U.S. women’s national team veteran Julie Ertz announced her retirement from professional soccer Thursday, and her teammates wasted no time in celebrating her career.
From retired champions Carli Lloyd and Ali Krieger to rising stars Mallory Swanson and Alyssa Thompson, U.S. players from throughout Ertz’s 10 years with the national team sung her praises. Ertz, 31, received her first cap in 2013 and her last at the 2023 World Cup.
Lloyd, who played with Ertz until her own retirement in 2021, applauded her work ethic in a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. Lloyd and Ertz were both members of the 2015 and 2019 World Cup-winning squads.
“Honored to have played with you and train with you during our offseasons!” she wrote. “You gave it your all every single training/game and represented the crest with pride, honor and the mindset needed to help the team achieve success! You will be missed! Congrats on an amazing career.”
Honored to have played with you @julieertz and train with you during our off seasons. You gave it your all every single training/game n represented the crest w/ pride, honor n the mindset needed to help the team achieve success! You will be missed! Congrats on an amazing career❤️ https://t.co/3I5cCoYVLu
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) August 31, 2023
Many other players commented on Ertz’s Instagram post announcing her retirement.
Thompson, 18, just played in her first World Cup with the USWNT. She also played alongside Ertz this season with NWSL club Angel City FC.
“Such a legend and a role model,” Thompson wrote. “Thank you Julie.”
Krieger wrote: “Congrats! So grateful to know you and play alongside you over the years. I hope this next chapter is more than you could have ever imagined!”
Swanson commented: “Congrats Jules! Very thankful for our time together! This game will miss you!!”
Abby Dahlkemper shared a similar message, writing: “Congrats Jules! It was an honor to share the field with you.”
And Sofia Huerta kept it simple, commenting: “Julesss!!! ❤️❤️❤️ I love u”