Photo Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
It is the end of an era in Seattle. Jess Fishlock, the last remaining Reign original, announced Tuesday that she will retire at the end of the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League season.
After her fellow originals retired — Megan Rapinoe in 2023 and Lauren Barnes at the end of last season — Fishlock was the last player remaining from the Reign’s inaugural 2013 season. Her departure after 14 seasons will close the final chapter in the trio’s on-field saga with the Reign.
“It’s hard to put into words what Seattle and this club mean to me,” Fishlock said in a press statement. “This is where I’ve grown, where I’ve fought, where I’ve experienced some of the best moments of my career. We’ve built something that goes far beyond football, and I’m so proud to have been a part of it from day one. I’ll never take for granted the people, the fans and the city that have supported me through it all, and I’m going to give everything I have in this final season.”
Her announcement fittingly comes 13 years to the day after her first-ever goal for the Reign. Of course, her first goal for Seattle came on April 21, 2013, against none other than forever rivals Portland.
There are many reasons to call Fishlock and her career truly legendary. She is the only player remaining in the league who was on a roster opening day in 2013, never was off a roster, and played every season. If you remove the opening day requirement, Alyssa Naeher joins the list. If you remove the playing every season requirement, Sydney Leroux is added. Fishlock is second in league history in appearances with 219 (only Barnes logged more), third in starts with 205, and third in minutes played with 17,785.
But just longevity doesn’t capture the historic nature of Fishlock’s career. The 2021 NWSL MVP will retire as one of the most decorated players in league history with three NWSL Shields (2014, 2015, 2022), three NWSL Championship appearances (2014, 2015, 2023) and seven Best XI selections (second-most in league history). Her name is also etched in the record books as the club’s all-time leader in assists (30, fifth-most in league history) and total goal contributions (79).
Her retirement from league play follows not long after she retired from international football in 2025 as the most decorated player in Welsh football. She made the decision after captaining Wales to its first-ever major tournament appearance at UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 and scoring her country’s first-ever goal in the competition. Fishlock finished her career as Wales’ all-time leader in caps (166) and goals (48) across both the men’s and women’s programs.
The Welsh dragon’s impact can be seen plainly in the countless records she holds, but it is harder to capture her impactful performances in the biggest moments, her character, her tenacity and the leadership she has brought that helped shape the club into what it is today.
“Jess is one of the greatest players to ever play in this league, but what makes her truly special is who she is every single day,” said Seattle Reign FC Head Coach Laura Harvey in a statement. “She sets the standard with her work ethic, her competitiveness and her love for the game, but it’s also her football brain that sets her apart. She sees things others don’t, and that understanding of the game has been invaluable to this team for so many years. She has carried this club on her shoulders at times and has always done it with pride. Her impact on this team, this city and the sport as a whole is immeasurable.”
The Reign will try to capture and honor that legacy when they celebrate Fishlock’s career at the club’s second annual Queen’s Match on Friday, October 2. Fishlock’s final regular-season home game will be on Sunday, November 1 — Decision Day.
*Edited to reflect the correct dates of the game celebrating Fishlock’s career and her final regular season home game
