Another illustrious chapter in the history of the US Women’s National Team comes to an end. Becky Sauerbrunn has officially called it a day in the beautiful game, announcing her retirement at the age of 39—a decision that many had already anticipated. But what if we told you this news could have been headlined eight years ago? For those grateful that it wasn’t, they have Emily Sonnett to thank.

Sauerbrunn actually contemplated retirement after the USWNT’s loss to Sweden in the round of 16 at the 2016 Olympics. Having lifted the World Cup just a year prior, the failure to secure another gold medal weighed heavily on her. Feeling responsible for the team’s defeat in that Sweden game, she believed that the 2015 World Cup might have been her final gig. “I was just carrying that after the game…this is a sign that it’s my last one,” she admitted on the latest episode of the Women’s Game podcast.  

“We were all drinking around the pool and getting a little too deep in the Caipirinhas and luckily when I was talking to Sonet—who played center back and could have been like, ‘Yeah, you should retire; get out of here so I can take your spot’—she was like, ‘No, you can’t retire. Absolutely get that out of your mind,'” narrated Sauerbrunn.

Having made 219 appearances, had the former Portland Thorns defender decided to hang up her boots at that instant, then she would have missed out on a lot, majorly winning the 2019 World Cup. On another somber note, the veteran defender was sidelined from the 2023 FIFA World Cup due to injury. To add to the disappointment, Emma Hayes also passed on giving the 39-year-old an opportunity for a final bow on the international stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Luckily, she kept on going and was able to make the most out of the time, and special thanks go to Sonnett. “So I will credit it for saving my career for a few more years for sure. But yeah it was I carried that mistake and that weight for a really long time,” concluded Becky.

Indeed, it’s quite a heartwarming story but now that she has actually hung up her boots, how’s the feeling now?

Becky Sauerbrunn opens up about ‘sad & little scary’ retirement

Becky Sauerbrunn shared that her retirement had been planned for some time, and she was simply waiting for the right moment. She acknowledged that leaving a sport she deeply loved would be one of the most difficult decisions she would ever make. “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, hinting at the possibility of taking on a managerial role in the future, hoping to build a coaching career that mirrors the impressive trophy collection she amassed as a player.

Aren’t you wishing right now for Emily Sonnett to again stop Becky Sauerbrunn from retiring?