Soccer star Sydney Leroux makes heartbreaking announcement about her career
Soccer star Sydney Leroux is taking a break from the sport but promises she’ll be back.
On Sunday, March 16, the 34-year-old took to Instagram to announce her decision to step away from soccer in order to turn her focus to her mental health.
“This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to say or admit to myself,” Leroux began her statement. “But after a lot of reflection, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from soccer for my mental health.”
As Leroux continued, she said that “anyone who knows me knows I’m a fighter. I always have been.”
“I take pride in pushing through, in showing up, in giving everything I have, but right now,” Leroux shared, “I owe it to myself and my children to take a step back and take care of me.”
Having always taken pride in being honest, the soccer star and mom of two, wrote that “this moment is no different.”
Sharing a message directly to “everyone who has supported me, loved me, and believed in me, thank you,” she wrote. “This isn’t goodbye. I will be back, just like always, in true Syd fashion.”
In the caption, Leroux noted that “taking a break from soccer to focus on my mental health was a really tough decision but I know it’s the best choice.”
She also nipped any potential pregnancy rumors in the bud, writing, “Also I know some of you can get a little carried away so I wanted to squash the pregnancy rumors right away. I’ll be back just like always.”
Fans applauded Leroux in the comment section.
“As a fellow fighter. Toughest thing about mental health challenges is the surrender. Warriors need help too. Proud of you,” one fan wrote.
“I am so proud of you! Love you so so so much booboos,” another added.
“We love you Syd. We’ll be here the whole way for you in whatever way you may need. Rest on up, heal on up. We got you,” shared a fan.
Leroux plays forward for Angel City FC in the National Women’s Soccer League.
She was a member of the United States women’s national team for the 2012 Olympics and the 2015 World Cup.
This story was originally published March 16, 2025 at 3:18 PM with the headline "Soccer star Sydney Leroux makes heartbreaking announcement about her career."