“I wanted those quiet moments with the game where I could just sit in the moment and just really appreciate it.” This may sound unbelievable at first, but that’s exactly how Becky Sauerbrunn announced her retirement from the beautiful game. While her fellow USWNT colleagues and peers were honored and celebrated as they took a permanent break from their soccer careers, the iconic center-back quietly hung up her boots. But talk about a U-turn—she’s finally getting the special tribute she deserves!

The announcement was made by the US Soccer Federation after notifying about a couple of friendlies against China in the upcoming summer window. The first one will be played at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Meanwhile, the return match will take place at Energizer Park in St. Louis on Tuesday, June 3. This will be the first time both sides are meeting after the end of 2023 and 60 in overall head-to-head.

Becky Sauerbrunn will be honored during the pre-game of the second clash at St. Louis. What makes this tribute more special is that it is taking place in her hometown. Having announced her retirement from professional soccer back in December 2024, she is finally getting a deserved send-off from her national team.

She has over 219 appearances in her international career, 10th all-time for the program. Notably, Sauerbrunn has featured in three Olympics and three World Cups. The former Portland Thorns star could have competed for the Golden trophy for the fourth time in the 2023 edition. However, an unfortunate foot injury forced her out of action for a significant period of time.  Regardless, Becky was still able to win not one but two World Cups during the 2015 and 2019 editions. She also secured a gold and a bronze Olympic medal at the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Summer Games. The former skipper was a backbone for the USWNT’s defense.

Though prior to China, the 4x World Champions also play Brazil on two separate occasions in the upcoming April camp. The opening game is on April 5 at SoFI Stadium, Inglewood, California. Likewise, the return fixture is on April 8 at PayPal Park, San Jose, California. Then again, it will serve as their preparations for the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying that is set to take place in the fall of 2026.

While it’s going to be quite an interesting affair, all eyes will be on Sauerbrunn, who’ll get her tribute. Of course, not something that she is willing to go through given her past admission!

USWNT’s tribute plans have spoiled Becky Sauerbrunn’s ‘soccer-player ending’

In Becky Sauerbrunn’s dictionary, giving official flowers or marking special occasions isn’t the ideal way for a player to hang up their boots. Well, this came months ago when she shockingly announced her decision to retire on one of the episodes of The Women’s Game podcast. Reflecting on her final match against Gotham, she shared her pride in the way she ended her career, stating, “I got to leave my soul on the field—that’s a soccer player ending.”

She also spoke about the quiet nature of her retirement, emphasizing that she never sought grand tributes or farewell games. No wonder it felt right to the former Utah Royals star to announce her exit from the game post the NWSL’s regular season and playoffs. Come think of it, Becky actually hinted at leaving soccer before even Alex Morgan did. It came after she was asked about her potential return to the pitch from her long-term injury.

“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,” she said earlier. However, it’s not scary at all; Sauerbrunn has actually found her calling in broadcast journalism. In the recently held SheBelieves Cup, the iconic defender joined the TNT Sports analyst team. She is working alongside ex-USWNT stars Shannon Box and Julie Foudy and renowned sports broadcaster Sara Walsh.

Guess the surprise for yourself now! Well, you can expect Becky Sauerbrunn to pull double duty—not only receiving her well-deserved tribute on the night of June 3 but also making an appearance behind the desk for TNT’s broadcast! Excited much?