One of the hardest things to do is letting go of what you love most, especially when the time is right. For USWNT star Becky Sauerbrunn, retirement was something she had long anticipated. The defender knew that stepping away from a sport that was more than just a job for her would be one of the toughest decisions she’d ever face. After all, not everyone gets to become a two-time World Cup winner. 

Having started her career in 2005, Sauerbrunn has since won three championships, and two World Cups, and earned a spot in the NWSL Best XI for seven consecutive years. So, of course, it wasn’t easy to call it quits. However, considering the year she’s had, the defender believes it was the perfect way to cap off her illustrious career.

Speaking to Sam Mewis on the ‘The Women’s Game’, Becky Sauerbrunn reveals that she had long planned her retirement and was just waiting for the right moment. “I think I was maybe dreading the end of it because I have no doubts that I have the best job in the world,” says the ex-Portland Thorns player.

“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” added Sauerbrunn, possibly hinting at taking on a managerial role soon. Hopefully, she will match the impressive trophy cabinet she built as a player when she transitions into coaching.

Becky Sauerbrunn began her career playing for Washington Freedom before joining FC Kansas City when the NWSL was formed. Named NWSL Defender of the Year three times, she also won Olympic gold with the USWNT in 2012 and claimed FIFA Women’s World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019. So it’s quite a trophy cabinet she boasts. For now, she’s content with her quiet retirement. 

“I will miss that feeling” – Becky Sauerbrunn sheds tears while reminiscing about her career

For Sauerbrunn,  it’s the locker room and training sessions that she will miss the most. Those tiny aspects in the grand scheme of things hold the fondest memories. Reflecting on her past, the defender became quite emotional.  She shed tears talking about how much she would miss the special moments with her teammates. 

“Just the camaraderie and you know these last five years sitting next to Klingenberg and just like yucking it up every day,” said the People’s Captain. The center-back duo of Meghan and Becky have shared the pitch for years, for both club and country. 

The defender also mentions that now, in retirement, she misses the comforting routine of knowing what each day would bring when she played for her club. Having shared the pitch with some of the greatest talents the USWNT has seen, both fans and teammates, especially Klingenberg, who won’t have her best friend by her side next season will surely miss the center-back.