Jess Fishlock Extends Career with Seattle Reign FC After International Retirement

omidbasir- Jess Fishlock, the celebrated midfielder for Seattle Reign FC, has recently announced her retirement from international duty after an illustrious two-decade career with the Wales national team. However, her journey with the Reign is far from over; she has signed a new one-year contract that extends her tenure in Seattle to nearly 14 years.

Reflecting on her decision, Fishlock shared with ESPN, “When I came back from the Euros, I just felt a little different. Something had shifted perhaps in what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. I think my competitive spirit will always remain, which is a gift. Even after 14 years, I am still eager to bring a championship to Seattle.”

Notably, Fishlock is the only player 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 played every season with Seattle since its launch but retired at the end of the 2025 season after the Reign’s quarterfinal exit against the Orlando Pride.

In contrast, Chicago Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and Angel City forward Sydney Leroux are the only other players still active from that inaugural season, and both have switched teams throughout their careers. Naeher’s future remains uncertain as she is currently out of contract, while Leroux took a mental health leave in 2025 and did not compete.

Fishlock played a pivotal role in the Reign’s successful campaigns during the 2014 and 2015 seasons, which saw the team secure the NWSL Shield. She was also honored as the NWSL MVP in 2021 and has been selected to the NWSL’s Best XI seven times, amassing an impressive record of 48 goals and 30 assists for the Reign — the highest goal contributions in the club’s history.

At nearly 39 years old, Fishlock led the Reign in scoring in 2025 with six goals and two assists. She expressed a renewed sense of joy at the beginning of the 2025 season, particularly as the team welcomed new young talents and underwent significant organizational changes.

“For me, it’s always been about my body,” Fishlock explained. “My football knowledge and experience will never fade; the question is whether my body can keep up with my mind’s demands. So far, it has.”

She also credited the Reign’s organization for allowing her to manage her physical health effectively, highlighting the importance of her established relationships within the club.

Fishlock believes the one-year deal is ideal, enabling her to continuously assess her physical condition. Reign head coach Laura Harvey praised Fishlock’s exceptional tactical awareness and leadership, emphasizing her invaluable role in nurturing younger players as the team advances into 2026.

Having led Wales to their first major tournament in 2025 at the Women’s European Championship, Fishlock scored her nation’s inaugural goal in the competition, earning the title of the oldest goalscorer in Women’s Euro history. Despite contemplating her international retirement due to the joy brought by that experience, Fishlock is eager to focus solely on her club career—a first for her.

Fishlock’s journey with Seattle has encompassed both triumphs, including three NWSL Shields, and disappointments, such as three NWSL Championship match losses. She has witnessed the team’s transformation over the years, from relocating between Seattle and Tacoma to navigating various changes in ownership and branding in an effort to secure a firm connection with the fan base.

This deep-rooted connection fuels Fishlock’s passion for the club. She reflected, “Even if I considered playing elsewhere for a trophy, it wouldn’t hold the same significance. There’s something uniquely fulfilling about experiencing this journey with one club — the highs and lows, the rebuilding phases, and the quest for connection with our supporters. It enhances the joy of victories and deepens the pain of defeats.

“Perhaps it’s because I come from Europe, where stability is more common. Since moving here and joining Seattle, I’ve never wanted to leave. I aspire to build my entire career here because of the profound meaning it holds for me.”