American defender O’Hara announces his retirement

Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Cup winner Kelley O’Hara will retire at the end of the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, US Soccer announced Thursday.

A key member of the U.S. team’s defense, the 35-year-old O’Hara played in every World Cup from 2011 to 2023 and earned 160 caps for the national team.

“It has been one of the greatest joys to represent my country and wear the American Soccer emblem,” said O’Hara, who plays for reigning NWSL champion Gotham FC.

“As I close this chapter of my life, I am filled with gratitude. Looking back on my career, I am so grateful for all the things I was able to achieve, but especially for the people I was able to achieve them with.

The winger is one of only 12 American women to participate in four World Cups.