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Legendary United States women’s national team midfielder Sam Mewis has announced her retirement from professional soccer at 31 years old.
Mewis, who won the World Cup with the USWNT in 2019, said that her prolonged knee injury is the reason for hanging up her boots.
The initial knee injury took place in 2017 and was a serious issue with her knee cartilage. She battled through the injury and competed in the 2019 World Cup and 2020 Olympics, but needed another surgery in January 2023.
“Unfortunately, my knee can no longer tolerate the impact that elite soccer requires,” Mewis said in a statement. “Though this isn't what I wanted, 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 my family, friends, teammates, and fans, I truly feel that we did this together and I’m extremely grateful.”
Sam Mewis retires
Thank you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/PJL2tPFZvt
— Samantha Mewis (@sammymewy) January 19, 2024
Samantha Mewis, one of the most decorated winners in U.S. Soccer history, has officially announced her retirement from professional soccer » https://t.co/ad2MNSBySS pic.twitter.com/kdye56KVOG
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) January 19, 2024
Mewis will be sticking around the soccer scene as she's taking a leading role on Men in Blazers’ coverage of women’s soccer.
The “Power of Tower” was the nickname given to Mewis for her tall stature and dominance in the midfield. She made 83 appearances for the USWNT, scored 24 goals and was named the 2020 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year.
Her presence in the midfield is heavily missed.
Her last appearance for the national team was on April 12, 2022, when she came on as a substitute during a friendly game vs. Uzbekistan.
Mewis finished her club career with three NWSL titles (two for the North Carolina Courage and one with the Western New York Flash), three NWSL shields and an FA Cup victory with Manchester City.
