Jess Fishlock Announces International Retirement After Illustrious Wales Career
Wales’ all-time leading goalscorer, Jess Fishlock, will retire from international football following next week’s amiable match against Australia, bringing an end to a remarkable 19-year career. Teh 38-year-old Seattle Reign midfielder will earn her 166th and final cap for Cymru at Cardiff City Stadium on October 25th.
Fishlock,who has netted 48 goals for her country,reflected on her journey,stating: “After 19 years and the most incredible journey of proudly representing my country,I have made the decision that the match against Australia will be my last one in the red of Cymru.”
From humble beginnings kicking a ball with her brothers in Llanrumney, Fishlock’s passion for the sport blossomed into a storied international career. She made her senior debut for Wales against switzerland in 2006, and quickly established herself as a pivotal figure. In 2017, she became the first male or female footballer to reach 100 appearances for Wales, celebrating the milestone with a goal in a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland.
Her goal-scoring prowess continued to define her career, culminating in becoming Wales’ leading international scorer in July 2024 with her 45th goal during a 2-0 European Championship qualifying win against Kosovo. A pivotal moment arrived at the 2025 european Championship, where she helped Wales qualify for their first major women’s tournament. There, she etched her name into the history books as the oldest-ever scorer in the competition, finding the net against France at the age of 38 years and 176 days.
[hereisavisualofFishlock’shistoricgoalagainstFrance:[hereisavisualofFishlock’shistoricgoalagainstFrance:https://twitter.com/RTEsport/status/3fnkxEsvfH]
“The Euros was the pinnacle of my football career, seeing the dragon on the world stage for the first time will be a memory that will stay with me for a lifetime,” Fishlock shared. She extended her gratitude to teammates, staff, and supporters, adding, “To all the players and staff, past and present, diolch (thanks). it has been an incredible journey. The team has always felt like a family and after all the good and bad times, we finally achieved what we always dreamed of.”
Throughout her career, Fishlock has played for Cardiff, Glasgow City, Melbourne Victory, Frankfurt, and Lyon, along with her time with Seattle Reign.She also expressed deep recognition for her wife, Tziarra King, a former Seattle teammate, and her family for their unwavering support. “I love you all. Without the support you have all shown, without you getting me through the challenging moments, I never would have achieved what I achieved,” she said. She specifically acknowledged her mother’s belief in her dreams and her wife’s embrace of Welsh culture.
Christen Press Also Announces Retirement
In a separate declaration, two-time World Cup winner Christen Press will retire at the end of the current NWSL season. Angel City FC confirmed the decision on Wednesday, recognizing Press’s legacy as one of the United States’ most impactful attackers.
The 36-year-old boasts 64 goals and 155 international caps, playing a crucial role in the USWNT’s success alongside stars like Carli Lloyd and Megan rapinoe.Press,who earned Olympic bronze with the US team in Tokyo in 2021,expressed her gratitude,stating: “It’s hard to find the words to say goodbye to a sport that has defined my life for over three decades. football has given me everything, and I will miss being on the pitch so very much. Thank you to my family, friends, teammates, coaches, and community for this stunning ride.”
The retirements of both Fishlock and Press mark the end of eras for their respective national teams, leaving behind legacies of skill, dedication, and inspiration.