Lieke Martens announces retirement to end era-defining career in women's football

Martens, who left Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season, said that now feels the "right time" to make the decision to stop playing, 16 years after making a senior debut for Dutch club Heerenveen half her life ago. The 32-year-old also confirmed that retirement is the path she is taking despite "several great opportunities" to carry on playing.

Martens walks away from professional football after acheiving almost everything she could in the game. The Dutch winger won 15 club trophies in three countries, including the Women's Champions League with Barcelona in 2020-21. She had earlier been instrumental in Sarina Wiegman's Netherlands winning Euro 2017 on home soil and, later that year, became the first European to win The Best FIFA Women's Player award, as well as playing in the 2019 World Cup final. Martens was ultimately part of a generation of technically gifted stars in a fledgling professional era that has seen the balance of power in global women's football gradually shift from the United States to Europe.

"As a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a professional footballer, something that barely even existed at the time. I could never have imagined how far that dream would take me," Martens said in a statement posted on Instagram.

"Last year I waved goodbye to the national team and now I've decided myself to retire from club football as well. Despite having several great opportunities to continue, I've chosen to step away from the game I love so much and close this chapter of my career. Playing for fantastic clubs across Europe and representing my country 160 times has been an amazing honor. Every match, every moment on the pitch is a memory I will cherish forever. Football has given me unforgettable experiences, but more than that, it has shaped me into the person I am today.

"Now, the time feels right to take this decision. My greatest priority is to be the best mother I can be to Lowen and I am excited to embrace all that lies ahead. None of this would have been possible without the love and support of so many people: my family, my friends, my teammates, the staff who guided me and the fans who stood by me unconditionally. I am deeply grateful to each and every one of you. Football will always hold a special place in my heart and I will continue to watch with pride as the women’s game grows and inspires new generations. Just as it inspired me."

A motivating factor for her retirement in the first place, Martens stated her desire to embrace motherhood and for her six-month-old son to be her "priority" right now.