US midfielder Sam Mewis announces retirement at 31 | OneFootball

USA international Sam Mewis has announced her retirement from professional football at aged 31, due to an ongoing knee injury.

“I plan to share more about the journey of my injury someday,” the midfielder wrote on Instagram. “I know that there are many athletes who have faced the unique struggle of stepping away from the sport early on and I think these stories deserve to be told — and heard.”

In the same announcement, Mewis confirmed she will be staying in the world of football, embarking on a new career path off the pitch. She will be joining the Men in Blazers Media Network to lead women’s football coverage, as editor-in-chief for a new spin-off ‘The Women’s Game’. It will cover the sport in America and Europe, and at international level.

“This is an amazing opportunity for me and one that I feel extremely grateful to have been presented with at such a pivotal moment in my life,” Mewis added.

Mewis injury struggles

Mewis first picked up her knee injury during a friendly against Canada on 12th November 2017. She was ruled out of playing for six months. She underwent her second knee surgery this month, following ongoing complications.

During her well-decorated career, Mewis was named the world’s best player after helping USA secure their 2019 World Cup title. Two years later, her efforts were recognised more formally, after ESPN officiated her as the best women’s player in the world.

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During her time representing her nation, Mewis scored a total of 24 goals in 83 caps. She also has four NWSL titles under her belt, playing for the now defunct Western New York Flash, the North Carolina Courage, and the Kansas City Current.

On the other side of the pond, Mewis joined Manchester City before the 2020/21 season. She helped the WSL side win the 2020 FA Cup with a show-stopping strike in the final against Everton.

During her time with Man City, Mewis made 32 appearances, scoring 16 goals — equating to one every other match.

In 2021, Mewis returned to North Carolina Courage but was traded to Kansas City Current six months later.

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