via Getty
BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL – AUGUST 06: Carli Lloyd of United States celebrates after scoring during the Women’s Group G first round match between United States and France during Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Mineirao Stadium on August 6, 2016 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)
via Getty
BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL – AUGUST 06: Carli Lloyd of United States celebrates after scoring during the Women’s Group G first round match between United States and France during Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Mineirao Stadium on August 6, 2016 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)
2-time Olympic Gold medalist, Carli Lloyd, bid farewell to the world of soccer on October 6th, 2021. She played her final match against Washington Spirits at Subaru Park, before hanging her boots for good.
Post her final game, the player shared the video of her farewell speech on Twitter, thanking everyone once again. She received a warm reception, with fans and players honoring her endless contribution to the world of sports. Undoubtedly, the priceless moment made Carli emotional as she struggled to find the words to express herself.
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Lloyd has played as a midfielder for the NJ/NY Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States national team. She previously played for the Chicago Red Stars, Sky Blue FC, and Atlanta Beat in Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS).
“I’m going to miss playing”- Carli Lloyd
The crowd welcomed her with a joyful cheer when she took the microphone in her hand. The Olympian was moved to tears, as her team and the crowd showered her with endless love.
Thank you all for the most special evening of my career. A memory I will never forget. I will miss all of this. I will miss all of you! ❤️ https://t.co/f0Bx7LsYtB
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) October 7, 2021
Gathering her emotions, she addressed the crowd with a heartfelt message.
“First of all, you guys are amazing. The crowd tonight, this is what we needed every end of a soccer game. So, we need your support, need you to keep coming out, supporting these amazing women here. Thank you for your support. Thank you just for everything that you continue to do on the field and off the field. 34 years I’ve been playing this amazing game,” said Carli.
“I’m going to miss playing, I am going to miss the big moments, World Cup, Olympics,” Carli further added.
This team is everything. pic.twitter.com/QETjyHNxi5
— NJ/NY Gotham FC (@GothamFC) October 7, 2021
WATCH NOW: Carli Lloyd Hammers 5 Goals as USWNT Farewell Begins
Carli calls Subaru and Linc her home
The star soccer player has endless memories in Subaru and Linc. Along with the game, even the places hold a special place in Lloyd’s heart.
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USA Today via Reuters
Sep 16, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; USA forward Carli Lloyd (10) advances the ball against Paraguay in the second half of an international friendly soccer match at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
“Every time I’ve been able to come here to play at the Linc too, it just feels like home. I had an amazing amount of family here, friends here,” said, Lloyd.
Lloyd has made over 300 appearances for the U.S. national team, placing her second in caps, and has the fourth-most goals and fifth-most assists for the team. In March 2021, she was named the highest-paid female footballer in the world.
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Earlier in an interview, Lloyd revealed the reason for her retirement, stating she wants to start a family with her husband. She expressed how tiring it was to continuously stay away from home and that she was ready to start the next chapter of her life. We wish her good luck in her future endeavors.
READ MORE: USWNT Legend Carli Lloyd to Receive the Largest Retirement Party From Her Hometown of Delran
