Jess Fishlock, a midfielder for Seattle Reign FC, declared on Tuesday that the 2026 NWSL season, marking her 14th year with the club since the league’s inception in 2013, will be her final season as a professional player.
She is among the last three active players from the league’s first season, joining Chicago Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and Angel City FC forward Sydney Leroux, and is the only one who has remained with a single team throughout that duration.
Fishlock retires as one of the most accomplished players in the league’s history.
She humorously mentioned recently that she almost left the NWSL after her debut match in an amateur facility near Chicago, but head coach Laura Harvey simply laughed and reminded her about training the following day.
“There have certainly been times when I’ve thought, no, I can’t do this,” Fishlock shared with ESPN in an exclusive interview. “But the reality is that I love the NWSL. I believe it is the finest league in the world, and it has truly motivated me to elevate my game.”
“I enjoy entering matches and assessing the opposition, thinking, so-and-so is exceptional, so I must perform at my best. Otherwise, these players will outplay me, because everyone is skilled.”
Fishlock was awarded the 2021 NWSL MVP title and has been selected to the NWSL’s Best XI five times. She played a key role in helping the Reign secure three NWSL Shields, including in 2014, when Seattle formed one of the most formidable teams in league history and among the best globally at that time.
“Jess is one of the greatest players to have ever participated in this league, but what truly distinguishes her is her character every single day,” Harvey stated.
“She establishes the benchmark with her dedication, competitiveness, and passion for the game, but it is also her football intelligence that sets her apart.
“She perceives aspects that others do not, and that comprehension of the game has been invaluable to this team for many years. She has at times shouldered the burden of this club and has always done so with pride. Her influence on this team, this city, and the sport overall is immeasurable.”
Fishlock previously retired from Welsh international duties last year after nearly two decades at the international level.
“I was very close to retiring last year,” Fishlock remarked, but she wished to continue with Seattle for one more year due to the joy she finds in the young squad.
She opted to announce her upcoming retirement now, prior to the conclusion of the regular season on November 1, to avoid ongoing speculation regarding her future.
At 39, Fishlock stated that she does not feel she has lost any physical or mental aspects of her game.
She netted Seattle’s first goal of the 2026 season on March 15 during a 2-1 away victory against the Orlando Pride.
In the past two weeks, she has experienced a FIFA international break for the first time without long-distance travel to represent her country.
“I’ve had the chance to experience not playing internationally now and enjoying these little days off and breaks, which has been wonderful,” Fishlock noted. “I think it’s simply time. It’s just time to move forward and consider what lies ahead for me in my life.”
What lies ahead for Fishlock remains to be seen.
Most of her family is still in Wales, and her partner resides in New Jersey. She has established her home in Seattle.
Fishlock holds her UEFA A coaching license and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in sports leadership.
She expressed confidence in her continued involvement in women’s sports, though she is uncertain about what that will entail.
Fishlock believes that more women’s teams should enhance their upper management with sporting directors and technical directors to achieve long-term success.
She noted that the NWSL has made “significant progress” from its early days when players earned minimum salaries of $6,000 per season to the current era of million-dollar contracts.
She aims to share with younger players the reality of those modest beginnings to illustrate how far the sport has advanced.
She recalls that initial game in the Chicago suburbs, which was delayed due to youth soccer events, and was also her first experience on a multi-line turf field.
Additionally, she remembers the “diabolical” baseball field in Rochester, New York, in 2016, one of the league’s most notorious matches.
Fishlock mentioned that she was joking with Harvey recently about that. “Anyone who comes in has a responsibility to understand the league’s history. You must,” Fishlock stated.
“The same applies to the national team. You need to know the history of who you are, as it ultimately becomes your culture.”
As her career nears its conclusion, Fishlock noted that each day brings back new memories.
She still has the entire 2026 season ahead to assist Seattle in achieving an elusive first NWSL Championship. Regardless of the outcome, Fishlock expressed that she is at peace:
“I truly focus on the journey rather than the result, because without it, you will never reach the outcome anyway.”
