By OkayGoal 
Crystal Dunn’s soccer career stands as one of the most accomplished and versatile in American women’s soccer. It is defined by elite performance at every level of the game. This performance started from a dominant collegiate career and multiple championships in the NWSL to becoming a key figure for the USWNT on the world’s biggest stages. In January 2026, at the age of 33, Dunn announced her retirement from professional soccer, bringing to a close a remarkable chapter in which she helped the U.S. win the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Gold Medal. She also claimed multiple domestic titles while playing for clubs including Washington Spirit, North Carolina Courage, Portland Thorns, Gotham FC, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Crystal Dunn’s Early Years and College Stardom
Born and raised in New York, Crystal Dunn showed promise as a soccer player from a young age. Her rise into elite soccer began at the University of North Carolina, one of the best programs in women’s collegiate soccer. At UNC, Dunn’s combination of technical skill, pace, and attacking instincts helped her become one of the most decorated college players of her generation. While with the Tar Heels, she won a national championship, established herself as a four-time All-American, and received the MAC Hermann Trophy, recognizing her as the top player in NCAA women’s soccer. Back then, Dunn was the first player to win the ACC Player of the Year title three times since Mia Hamm did it in 1993, according to ESPN.
Dunn’s collegiate success, which was marked by prolific attacking play and an ability to affect games in multiple roles, set the stage for professional success. This success made her an obvious choice to be the top pick in the 2014 NWSL Draft.
Crystal Dunn’s Professional Journey in the NWSL and Europe
Crystal Dunn entered the NWSL as the No.1 overall pick in the 2014 draft by the Washington Spirit, instantly becoming a key player in the league. In 2015, just her second professional season, she produced one of the most dominant individual campaigns in league history. Back then, she won both the NWSL Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the Golden Boot as the league’s top scorer, highlighting her offensive brilliance. This is according to Yahoo Sports.
Her success in the NWSL led to opportunities abroad. She went on to spend time with Chelsea FC in the WSL. There, she continued to grow as a dynamic attacker before returning to the United States. Back in the NWSL, Dunn joined the North Carolina Courage. She helped lead the club to back-to-back NWSL Shields and Championships in 2018 and 2019 with her combination of speed, work rate, and tactical intelligence.
Dunn later moved to the Portland Thorns, where she captured another NWSL Shield and Championship in 2022. This further solidified her reputation as a winner at the highest level in American women’s club soccer. She also contributed to Gotham FC before making a late-career move to Paris Saint-Germain in January 2025. This move marked her second stint in European club soccer, but unfortunately, her playing time in France was limited.
Across her club career, Dunn demonstrated a rare blend of offensive talent and tactical flexibility. She was capable of playing forward, midfield, and ultimately becoming one of the sport’s most effective defenders.
A Key Figure for the United States
Crystal Dunn’s impact on the international stage was profound and enduring. She made her senior debut with the USWNT in 2013. Dunn went on to earn 160 caps for the United States, scoring 25 goals over her 12-year career. Her versatility made her invaluable to successive national team coaches. Although she played in attacking roles early in her career, she became recognized globally as one of the world’s best left-backs, particularly in major tournaments.
At the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, Dunn was a key starter as the USWNT went on to win the tournament. She helped the national team secure its second consecutive World Cup title. Her defensive reliability, energy, and ability to contribute to attack from the back line were crucial throughout that campaign.
Dunn’s international success continued at the 2024 Paris Olympics. There, she played a central role in the United States’ gold-medal performance, contributing nearly every minute on the back line and demonstrating leadership and resilience against the world’s top competition.
In addition to her contributions, Dunn’s presence as one of the most prominent Black players in U.S. women’s soccer represented a cultural milestone, inspiring younger generations of athletes from underrepresented backgrounds.
“As one of the first Black stars of the U.S. women’s national team, especially as a field player, Dunn has long been a role model to many young players of color across the country who aspired to reach the highest levels of the game,” the U.S. Soccer Federation said according to the Inquirer.
Crystal Dunn’s Position Versatility
One of the defining features of Crystal Dunn’s career is her extraordinary versatility. Early on, she excelled in attacking roles, whether as a forward or attacking midfielder. This was during her collegiate days and for a while with professional clubs as well. Dunn, however, found some of her greatest success as a defender. Her transition to left back for the national team was not always her preference, yet she embraced the role.
Dunn ended up becoming one of the world’s most respected defenders. She combined speed, one-on-one defending, and fluid transition play. This tactical adaptability made her invaluable to coaches seeking players capable of influencing multiple phases of the game. It became a hallmark of her playing identity.
Everyone can admit that she was one of the best players who ever played the sport. “She’s one of the GOATs for soccer, for sure, and as an outside back, she doesn’t get enough credit,” Trinity Rodman said about Dunn, according to CBS Sports.
Overcoming Personal and Professional Challenges
Despite her many achievements, Crystal Dunn’s career was not without adversity. Her journey included moments of setback, including injuries and periods outside national team selection early in her professional life. However, her resilience and consistent performances at the club level helped her regain and maintain her place among the sport’s elite.
Dunn also balanced professional soccer with personal life, including the birth of her son Marcel in 2022. After that, she returned to elite competition and this was a testament to her commitment and determination.
Crystal Dunn’s Retirement and Life Beyond Soccer
In January 2026, Crystal Dunn announced her retirement from professional soccer at the age of 33. It was her choice to end her career on her own terms to spend more time with her family. In her announcement, she expressed that the decision came from a place of peace and fulfillment. Dunn is also grateful for the relationships and successes she experienced throughout her career.
Her retirement marks the close of a remarkably successful chapter in U.S. women’s soccer history. It places her among a generation of American greats whose careers helped define the sport’s modern era.
“This decision has not come easily, but I am at peace and deeply fulfilled with all that I have accomplished. I’ve achieved nearly everything I dreamed of in this sport and gave all I had to give. I’m ready to embrace the life that awaits me on the other side. I look forward to spending more time with my family and being a more present mom,” Dunn wrote on Instagram.
A Trailblazer On and Off the Field
Crystal Dunn’s legacy extends far beyond her impressive trophy collection and individual accolades. She helped shape how versatility is valued in modern players. Dunn proved that elite athletes can excel in multiple positions at the highest levels of competition. Whether as an attacker, midfielder, or a reliable defender, her influence spanned nearly every inch of the pitch.
In addition to this, Dunn’s presence and success provided visibility and inspiration for young players of color across the country. Her blend of skill, resilience, and character helped elevate the sport and broaden its appeal to a more diverse generation of fans and players. From youth soccer fields to world championships, NWSL titles, and Olympic gold, Dunn’s career stands as a testament to what is achievable through talent, adaptability, and perseverance.
Image via @crystaldunn