mewis and Lynn Williams.

Team USA’s skipper agreed that she often felt isolated. But watching USA games with Sammy, who herself hung up boots earlier this year, didn’t make Becky feel alone. “Having someone there to talk through emotions and things like that has been really great,” she admitted.

While it’s good that she got over her absence from the Olympics roster, she gave a heartbreaking response when asked if her goal is to return to that national team.

“I think having this podcast and co-hosting it with Sam and Lynn, kind of having this twilight of my career, but then, also having this like a gateway to something that could be very new and very amazing and very much a part of the next chapter of my career, makes it easier,” she added.

Seems like Sauerbrunn has accepted that it’s time to think about life after soccer, as she looks forward to hosting podcasts further. But no one can forget what she has done for USWNT!

USWNT will never have a defender like Becky Sauerbrunn!

Standing tall in the US Women’s National Team’s backline, Becky Sauerbrunn has had a remarkable international career. The St. Louis-born defender has made over 219 appearances for the Stars and Stripes, and while she hasn’t scored a goal, she boasts 7 assists. Sauerbrunn has competed in three World Cups, proudly lifting the prestigious trophy twice (2015, 2019), though she narrowly missed out on winning in her debut World Cup in 2011.

Notably, she co-captained the team alongside Carli Lloyd in 2016. As a 3-time Olympian, Sauerbrunn has earned 2 gold medals and one bronze at the Summer Games. Her domestic achievements are equally impressive, having won NWSL Defender of the Year three consecutive times during her tenure with FC Kansas City (2013-15). Unfortunately, it’s only the NWSL where we may get to see Sauerbrunn now, as evidenced by her words.

Indeed, USWNT fans will certainly miss her presence on the international stage.