Jess Fishlock Extends Tenure with Seattle Reign FC as She Retires from International Play

omidbasir- Jess Fishlock, a key midfielder for Seattle Reign FC, has recently concluded her international career with Wales after two decades of dedicated service. However, her journey with the Reign is far from over, as she has signed a new one-year contract that will extend her time in Seattle to nearly 14 years.

Upon returning from the Euros, Fishlock expressed a renewed sense of purpose. “When I came back from the Euros, I just felt a little different,” she shared with ESPN. “Something had shifted in what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. I am still a competitor, and that will never leave me. My goal now is to bring a championship to Seattle.”

Fishlock is now the sole remaining player in the NWSL who has been with her original team since the league’s inception in 2013. Her longtime teammate, Lauren Barnes, also joined the Reign at that time but retired at the end of the 2025 season after the team faced elimination in the quarterfinals against the Orlando Pride.

While Chicago Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and Angel City forward Sydney Leroux are the only other players still active from that inaugural season, both have switched teams throughout their careers. Naeher has yet to announce her plans for the next season, while Leroux did not participate in the 2025 season due to a mental health leave.

Fishlock played an instrumental role in the Reign’s successful campaigns in 2014 and 2015, when they won the NWSL Shield. In 2021, she was honored as the NWSL MVP, and throughout her tenure, she has made the NWSL’s Best XI seven times, contributing an impressive 48 goals and 30 assists— the highest goal contributions in the club’s history.

As she approaches her 39th birthday in January, Fishlock was the team’s leading scorer in 2025, with six goals and two assists. She noted a renewed sense of joy at the beginning of the 2025 season, spurred by a transition within the team, including the introduction of young talent and a new ownership structure.

“For me, it’s always been about my body,” Fishlock explained. “My football knowledge and experience will always be there. The real question is whether my body can keep up with my mind, and so far, it has.”

She credited the Reign organization for allowing her to manage her physical health effectively, which speaks to the strong relationships she has built in Seattle.

Reign head coach Laura Harvey commended Fishlock’s unparalleled understanding of the game, stating, “Jess sees the game at a level that very few players do, thanks to her extensive experience. Her tactical awareness and ability to adapt in crucial moments will keep driving this team forward.”

Fishlock announced her retirement from international competition last month after leading Wales to the final stage of the Women’s European Championship for the first time in 2025, marking their first major tournament appearance. She made history by scoring Wales’ first goal in the tournament, becoming the oldest goalscorer in Women’s Euro history.

Despite contemplating her retirement from the national team, Fishlock is excited to focus entirely on her club career for the first time ever. Throughout her time in Seattle, she has experienced both triumphs—three NWSL Shields—and disappointments, including three losses in the NWSL Championship.

The evolution of the team, from its relocation to Tacoma and back, along with changes in ownership and branding, has further solidified Fishlock’s connection to the club. “There’s something special about enduring this journey with a singular club,” she remarked. “It deepens the connection with our fan base and makes the highs more rewarding and the lows more poignant.”

Fishlock emphasized the profound meaning Seattle holds for her: “From the moment I arrived, I never wanted to leave. I aspire to build my entire career here because of the deep significance it has for me.”