da pixbet： United States women's national team star Sam Mewis has retired from professional soccer at the age of 31.

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Mewis announces shock retirementLeft KC Current in NovemberWon 83 caps for USWNTWHAT HAPPENED?

Mewis announced Friday that she is retiring from professional soccer with immediate effect. She was named the best player in the world in 2019, after the USWNT won the World Cup, but she has now decided to hang up her boots, having battled knee injuries since 2017.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT MEWIS SAID

In an emotional statement, Mewis said: "With both sadness and clarity, I am retiring from professional soccer. Unfortunately, my knee can no longer tolerate the impact that elite soccer requires. Though this isn't what I wanted, it's clear that this is the only path forward for me.

"I want to thank everyone who has been on my team throughout this journey – soccer has put so many wonderful things in my life, but the most wonderful thing has been the people. To all of my family, friends, teammates, and fans – I truly feel that we did this together and l'm extremely grateful.

"I plan to share more about the journey of my injury someday. I know that there are many athletes who have faced the unique struggle of stepping away from sport early and I think these stories deserve to be told – and heard. But in the meantime, even in great disappointment, there are silver linings.

"Today, I am excited to announce that l'II be joining the Men in Blazers Media Network to lead women's soccer coverage. The Women's Game will follow American, European, and International soccer. This is an amazing opportunity for me and one that I feel extremely grateful to have been presented with at such a pivotal moment in my life."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Mewis enjoyed a glittering career both at club and international level. She won the NCAA Women's Championship with UCLA, and was crowned NWSL champion with both Western New York Flash and North Carolina Courage. She also won the FA Cup with Manchester City.

With the USWNT, she won the World Cup in 2019, the CONCACAF Women's Championship in 2018, and lifted the SheBelieves Cup in both 2016 and 2020.

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MEWIS?

Mewis will be heading up the Men In Blazers Media Network's women's soccer coverage. The USWNT may choose to honour one of their most decorated players.