Jess Fishlock Extends Tenure with Seattle Reign FC; Reflects on Career and Future

Jess Fishlock, the esteemed midfielder for Seattle Reign FC, has recently concluded her international career with Wales after two decades of dedicated service. However, her journey in club football continues as she has signed a new one-year contract to remain with the Reign through 2026, marking nearly 14 years in Seattle.

Upon returning from the Euro tournament, Fishlock expressed a renewed sense of purpose. “When I came back from the Euros, I just felt a little different,” she told ESPN. “Something had shifted perhaps in what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go, and I think that I’m still such a competitor. That will never leave me, unfortunately, which is a gift. Even though it’s 14 years in the making—golly—I still really want to bring a championship to Seattle.”

Notably, Fishlock is the only player still active in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) who has remained with her original team since the league’s inception in 2013. Her longtime teammate, Lauren Barnes, also dedicated her entire career to Seattle, retiring at the conclusion of the 2025 season, which saw the Reign eliminated in the quarterfinals against the Orlando Pride.

In addition to Fishlock, only two other players from the inaugural season, Chicago Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and Angel City forward Sydney Leroux, are still in the league, both having played for multiple teams. Naeher has not publicly confirmed her plans for the upcoming season and is currently without a contract, while Leroux took a mental health leave and did not compete in 2025.

Fishlock played a critical role in the Reign’s successful campaigns during the 2014 and 2015 NWSL Shield-winning seasons, and in 2021, she was honored as the NWSL MVP. With 48 goals and 30 assists for Seattle, she holds the record for the most goal contributions in the club’s history.

As she approaches her 39th birthday in January, Fishlock led the team in scoring in 2025 with six goals and two assists. She shared with ESPN that she felt a renewed joy at the beginning of the 2025 season amid a transitional phase for the club, with a fresh cohort of young players joining and new ownership settling in.

“For me, it’s always been about my body,” Fishlock remarked. “My brain on the field and my football knowledge and experience will always be there. But it’s a matter of whether my body can keep up with my mind, and so far, it is.”

Fishlock acknowledged that the Reign organization has supported her in managing her physical well-being, allowing her to take necessary breaks, which is a testament to the enduring relationships she has cultivated in Seattle.

Head coach Laura Harvey praised Fishlock, stating, “Jess sees the game at a level that very few players do, and that comes from years of experience at the highest level. Her tactical awareness, ability to adapt in pivotal moments, and commitment to enhancing the performance of her teammates will continue to propel this team forward. Her presence in the locker room is invaluable as we advance toward 2026.”

Following her retirement from international play, which she announced last month after leading Wales to the final stage of the Women’s European Championship for the first time, Fishlock reflected on her journey. She became the oldest goalscorer in Women’s Euro history by netting Wales’ first goal in the competition. Despite considering the option of continuing her international career due to the rejuvenating experience, she is now eager to focus solely on her club.

Throughout her time in Seattle, Fishlock has experienced both triumphs—three NWSL Shields—and challenges, including three losses in the NWSL Championship. She has witnessed the evolution of the team as it transitioned locations, ownership, and branding while striving to establish a firm connection with the fan base.

This deep connection fuels Fishlock’s passion. She remarked, “There’s something about going through this journey with a singular club—experiencing the highs and lows, the rebuilds, and finding ways to connect with the fan base. It enhances both the challenges and successes of the journey.

“Maybe it’s because I come from Europe, where there is a bit more stability. From the moment I moved here and became part of Seattle, I never wanted to leave. I wanted to build my entire career here because of the profound meaning it holds for me.”