Diana Matheson has announced her retirement professional football after a successful 18 years representing the Canada women's national team.

Matheson has been at the heart of Canada's greatest triumphs, including capturing the bronze medal at London 2012 and Rio 2016. She was also a part of the team that finished in fourth place at the FIFA Women's World Cup USA 2003, the nation's best-ever performance in the competition.

The Princeton graduate made over 200 caps for her country, scoring 19 goals and contributing 25 assists. She was one of the most reliable players for Canada and once set a record by playing 45 consecutive international matches and was Canada’s co-leader with 16 international matches at the Olympic Games.

Of the many moments she will be remembered for on the national team, her winning goal against France at the London 2012 Olympic Games that sealed Canada's bronze medal stands out the most.

"London will always be my favourite journey," Matheson wrote for CBC Sports. "Not just for that goal against France, or for the medal, but because of everything that went into it with that group of women – and the women before us. When I got to put the ball in the back of the net against France, I grabbed the Maple Leaf on my jersey in celebration, and I grabbed it because that moment was so much bigger than just our team."

She also had a successful club career, which included winning Canada Soccer’s National Championships with Oakville SC in 2002 and the Norwegian Toppserien in 2012 with Lillestrom. Matheson was also one of the first Canadians to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League in the 2009-10 season, and reached the NWSL Cup in 2016 with the Washington Spirit. 

“Representing Canada has been the greatest honour of my life and I can’t believe my playing days have come to an end,” Matheson announced on Twitter. “I’m so grateful for all the incredible people I have met along every step of the way and for the Canadian fans for being such a huge part of the journey. I know this will be an emotional time for me, but I’m truly excited for what’s next and for continuing to be a part of the growth of women’s soccer in Canada.”

“Diana has had a massive impact on Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team program,” said Canada coach Bev Priestman. “Not only has she been a great leader for this team both on and off the pitch, she also inspired an entire nation during her incredible career. The winning goal at the London 2012 Olympic Games will forever be a turning point moment in the history of this program. We all wish her the best in her next adventure.”

Matheson leaves behind a proud legacy, which includes having a street named after her in Oakville, as she has undoubtedly inspired young women across Canada to pursue the dream of a professional football career.