Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

Angel City Captain Ali Riley to Retire at End of 2025 NWSL Season

She says the decision preserves her long-term health following a chronic nerve injury.

Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Group A - New Zealand v Norway - Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand - July 20, 2023 New Zealand's Ali Riley in action with Norway's Caroline Graham Hansen REUTERS/David Rowland
Mar 17, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Angel City FC defender Ali Riley (5) controls the ball during the second half against Bay FC at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports/ File Photo
Image

Overview

  • The 37-year-old New Zealand defender announced Tuesday that she will step away after this season, concluding a near two-decade professional and international career.
  • A chronic nerve injury sidelined her through the 2024 Olympics and much of 2024–2025, and she cited long-term health and quality of life in choosing to retire.
  • Riley returned to Angel City’s active roster in late July and has trained and dressed for games, though she has not appeared in a 2025 match.
  • She earned 163 caps for New Zealand across five World Cups and four Olympics and has captained Angel City since the club’s inaugural 2022 season.
  • Her club journey included titles with FC Gold Pride and Western New York and long spells in Sweden, England, and Germany; this year also brought personal upheaval as her family lost their Pacific Palisades home in January.