A true legend of the game has announced the conclusion of an extraordinary career. Two-time FIFA Women's World Cup™ winner, two-time Olympic gold medallist, 2015 FIFA Women's World Player of the Year and The Best FIFA Women's Player 2016 Carli Lloyd announced that this year will be her last as a professional footballer.

The second-most capped player of all time (312) recently helped USA finish the Women's Olympic Football Tournament with the bronze medal, scoring the eventual match-winner against Australia.

“When I first started out with the national team in 2005, my two main goals were to be the most complete soccer player I could be and to help the team win championships.” said Lloyd in a press release published by US Soccer. “Every single day I stepped out onto the field, I played as if it was my last game. I never wanted to take anything for granted, especially knowing how hard it is to get to the top, but even harder to stay at the top for so long.

“I would like to thank U.S. Soccer for helping to provide the opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime. I am forever grateful to have represented the crest and to be able to play for my country for the last 17 years,” said Lloyd. “I will continue to support and cheer this team on and continue to find ways to help grow the game and inspire the next generation."

Lloyd's club and national team career will officially come to a close after the USWNT play four friendlies in the fall and following the conclusion of NY/NJ Gotham FC's season in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

“To end my career knowing my family was able to be by my side and share this last chapter with me could not have been any more special. We will all have a lot more time to spend together now, and especially with my husband Brian, who has been my rock and biggest support system for all these years. "We are both looking forward to starting this next chapter of our lives without my everyday grind of training and playing, but I will most likely need to find another outlet for my competitiveness! Perhaps that will be golf?”