Fishlock retires after record-breaking career

What the report says

Wales midfielder Jess Fishlock has ended her playing career after Seattle Reign were knocked out of the National Women’s Soccer League play-offs by Gotham FC. BBC Sport Football reported that the 39-year-old finished with more Wales appearances and goals than any other player, male or female, and that her club career also included a long spell in the United States.

Fishlock began at Cardiff City in 2002, later played in eight countries, and won Champions League titles with FFC Frankfurt and Olympique Lyonnais. She joined Seattle for the inaugural NWSL season in 2013 and spent 14 seasons there, helping the Reign win three NWSL Shields. She had already announced earlier this year that the season would be her last.

The report says Fishlock retired from international football in October 2025 after scoring 48 goals in 166 Wales appearances. She also helped Wales reach their first major finals, at Euro 2025, and scored in that tournament against France. After the playoff defeat, she said she was satisfied with the length of her career but emotional about leaving the team. Teammate Sofia Huerta described her as a major influence on the league and on the club.

BBC Sport Football added that Fishlock will now join Rhian Wilkinson’s Wales coaching staff for the December two-legged World Cup play-off against Norway.