After a 14-year career with Seattle Reign FC, captain Jess Fishlock officially announced her retirement at the end of the 2026 NWSL season. Overall, Fishlock has scored 49 goals, which marks the second most in club history and is the final remaining player from the club’s original roster in 2013.
The Heartbeat of the Reign
In the span of her career with the same club, Fishlock has contributed to Seattle’s success in achieving three NWSL Shields in 2014, 2015, and in 2022. Additionally, she’s also appeared in several NWSL Championships (2014, 2015, 2023) and earned the 2021 NWSL MP award.
“It’s hard to put into words what Seattle and this club mean to me,” said Fishlock. “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.”
Fishlock is a dedicated player that has put in so many long hours into the fame as she is also the player with the second-most appearances in club and league history with 219 caps. She also ranks second in club history and third in league history with 205 starts and 17,785 minutes played.
On the international stage, Fishlock is the most decorated player in Wales history, across both the men’s and women’s programs with 166 appearances and 48 goals. In 2017, she accomplished a major milestone of becoming the first Welsh player to reach 100 caps.
Fishlock’s Final Moments in the NWSL
Although Fishlock retired from the Welsh team in 2025, her final moments in the game will be within the NWSL as their regular season concludes in November.
“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. “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.”
In the 2023 NWSL season, the Reign had its trio of original (OG) players with Megan Rapinoe, Lu Barnes, and Fishlock. Following Rapinoe’s retirement at the end of the 2023 season, the Reign now bring their reign of OG players to a close as Fishlock is the final player to retire in the span of three years.
The Reign will honor and celebrate Fishlock on Friday, October 2 and her final regular season game is set for Sunday, November 1 on Decision Day.
