Wales legend Jess Fishlock has ended her 24-year playing career, with her final match coming in a 1-0 defeat to Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) play-off quarter-finals over the weekend.
The 39-year-old midfielder, who played for Seattle Reign, was visibly emotional as she was substituted in the 74th minute. Her team-mates were also struggling to hold back tears as she delivered a farewell speech after the game.
Emotional farewell
"No tears. I've had a great career," she told them. "I've loved it."
Fishlock will now join Rhian Wilkinson's coaching team for the upcoming World Cup play-off with Norway in December. She had previously retired from international football in October 2025, having scored 48 goals in 166 appearances for Wales — the most by any player in the men's or women's game.
Career highlights
Fishlock began her career with Cardiff City in 2002 and went on to play in eight different countries. She won Champions League winners' medals with FFC Frankfurt and Olympique Lyonnais, and also claimed three NWSL Shields during her 14-season stint with Seattle.
She announced in April that this season would be her last. "I've loved it," an emotional Fishlock told the BBC, wiping away tears after the loss to Gotham. "And the truth is I've loved that my last year was with this group, because they have just given me so much, and not just on the field."
Reflecting on her career, she added: "I look back and there's just so much to think about, not only with Reign but with Wales. It would have to be one of those panorama snapshots because it's too difficult."
"All I know is what I'm most proud of deeply in my soul is that... I've stayed with Wales - that was difficult for 20 years, wouldn't do it any other way - stayed with the Reign for 14 years, wouldn't do it any other way. Because for me, when you win with your people - with the people that you've struggled with, the people that you've lost with, the people that you've failed with - when you win with your people, there is no better feeling in the world."
