United States women’s national team fans will be asking, “why did Julie Ertz retire?” after she plays her final game on Thursday.
Ertz, 31, showed at the 2023 Women’s World Cup that age isn’t slowing her down one bit as she played every minute in the tournament and was dominant in defense.
The reason for her retirement? Spending time with family and raising her baby boy, Madden.
Why did Julie Ertz retire? Explained by Ertz herself
“It’s not because Mama can’t play… Mama can play.” @julieertz is retiring on her own terms. pic.twitter.com/CBC409nT8f
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 20, 2023
The USWNT legend is married to NFL tight end Zach Ertz and the two had a baby in August 2022.
“I do feel like I can step away and it’s not because Mama can’t play,” Ertz said. “Mama can play. I’ve just adapted my priorities.”
Her farewell only got more emotional in a three-minute video of her reflecting on her 10 years with the national team. Get the tissues ready.
@julieertz reflects on her #USWNT career pic.twitter.com/igXU5tQXbG
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 21, 2023
Oh, you thought you were done crying? Here’s Alex Morgan,Crystal Dunn and Lindsey Horan saying their goodbyes to Ertz.
"Nothing can bring you down. You were made for greatness."@alexmorgan13 on @julieertz pic.twitter.com/54xr0B9X2h
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 21, 2023
.@Cdunn19 + @julieertz, together every step of the way ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FLGpqkBlVr
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 21, 2023
"You bring me so much joy."@LindseyHoran says goodbye to @julieertz ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dv7PubNLUu
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 21, 2023
Farewell to a legend of the women’s game and of U.S. Soccer.
